Ford has revealed the 2017 Ford Fiesta for the first time in four different guises.
The all-new 2017 Ford Fiesta has arrived. Ford unveiled the new car at its 'Go Further' event in Cologne, Germany where Ford CEO Mark Fields and Ford of Europe president Jim Farley introduced us to not one but four versions of the next generation of the best-selling supermini.
The current Ford Fiesta has topped new car sales charts for the past seven years, but with the latest Nissan Micra and Citroen C3 hitting the market – plus a new Volkswagen Polo on the horizon – the supermini sector is as competitive as it's ever been.
However, Ford is hoping it can cement its position at the top with this seventh-generation Fiesta. Ford tells us that the new model is the most grown-up edition yet but it's still instantly recognisable as a Fiesta.
Across the range, design elements such as the swept-back headlights, simple bonnet and split wraparound tail-lamps at the rear help to accentuate the new Fiesta's increase in size, but there's also a significant move upmarket in terms of the car's technology and quality.
The new car is being launched in four distinct versions. The Ford Fiesta Titanium is the core model but it's joined by the performance focused Fiesta ST-Line and the luxurious Fiesta Vignale. Finally, the Fiesta Active is the new model designed to capitalise on the booming crossover market with its SUV styling cues.
The Fiesta stays on Ford's Global B platform for this generation, a move that allows Ford to save considerable sums of money on research and development – and at least some of that cash has been pumped into improving two areas where the Mk6 Fiesta lagged behind the competition: interior quality and big-car features.
Inside, soft-touch materials replace the current rubberised finish on the facia and a panoramic glass roof is added. There is also a major overhaul of the car's infotainment system with a new 8" touchscreen arriving that sees 20 buttons removed from the dash. The new system features the company's latest SYNC 3 software for music, smartphone integration and satellite navigation. There's voice control and the option of a B&O premium audio system.
The Fiesta has made a big step forward in terms of safety too. The new anti-collision system can detect objects 130 meters in front of the car and if the driver does not react, the car will automatically brake to prevent an accident. It's one of 15 new driver assistance features on the car including Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping Assist.
In the engine bay Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit is the key option on the petrol side, and t's being offered with revised 5 and 6-speed gearboxes. The big diesel news is that availability of the high power TDCi engine is being offered for the first time with improvements in terms of performance, torque and efficency.
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