The seventh-generation Ford Fiesta was revealed in Germany last night, with the automaker providing very little in the way of technical details. But now we’ve managed to learn a bit more about the latest version of this popular B-segment hatchback, which was shown in four versions.
Ford has revealed that powertrains in the new range will include a 103 kW 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine (in addition to the current 92 kW and 74 kW units) as well as a new 88 kW 1,5-litre TDCi oil-burner. A revised six-speed manual transmission is also expected to debut in the new Fiesta.
Interestingly, a 1,1-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine will also be offered in some markets, mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox, in 51 kW and 63 kW versions.
The new Fiesta is some 71 mm longer and 12 mm wider than its forebear, while Ford claims that rear seat passengers benefit from 16 mm more knee-room. The brand also says that the next-generation Fiesta’s tailgate is wider for easier access to the boot, while the glovebox is 20% larger.
Torsional stiffness, meanwhile, is up 15%, while the front track has been increased by 30 mm, the rear track by 10 mm and the wheelbase by 4 mm. A lighter, stiffer front anti-roll bar has also been added.
Ford says the Fiesta’s chassis now offers 10% more cornering grip, supported by electronic torque vectoring control, which “enhances the driving experience by applying a small amount of braking to inside wheels to assist traction and stability when cornering”. Braking distances at 100 km/h have been reduced by more than 8%.
The brand also claims a “class-leading” range of driver assistance features, supported by two cameras, three radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors capable of monitoring up to 130 metres ahead. These include an updated pedestrian detection system and an active parking system that can deliver “brake interventions” to prevent low-speed bumps.
The Fiesta will also be the first Ford to be offered with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and will furthermore be available with an “openable” panoramic glass roof. Other options that will be available include a traffic sign recognition system, auto high beams, cross traffic alert and even adaptive cruise control. Some pretty big car features, those…
In the initial press images, we saw the “floating” eight-inch tablet-like touchscreen in the Vignale version. But Ford has also revealed that its SYNC 3 system will be available with a 6,5-inch touchscreen, while a 4,2-inch colour screen will be offered alongside the brand’s “MyFord Dock” system.
Ford says it has attempted to make the Fiesta appear more premium, explaining that the parking sensors are now fitted flush with the body panels; the windscreen washer nozzles are hidden beneath the upper bonnet lip; there are no visible screws in the taillights or rear fascia; and the shut line between the roof and the rear liftgate is reduced by more than 30%.
Still no word on exactly when this new Fiesta will arrive in South Africa (although launch for some markets has been set down for July 2017).