New Ford Fiesta brings more technology and mild-hybrid power

Ford has just unveiled the new Fiesta, bringing a refreshed look and significantly more technology while retaining its commitment to mild-hybrid power.

The updated Fiesta makes its presence felt from the outside. It gains new LED headlights as standard, a bonnet design that raises the front section, and a larger grille with new styling. The Ford badge is now positioned within the grille rather than being “attached” between the bonnet and grille.

As a result, the front end adopts more horizontal lines, creating a stronger impression of width and helping to give the model greater road presence.

Changes at the rear are subtler. The main highlight is the new black detailing around the rear lights, which can optionally be specified with LED technology.

As has always been the case, the different Fiesta versions each feature their own styling. Connected models have a broad upper grille filled with sturdy horizontal bars, a high-gloss chrome surround and distinctive side apertures. The Ford Performance-inspired ST-Line, meanwhile, adds a black honeycomb grille and wider side skirts for an even sportier character.

Finally, the Active variant continues to stand out by “offering” more rugged visual elements that underline the Fiesta’s adventurous nature. More prominent protective cladding, a raised ride height and, naturally, roof rails are responsible for this look.

More technology and greater safety

The updated Fiesta has made its biggest advances inside, where it receives an all-new, fully configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This is paired with an 8-inch central touchscreen running SYNC 3, with smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Also available are a wireless charging pad for smartphones and a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 10 speakers, an integrated subwoofer and a 575 W digital signal-processing amplifier with surround-sound capability.

The new Fiesta also introduces further driver-assistance technologies, including the Wrong Way Alert function. It uses the windscreen-mounted camera together with navigation-system information to issue visual and audible warnings if the driver passes two no-entry signs while entering a motorway.

Other highlights include active parking assistance, blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert and active braking, lane-keeping assistance, and pre-collision assist with active braking.

What about the engines?

There are no changes to the Fiesta engine range. Ford’s supermini continues with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine, featuring a 48 V system and offered with 125 PS and 155 PS, alongside the 100 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Three driving modes are available - Normal, Sport and Eco - adjusting throttle response, stability and traction control, and gearbox operation on automatic versions. The Fiesta Active adds two further modes: Trail and Slippery.

Fiesta ST remains “Mean” and… “Green”

Alongside the updated Fiesta, Ford also revealed the new Ford Performance-developed Fiesta ST.

Like the other Fiesta models, it receives new LED headlights, but its styling is more aggressive, with a honeycomb-pattern grille and huge lower air intakes. The new Fiesta ST is designed to stand out, while revised aerodynamics bring new side skirts, a redesigned rear spoiler and a more prominent rear diffuser.

It also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, while an 18-inch set with a black finish is available on the options list.

Inside, there are new Performance seats, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, matt carbon-effect trim and various red accents, all of which reinforce this version’s sporting character.

The engine remains the 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost, producing 200 PS at 6000 rpm and 320 Nm of maximum torque - previously 290 Nm - between 1600 and 4000 rpm.

In addition to the Normal and Sport driving modes, the new Fiesta ST also has a Track mode. Replacing the Fiesta’s Eco mode, it switches off traction control and changes the ESC settings to “wide-slip” mode, with circuit driving in mind.