Ford has unveiled the seventh generation Fiesta, which is due to go on sale next year.
Dubbed the ‘world’s most technologically advanced small car’, the Fiesta will feature a host of equipment, only usually seen on larger models.
This includes Pedestrian Detection, which helps to prevent collisions at night and Active Park Assist with brake interventions to prevent low-speed bumps when parking hands-free.
The model will come in four guises: the upscale Vignale, sporty ST-Line, stylish Titanium and Active crossover. Each will boast an elegant and stylish exterior, and an ergonomic cabin, which will host a premium B&O Play Sound System and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. Floating high-definition touchscreens will take pride of place on the dash of the new higher specification Fiesta.
This spec shift has been made possible with the introduction of the Ka+, which has replaced the antiquated Ka. The Ka+ is larger and much more capable than its predecessor, and shares many of the Fiesta’s components. As such, the need for a basic-spec Fiesta has decreased, and so Ford has made the decision to ditch these lower trims and focus on the more expensive models.
The new Fiesta will be powered by Ford’s multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost 138bhp petrol engine, or a 1.5-litre 118bhp TDCi diesel unit, which is the first high-power diesel Fiesta powertrain. The American carmaker anticipates CO2 emissions from 82g/km, supported by an all-new six-speed transmission with innovative friction reduction technologies.
With new suspension and Electronic Torque Vectoring Control, the Fiesta promised to be more fun-to-drive than ever before.
Commenting on the new model, Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company said: “It’s because we share our customers’ passion for Fiesta that we’ve been able to take this iconic small car’s lovable, fun and sporty-to-drive character to the next level, with a greater choice of models than ever and each with a distinctive personality.
“We now have a Fiesta option for every driver, including the luxurious Fiesta Vignale and the Fiesta Active crossover, with advanced technologies and features that small-car customers could only have dreamed of just a few years ago.”
