Ford today revealed the next generation Ford Fiesta – the world’s most technologically advanced small car – at a special Go Further event in Cologne, Germany.
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.
Ford revealed four distinctive production variants of the Fiesta, including the stylish Fiesta Titanium, the Ford Performance-inspired Fiesta ST-Line, the upscale Fiesta Vignale and the Fiesta Active crossover – the first in a new line-up of Active vehicles to be rolled out across the Ford range in years to come.
Three- and five-door Fiesta variants will deliver superior quality and refinement; 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.
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; and the first Ford Active Park Assist system that can deliver brake interventions to prevent low-speed bumps when parking hands-free.
Fiesta is also the first Ford vehicle to feature a premium B&O PLAY Sound System, and for the first time offers an openable panoramic glass roof. The Fiesta’s sophisticated SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system is supported by floating high-definition touchscreens 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.
Cutting-edge powertrains include Ford’s multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offering up to 140PS, and a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel offering 120PS – the first high-power diesel Fiesta powertrain. Ford anticipates CO2 emissions from 82g/km, supported by an all-new six-speed transmission with innovative friction reduction technologies.
The next generation Fiesta will for the first time be offered as a luxurious Ford Fiesta Vignale model – part of the Ford Vignale upscale product and ownership experience. The Fiesta Vignale joins the Mondeo, S-MAX, Kuga and Edge Vignale models as the highest expression of the Ford brand in Europe, and offers unique 18-inch alloys wheel designs, exclusive exterior detailing and colours, and hexagonal-quilted, tuxedo-stitched leather seats.
The Fiesta Active is the first Fiesta crossover model, combining rugged SUV-inspired styling that includes raised ride-height, roof bars and additional exterior bodystyling; hatchback practicality; and true Fiesta driving dynamics. The Active series will join the Fiesta line up later on in the launch period.
Ford earlier this year introduced for the first time a new range of ST-Line models that deliver exterior and interior styling inspired by Ford Performance models alongside powerful Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines, for customers who aspire to the sporty image of Ford’s ST models – but do not require the full performance delivered by optimised ST engines and chassis with sports technologies.
The Fiesta ST-Line features sporty exterior styling including unique alloy wheel, grille, front and rear bumper and side-skirt designs. The interior features sports seats, alloy pedals and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, while the driving experience is enhanced with sports suspension.
Also revealed was the stylish Fiesta Titanium, indicative of the high specification and quality that will be delivered to Fiesta customers across Europe. Higher specification Ford models accounted for nearly 60 per cent of sales in the first 10 months of 2016. Titanium models account for 48 per cent of Fiestas sold this year. Fiesta will also be available in Zetec and Style versions.
Underlying the four 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.
The side profile is more settled and less wedge-shaped, combining with 71mm additional body length and 12mm additional width to give a longer and more premium appearance. The belt line stretches to the headlamps, and the window line is also stretched, in-keeping with the flowing, uninterrupted design. Even the door mirrors feature a straight cut between the upper and lower sections that is no longer interrupted by the indicator lens.
The body side delivers an exceptional degree of sculpture for the Fiesta’s segment, designed to deliver captivating reflections under city lights. Unique wheel designs up to 18-inches include non-symmetrical designs that evoke movement even when standing still. At the rear, new horizontal rear lights further enhance the Fiesta’s widened stance with broad shoulders, and feature a C-shaped signature light pattern.
Each of the four Ford Fiesta variants delivers a unique design character that builds on the canvas provided by the simplified base-design, and can be further personalised with individualisation options including contrasting roof and door mirror caps in black, white, Bohai Bay Mint or new Chrome Copper. Additional new exterior colours include Blue Wave, and for Fiesta Vignale, Milano Grigio.
The Fiesta Vignale’s bespoke satin Vignale grille pattern, grille surround, foglamp surrounds, side spear and rear diffuser deco element add a luxurious appeal. Fiesta Titanium features a chrome bar execution for simplistic but upscale style. Vertical foglamps are connected by a smiling bumper feature line, making the model appear more optimistic and welcoming.
Fiesta ST-Line’s simple mesh, Ford Performance-inspired grille is designed to be representative of the performance that sits behind it. The sports body styling is more angular and aggressive. A functional rear spoiler contributes to a surefooted stance.
Fiesta Active is further differentiated by a raised suspension profile, with dark cladding flowing from the front bumper lip, through the wheel arches and side profile to the rear. A hexagonal grille design features along with a dark element for the liftgate licence plate area, contrast painted roof, and roof bars, all of which contribute to a more rugged, versatile feel.
The user-centric Fiesta interior design is influenced by consumer interactions with smart devices and tablets. Delivering a more spacious and premium first impression through ergonomic design and soft-touch materials – including for the upper instrument panel – the logical but emotive interior helps deliver a calming and peaceful space that customers can personalise with a new range of individualisation options.
Designed to add bespoke character but retain the interior’s balanced and harmonious feel, individualisation options include decorative elements for the central instrument and passenger-side instrument panel, door pulls and rear-view mirror cap in Race Red, Yellow, Bohai Bay Mint, Deep Impact Blue or Chrome Copper.
The calming interior philosophy is supported by easier to use controls. The number of buttons on the centre console is reduced by almost half, with many connectivity and entertainment controls relocated to the 8-inch touchscreen. The most natural and ergonomic positions for controls and screens were confirmed using eye-tracking software, and both the instrument cluster display and central screen are positioned to clearly deliver information at a glance.
Rear seat passengers benefit from 16mm more knee room, supported by new slim-back seats that are softer, and offer greater side-to-side support. The front seat armrest is positioned to benefit 19 per cent more of Fiesta’s tallest and shortest drivers. A height adjustable driver’s seat features repositioned lumbar support for greater comfort, and headrest positioning also has been optimised to benefit all occupants.
The next generation Fiesta’s tailgate is wider for easier access to the boot, and improved storage for personal belongings is delivered with a 20 per cent larger glovebox and a 1-litre media bin in the centre console. Rear doors can store 0.6-litre water bottles for family road trips.
