Ford finally revealed all the details around the new Fiesta, which is set to be offered in four different flavors, including the sporty ST-Line, the stylish Titanium, the range-topping Vignale and, for the first time, the jacked-up Active soft-roader.
As expected, the new Ford Fiesta has grown in size, now featuring a 71mm longer and 12mm wider body. Apart from the obvious gains in the Fiesta’s interior room, Ford wanted to give the new Fiesta a more fluid and transitional appearance with straighter lines and de-cluttered surfaces that ‘deliver more visual strength’.
Ford also worked hard on improving the quality of their new supermini; parking sensors are now fitted flush with the body panels, the windscreen washer nozzles are hidden beneath the upper bonnet lip, there are no visible screws in the taillights while the shut line between the roof and the tailgate has shrunken by more than 30 percent.
The same trend continues in the cabin with flush, seamless surfaces: the one-piece center console connects to the lower instrument panel ‘discreetly’ for bigger harmony while there are no visible fixings to the floor. Ford even claims they’ve used the ‘industry’s highest quality coatings’, even on complex three-dimensional surfaces.
As expected, Ford added the SYNC 3 infotainment system which is offered either with a 4.2-, a 6.5- or an 8-inch floating touchscreen display, with the company claiming class-leading resolutions for all options. A B&O high-end audio system is also offered in the options list.
Furthermore, the stiffer body structure, the reduced NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels, the enhanced powertrain isolation and the addition of an acoustic windshield help into creating a more comfortable and premium experience for both the driver and the passengers. Ford says they have achieved best-in-class levels of quietness, making the new Fiesta’s cabin seven percent quieter over the outgoing generation at 62mph (100km/h).
Customers now will be given the wealthiest range of Fiesta versions to choose from too. Ford will even offer a premium Vignale version of the Fiesta, which will feature unique 18-inch alloys, exclusive exterior detailing and colors, and hexagonal-quilted, tuxedo-stitched leather seats.
The other truly new member of the range will be the Active soft-roader version which will come with an increased ground clearance, roof bars and additional body cladding. ST-Line models will offer a sportier image and driving experience, featuring a more aggressive body kit, sports suspension and a cabin with sports seats, alloy pedals and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, for those who don’t necessarily need the full performance from a full-blooded ST model.
But the real highlight of the new Fiesta is the impressive range of technologies on offer; Ford has equipped its new supermini with two cameras, three radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors, which combined can monitor 360 degrees around the vehicle, and scan the road ahead up to a distance of 130m, making it the first model of the company that offers an enhanced version of the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection.
Other systems include Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adjustable Speed Limiter, Blind Spot Information System, Distance Indication, Driver Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Forward Collision Warning, among others.
The chassis of the new Fiesta has been strengthened to deliver a 15 percent increase in torsional stiffness, with the measures to include increased use of boron steel and laser welding among others. The front track is widened by 30mm, the rear track by 10mm while the wheelbase is longer by 4mm.
The company claims that the suspension bushes are twice as stiff in the new Fiesta for sharper steering, with the whole chassis to offer 10 percent more grip in the corners, partly thanks to the addition of an electronic Torque Vectoring Control.
Ford has simplified the range of engines on offer in the new Fiesta, offering their turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit in three power guises -100PS, 125PS and 140PS. All three units are paired to a new six-speed manual gearbox, with the 100PS variant offered optionally with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Those looking for a diesel model, the new Fiesta will be offered with the latest 1.5-litre TDCi unit in two versions -85PS and 120PS. Ford claims the two versions emit 82g/km and 89g/km of CO2 respectively, with the more powerful version to also feature variable turbine geometry.
Entry-level models will get a three-cylinder 1.1-litre petrol engine, paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. These versions will be offered with 70PS and 85PS, offering CO2 emissions from 101g/km. 1.0-litre EcoBoost and the 85PS 1.5-litre TDCi models also get an Active Grille Shutter, while all manual models get a new, Eco driving mode which adjusts the engine and throttle settings for better fuel economy.
The all-new Fiesta is expected to launch in Europe in mid-2017, though it’s doubtful it will make it Stateside.
Photos Michael Karkafiris/Carscoops & Ford
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