The All New Ford Fiesta's Advanced Steering Technology - EPAS
Published: 5th May 2009
The All New Ford Fiesta
The all-new Ford Fiesta's advanced steering technology automatically maintains safety and accuracy by compensating for normal service wear in the tyres and suspension.
Ford's Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system helps deliver improved fuel economy, great manoeuvrability and responsive handling as well as compensating automatically for the small suspension and tyre changes that are a normal part of service wear.
Fitted as standard across the Ford Fiesta range, EPAS incorporates "pull-drift compensation" which automatically makes the subtle steering corrections often required during a car's normal life after tyre and suspension wear.
Impacts with pot-holes or kerb stones, or even differences in tyre pressure, can introduce small variations to the suspension geometry. Without EPAS to intervene, they would require slight steering correction by the driver.
Pull-drift compensation uses computer software to identify when this is happening, and applies imperceptible steering adjustment to eliminate the effect before the driver is even aware.
Professor Dr Pim van der Jagt, of Ford Vehicle Dynamics, said: "Research tells us that drivers can be irritated by minor pulling or drifting on their vehicle. This technology helps us to avoid this, while retaining all of the positive benefits offered by Ford's EPAS system."
The pull-drift compensation system is designed so that steering correction cannot exceed a pre-set level, ensuring that it will not mask defects requiring workshop attention.
EPAS on the new Ford Fiesta replaces the traditional hydraulic power-assisted system of previous models. The electric system has been fine-tuned for reduced effort while parking, but gives reassuringly firmer steering, with accurate and involving feedback, at higher speeds.
EPAS also delivers a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by operating only when steering assistance is required to reduce power consumption.
Ford Fiesta
Our Ford Fiesta Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Fiesta range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £10,895 - £15,545
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 34
We have road tested the Ford Fiesta, to read our in-depth car review:
Ford Fiesta Review - Feb 2009
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 14th Oct 2009
