Ford has taken the wraps off its new, seventh-generation Fiesta at a special event held in Cologne, Germany.
The brand revealed four production variants of its new B-segment hatchback: the tech-filled Titanium, the sportily styled ST-Line, the upscale three-door Vignale and even a crossover version dubbed the Active (which will likely compete with the Volkswagen Cross Polo).
However, Ford has chosen to keep its cards pretty close to its chest for the time being in terms of technical details (although we have since found out a little more). So, while we speculate that this model is larger than its predecessor, the brand has yet to reveal its exact dimensions.
But what we can glean from the first official images is that the hatchback’s styling has been somewhat softened, bringing it more in line with the current-generation Focus.
Inside what Ford calls the “ergonomic interior”, you’ll notice a floating high-definition touchscreen and the brand’s SYNC 3 infotainment system. The new Fiesta will also apparently be the first Ford to feature a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Ford furthermore promises that the expanded Fiesta range will offer “more personalisation options to customers than ever before”.
And under the bonnet? Well, all Ford mentioned here was the fact that it has “defied industry expectations” to deliver cylinder deactivation technology in its 1,0‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine, “without sacrificing refinement”. The automaker says this technology can disengage or re-engage a cylinder in 14 milliseconds, leading to improved fuel efficiency. It is expected to be available in 2018.
Interestingly, the latest version of the popular supermini is based on the same Global B platform as its predecessor.
The Fiesta has been on the global market since 1976. The sixth-generation model arrived in South Africa in October 2008, while the ST-badged hot hatch followed in May 2013. The current local range comprises as many as ten derivatives.
At this stage, Ford has yet to reveal exactly when the new Fiesta will arrive in South Africa.
