Ford Fiesta International Launch | Preview | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 25 July, 2017

New Ford Fiesta will be ‘most technologically advanced small car available in Europe’

Overview

Ford introduced the latest version of their much-loved Fiesta to the European market this week and are hoping that a new colour pallet, a host of new technology, and a trim line-up that includes ‘a version for everyone’ will help to widen its already huge appeal.

The exterior makeover has been subtle to say the least, and the reason is simple – customers liked the previous one. If it ain’t broke and all that. Changes may be negligible, but they are still there. On very close inspection,  you will notice that the grille has been tampered with ever so slightly – the spotlights are now vertical rather than horizontal, and the bottom part of that ‘fishmouth’ effect wraparound now points downwards rather than up. Shoulder lines have been chiselled further (it’s all about the contour these days) and a tidied up rear-end makes for a more grown up and sculpted silhouette. The model below demonstrates the subtle differences between the two.

What you definitely won’t miss is the new colour pallet. Ford know that the current Fiesta market is of a certain demographic (namely females in the 50+ bracket), so the aim is to hold on to these loyal fans while also making it more desirable to the younger market. Amongst the vast range of shades available is a striking teal ‘Blue Wave’, the traditional ‘Race Red’ and an interesting ‘Chrome Copper’ shade. All very Instagram-friendly.

Spec and Tech

The efforts to please the young and trendy continue inside the cabin, where the most impressive changes have been made. Gone is the clustered centre console of the last model, with its many buttons and dated interface, and in its place a new user-friendly floating touchscreen display. Naturally it comes with all the latest smartphone connectivity including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Depending on which trim you go for, you can add SatNav, a reversing camera, and even a 10 speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system that provides 675 watts of truly bone-rattling sound.

Other high-tech features available include a host of parking aids, like a 360 surround-view camera and an ultrasonic system which will detect and guide the car into the tightest of spots. Safety kit has been upgraded to include a pedestrian detection system. This will react to and avoid anything that crosses the cars path, and will automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond to warnings.

Something for everyone

The variety of models available is now wider than ever, with a choice between some very distinctive trim lines – each with a different type of customer in mind. Models on show were the sophisticated Titanium with its upgraded styling including a chrome waistline, 15 inch alloy wheels, and Ford SYNC 3 in the cabin. The sporty ST line gives the appearance of a hot hatch with its distinctive body kit and sports seats, minus the hot hatch performance (and running costs). Then for the first time we will be introduced to the Fiesta Vignale – a premium offering recognisable by a bespoke front grille with ‘flying Vs’, 17 inch alloy wheels, a sumptuous quilted leather interior and upgraded infotainment system incorporating that ear-splitting B&O sound system. It’s no doubt a beautiful machine to behold but it comes at a premium that makes it unlikely to be a huge seller here. At best it may fit into a very niche market for those who wish to downsize on space but not luxury. Or perhaps die-hard Fiesta drivers who’ve won the lotto. Who knows.

What we do know is that the favourite will continue to be the trusty entry level Zetec. Starting at €16,550 for the three door model, it will continue to be all the Fiesta most drivers need. With it you still get a decent level of standard equipment including (manual) air con and automatic headlamps, as well as some new safety gear like lane departure warning and a speed limiter. Missing from the interior will be the touchscreen, replaced instead by a more basic TFT display. That’s not necessarily going to be a bad thing for some of the cars less technologically adept fans.

Space & Practicality

The more practical five door model starts at €17,150 and the new Fiesta is slightly longer and wider than before. They’ve used the extra space to eek out a little more legroom for backseat passengers, and some more functional updates include additional storage areas and a wider boot opening. The boot capacity has grown to 290 litres.

On the road

The engine line-up has been rejigged and now includes a more powerful diesel in the 120PS 1.5 litre, not that there will be much demand for that here. Petrol power will still reign supreme – mainly in the shape of the 70PS 1.0 litre 5 speed manual, representing basic no-frills motoring at its finest. A nippier 85PS version will also be available, as well as the terrific 1.0l 100PS EcoBoost. A more powerful 140PS version will follow later in the year.

This, along with the diesel, was what we got to drive at the launch. While neither will be hugely relevant to the Irish market - the diesel did impress us with its refinement, and the 140PS EcoBoost was simply a blast to drive. Paired with the sportier suspension set-up of the ST line, it was all the fun you’ll ever look for in a supermini. That famous Fiesta grip prevails, and along with the sharp, responsive steering, reminds us why it’s constantly labelled ‘the fun one’ in any supermini line-up. We’ll have to see how it measures up when paired with the more standard engines in the range, but luckily we won’t have long to wait as the new Fiesta launches here next week. More on Irish pricing and specification when we have it.

Interior Gallery

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives