Apart from the Focus, the another important nameplate for the Blue Oval is the Ford Fiesta. Over six generations and with millions sold, the Ford Fiesta has proven its worth as an affordable and fun alternative for many countries, especially in the UK.
The outgoing sixth-generation Fiesta was the first model to be sold globally, including Malaysia. The outgoing Fiesta, known for its fun driving characteristic, has been a tremendous sales success in the UK, with the hottest equivalent, the ST, being one of the best hot hatches in the market.
With that in mind, the successor has big shoes to fill. That won’t be a problem though, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Firstly, the new Fiesta’s dimension is slightly larger than its outgoing model. The new face is also a nice welcome, and it’s more evolutionary than a full blown facial overhaul. The front grille is inspired by the facelifted Focus, while the swept back headlights now being more compact than before. Changes are more obvious at the back, as seen with the number plate and LED tail lights.
Available in three- and five-door trims, this B-segment supermini is offered in four variants: Active, Vignale, Titanium and ST-Line. The Vignale on the other hand, seems to be the more premium variant of the lot.
New to the range is the Active trim (pictured below): a crossover variant of the Fiesta with a higher ground clearance. Ford insist this will not replace the EcoSport, but more as an additional choice for potential buyers.
The ST-line meanwhile is the sportiest of the bunch, and gives us a glimpse of what the new Fiesta ST will look like, remotely or not.
Inside, gone are the cluttered buttons on the centre console. In its place is an all-new 8-inch touchscreen interface with SYNC3 system. The Bang & Olufsen PLAY Sound System is also offered for the first time. Soft-touch materials are used on the dashboard while at the top trim receives powered panoramic sunroof as well.
The highlight of the new Fiesta is the implementation of cylinder deactivation in its 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. This technology is a world-first for a three potter. Joining the engine lineup are several TDCI turbodiesel engines, which is a first for the model.
However, no technical specifications have been revealed so far. Expect Ford to retain its range of four-cylinder engines, including the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit for the ST.
The new Fiesta was unveiled at the company’s Go Further event in Germany, but not much details are available at press time. Expect the Fiesta to arrive on our shores sometime late next year, or in 2018. Stay tuned for more updates on the new Fiesta!
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