It’s hard to believe the basic design of the current Fiesta dates back to Ford’s Verve concept car from 2007.

Not that it’s a bad thing, as Ford’s little offering has managed to stay relatively fresh all these years, even if some of the competition has surpassed it in packaging and interior quality.

However, this is all about to change, with recently spotted development mules and testers confirming thatr the blue oval is hard at work readying its seventh-generation Fiesta. With that in mind, we’ll illustratively decipher what it’ll look like based on these prototypes and the Blue Oval’s latest design language.

Matured kinetic styling

The soon to be replaced sub-compact is perhaps still one of the better-looking hatchbacks in its segment, although for 2017, Ford is bringing an evolved and more mature approach. Frontal styling isn’t far removed from the face-lifted Fusion; with a smaller trapezoidal grille and slimmer headlamps. Step back a bit and you’ll notice the body has grown in size, accompanied by a higher roofline. The profile sheetmetal is rather chiseled, and wide horizontal LED tail-lamps adorn the rear quarters for a more staunch appearance.

An improved cabin

Perhaps one of the most criticized aspects of the current Fiesta is its interior with cramped rear seating, small trunk and average cabin plastics that fall behind better rivals. With the Fiesta sitting above the upcoming Ka+ in European markets, Ford officials say that haven taken the opportunity to make the new car more upmarket; cue better materials and more driver assist & infotainment features like SYNC3. Most importantly, the Fiesta will grow in size and gain increased rear passenger space and better all-round packaging.

Ecoboost power

Three and four-cylinder Ecoboost engines will predominantly power the Fiesta range, with the current 1.6-litre likely to be phased out in Europe, along with Ford’s shuddery DCT gearbox. An all-new 1.5 EcoBlue diesel will also serve European and Asia-Pacific markets. Hot hatch fans will no doubt be hanging out for the ST variant, which will likely get a turbocharged four possibly producing close to 220hp. There have been rumors of an even faster and more powerful RS version, however Ford have dismissed those as untrue.

Supermini alternatives

Expect the Fiesta to be near the top of the pack for handling, however Ford will need to have all its other cards in order to face off against stiff new opposition from Volkswagen’s Polo, Suzuki’s next Swift, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris to name just a few.

We’ve only seen the 5-door out and about testing, which poses the question whether Ford will produce a 3-door hatch. A sedan variant, on the other hand, will likely return for specific markets like Europe and North America. The Fiesta is tipped to launch next year as an MY2018 offering in the States and Canada.

What do you think of the new Fiesta’s look? Share your views in the comments below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

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