Next-generation Ford Fiesta keeps driving fun, adds tech advance and quality

Ford revealed the next-generation Ford Fiesta at a special Go Further event in Cologne, Germany.  A car it titles “the world’s most technologically advanced small car”.

The next-generation Fiesta is unveiled with the most sophisticated range of driver assistance technologies and connectivity features ever in a volume small car in Europe, as part of the most comprehensive and versatile line-up of variants in 40 years of Fiesta history.

4 distinctive production variants shown

Ford revealed 4 distinctive production variants of the Fiesta:  the stylish Fiesta Titanium, the Ford Performance-inspired Fiesta ST-Line (sports pack), the upscale Fiesta Vignale and the Fiesta Active crossover (think CrossPolo or Adam Rocks) as the 1st in a new line-up of “Active” vehicles to be rolled out across the Ford range in years to come.  The basic Trend model will also be in the line-up.

3- and 5-door Fiesta variants will deliver superior quality and refinement, and feature a stylish new exterior and revolutionary interior design with more personalisation options than ever before.

Ford has also further enhanced the compelling fun-to-drive character that has helped make Fiesta the best-selling car in Britain every year since 2008.  The current Fiesta has been around in South Africa since late 2008, can you believe?  It had a facelift early 2013 co-inciding with the introduction of the EcoBoost 1-litre 3-cylinder engine to Fiesta, and is a strong seller.

The world’s most technologically advanced small car

Among a class-leading range of Fiesta driver assistance features – supported by sensor technologies capable of monitoring up to 130 metres ahead – is an enhanced Pedestrian Detection system that for the first time can help prevent collisions at night.

Further features available for the first time on Fiesta and offering enhanced functionality include: Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam (with a new soft-ramping feature which improves comfort for drivers at night, with soft transitioning between high- and low-beam) and Fiesta is the first car in its segment in Europe to offer Cross Traffic Alert which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them.

As an advancement on the current self-finding-steering park assist, the first Ford Active Park Assist system can now deliver brake interventions to prevent low-speed bumps when parking hands-free.

Amongst 15 Fiesta driver assistance technologies in total are Adaptive Cruise Control, Adjustable Speed Limiter, Blind Spot Information System, Distance Indication, Driver Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Forward Collision Warning.

Fiesta is also the 1st Ford vehicle to feature a premium B&O PLAY Sound System.  The Fiesta’s sophisticated SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system is supported by floating high-definition touch-screens up to 8 inches in size, and a spacious and ergonomic interior features an almost 50 per cent reduction in centre console buttons for a more intuitive environment.

Intrinsic quality

The most comprehensive Fiesta range ever meets growing consumer demand for greater choice and improved quality within the B-car segment. 

The next generation Fiesta delivers improved quality through enhanced specification, innovative engineering, and sophisticated design, including Fiesta’s first and for the first time offers an open-able panoramic glass roof comprising two almost-full width panes of toughened tinted glass.

Optimised exterior finishing delivers a more upscale appearance. Parking sensors are now fitted flush with the body panels; windscreen washer nozzles are hidden beneath the upper bonnet lip; there are no visible screws in the taillights or rear fascia; the shut line between the roof and the rear liftgate is reduced by more than 30 per cent – all examples of the Fiesta team’s obsession with quality that customers will instantly appreciate.

Flush, seamless surfaces continue through the interior. A one-piece centre console connects discreetly to the lower instrument panel for a more harmonious feel, and there are no visible fixings to the floor. The industry’s highest quality coatings feature, even for complex three-dimensional surfaces.

Door Edge Protector

Ford’s Door Edge Protector features a protective flap concealed in the door that moves into position in a fraction of a second as the door opens, preventing damage to paint and bodywork and helping drivers when parking in tight spaces. 

Evolutionary exterior design

Underlying the Fiesta variants unveiled in Cologne is an exterior that builds on the bold styling of the outgoing Fiesta, with a more elegant design, and a more fluid and transitional appearance.

Simplified, straighter lines and de-cluttered surfaces deliver more visual strength.  The bonnet offers a calmer design with no centre bulge, which allows the new, wider grille to dominate.  Sleek headlamps offer a new wrap-around effect that is immediately recognisable day or night.

New Fiesta is still Fiesta-familiar, though lost the wedge shape and, as per Focus, loses the distinctive upright high-mounted taillamp clusters to move to a normal (boring?) halfway placement.

Where the previous Fiesta generations each saw a major total redesign, this is the 1st time Fiesta follows along its predecessor’s general shape.

Sophisticated powertrains

A simplified range of sophisticated Euro Stage 6 petrol and diesel engines offers performance and fuel-efficiency that support a class-leading driving experience and reduce costs for owners.

Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is offered in 3 output levels, and a new 6-speed manual gearbox with a reduced friction architecture helps deliver lower emissions, or an optional 6-speed automatic gearbox has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Fuel efficiency is further enhanced with Auto-Start-Stop technology offered for all engines, and Active Grille Shutter for 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre TDCi engines.  A new Eco button for manual transmissions adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel when desired.  Underbody aero shielding further reduces aero drag.

Fiesta = Fun driving

“A fun driving experience is central to the Fiesta’s appeal, and our next generation Fiesta remains true to the character that has delighted generations of drivers, with the sharpest, sportiest and most balanced performance yet,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Offering more style, more refinement, more technology, and more fun, Europe’s favourite small car is more Fiesta than ever.”

When new Fiesta arrives in South Africa has not been revealed, but anticipate it from mid 2017.