Ford has pulled the wraps off the new, seventh generation of its best-selling Fiesta hatchback.
Ford has pulled the covers off the new, more upmarket, seventh-generation Fiesta.
Four versions – Titanium, ST-Line, Vignale and Active – were revealed at Ford's Go Further 2016 event in Cologne .
The Fiesta has been treated to a much more grown-up approach to its styling when compared with its predecessor. The front and back have been completely redesigned with the rear lights that were on the C-pillar of the previous model now just below the boot window sill.
Titanium is set to be the core model of the updated line-up, while the ST-Line, Vignale and Active all carry their own, more distinct images.
The ST-Line's design, inspired by Ford's performance line-up of vehicles, features a more aggressively-styled bodykit and 18in alloy wheels.
Fiesta Active is the first vehicle to be introduced to the new sport utility vehicle-inspired line, and features a more rugged-looking design. Black cladding features on the bumpers and side skirts and ride height has been increased by 18mm. More Ford Active models will be introduced in the future.
The Fiesta Vignale flagship, like Mondeo, S-Max, Edge and Kuga Vignale, comes with a plush leather interior, large eight-spoke alloys, contrast stitching throughout the cabin and Vignale badging.
The revised engine line-up sees three different units in various states of tune.
The petrol line-up consists of 70 or or 85PS, five-speed manual 1.1-litre and an improved 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo in 100, 125 and 140PS guises with a new six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes.
A 1.5-litre TDCI turbo diesel has outputs of 85 or 120PS.
For the first time, all Fiestas with more than 100PS get full disc brakes for shorter stopping distances. The more user-friendly fasica sees the multitude of buttons replaced by an eight-inch touch screen with new Sync 3 infotainment system including navigation, DAB radio and improved voice commands. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are available for improved smartphone connectivity. New active safety and driver assist technologies include new autonomous emergency braking that can detect hazards from 130 metres and, if the driver does not respond, automatically brakes at 40 metres.
Roelant de Waard, vice-president of marketing, sales and service at Ford of Europe, said: 'Our objective is to take the Fiesta upmarket.
'We could've gone to maximise sales but for us it's more important to respond to the customers in the market, which says we like an industry that is spending more on smaller cars and we would like you to design a car for that.'
While no word has been given on pricing, the new Fiesta is expected to go on sale in the UK in time for the September registration plate change.
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