There’s a new version of everyone’s favourite little Ford. Yes, the Fiesta has gotten an upgrade but the changes are more than just updated styling and new tech.
Built on Ford’s B-platform that also underpins the Puma, the chassis is optimised for both 3- and 5-door practicality. There is also more styling definition to separate the range of Fiesta trims. With the Trend, Titanium, ST-Line and Active models featuring more visible differentiation than before.
At the front, the nose is taller meaning that the grille is larger and that’s where the Ford badge has been relocated to. Sleeker LED lights also add to Ford’s new design language. The pictured model is the ST which gets a black honeycomb grille along with the ST-Line while the other models feature different grilles. Under that shortened bonnet hides the famous EcoBoost engine with the option to add a 48V mild-hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency.
There are 7 new alloy wheel designs and two new exterior colours which are ‘Boundless Blue’ and ‘Beautiful Berry’. The optional ‘Vignale’ package brings the addition of exclusive wheel designs in either 17 or 18-inch guise.
The SYNC3 infotainment system is now operated through a 12.3-inch screen which displays relevant information according to the various drive modes. Again, all that is configurable. A new piece of tech is the ‘Wrong Way Alert’ which uses a windscreen mounted camera and info from the satnav system to provide an audible and visual warning should you be travelling down a one way road in the wrong direction.
‘Adaptive Cruise Control’ has now been upgraded to include ‘Stop & Go’ with ‘Speed Sign Recognition’. This will help the Fiesta adjust to changing speeds and conditions of stop-start traffic. However, that feature is only available with the automatic transmission model. Other safety tech comprises of ‘Blind Spot Information System’ (BLIS), ‘Cross Traffic Alert’, ‘Lane Keeping Aid’ and ‘Pre-Collision Assist’ with ‘Active Braking’. FordPass is also includes which means drivers can lock/unlock their car, start the engine and check the car’s vitals from their phone.
Good news is that the incredible Fiesta ST is back and it has been looked after by Ford Performance. The exterior design is fresh with the intention of creating an aggressive appearance. New vents, skirts, spoilers and diffuser further add to that effect. The Magnetite wheels are available in a 17inch size as standard with an option to upgrade to 18s. Notice the bold new colour of ‘ST Mean Green’ as well.
The engine is still a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo unit but it now puts out around 197bhp and 320Nm peak torque. As a result, the 0-100 sprint takes just 6.5-seconds. Power is delivered exclusively to the front wheels and with an option Quaife mechanical LSD, you can be rest assured that it will corner fiercely. The cold-formed springs are all new along with Tenneco twin tube front dampers. In addition to the ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ drive modes, there is also a ‘Track’ mode now. This new mode replaces ‘ECO’ and disables traction control along with loosening up the ESC to allow for some slip.
