The new generation of the Ford Fiesta made itself known to the public in Geneva, with new technologies, more advanced engines and a more mature styling. The watchword was evolution and not revolution.
The good commercial results achieved by the generation that is now leaving office, and the desire of Ford to position the Fiesta above the current one, so dictated.
Despite the starting point being the platform of the model that ceases to function, we can speak of a completely new model.
The platform was reviewed from top to bottom, along with the chassis. The tracks have been widened relative to the predecessor by approximately 30 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear. The suspension scheme is carried over from its predecessor – MacPerson at the front and torsion axle at the rear, but they received new adjustments.
The goal was to be able to equip the Fiesta with larger wheels (18″ on the ST) and improve comfort without losing the dynamic balance that has been so praised in the utility vehicle.
The evolution theme continues in the appreciation of the Fiesta lines, which have matured and become more sophisticated, but still clearly a Fiesta.
Completely new interior
It is in the interior that we see the biggest differences. The new interior does away with most of the buttons and gives way to a touch screen (6.5″ or 8″) that integrates the SYNC3 infotainment system. Like the exterior, the interior takes on a more mature and sophisticated appearance.
Another new feature of the 2017 Ford Fiesta are the new versions, each with a distinct personality and equipment. For the first time in the Fiesta range there will be a Vignale version (the most luxurious), which will be joined by the ST-Line (more sporty), Titanium (more urban) and Active (more adventurous) versions. The latter is inspired by the SUV proposals, with extra protections and increased ground clearance.
In the field of safety, emphasis is given to the debut of various driving aid systems: automatic parking, intersection assistant, adaptive cruise control, blind spot sensor, lane maintenance assistant, automatic emergency braking with collision alert, between others.
In terms of powertrains, the new Ford Fiesta will be available with three engines, two petrol and one diesel. The 1.5 TDCI will have two power levels (85 and 120 hp), while the petrol versions will be split between two engines. A 1.1 liter atmospheric three-cylinder (70 and 85 hp) and the well-known 1.0 Ecoboost (100, 125 and 140 hp). 1.0 will allow you to disable one of the cylinders – a world first – all in the name of efficiency and consumption.
We're watching the Fiesta ST now, but it won't arrive until 2018
The replacement for the acclaimed Fiesta ST promises to shake the waters of the segment again. All thanks to an unprecedented thruster, with just three 1.5 liter cylinders. It is the first Ford of sporting ambitions with less than four cylinders.
The new Ecoboost thruster is entirely made of aluminium, combines direct and indirect injection and the exhaust manifolds are integrated into the cylinder head.
It may have one cylinder less than expected, but it doesn't lack power. There are 200 hp and 290 Nm of maximum torque. Enough to launch the Fiesta ST up to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds.
But it's not just good performances that this engine lives on. These days, efficiency is key. As such, it advertises emissions of just 114 g CO2/km, and will also allow, under certain conditions, to deactivate one of the cylinders.
Another new feature is the introduction of a particle filter. Something that had already been announced by other manufacturers, and that we see applied here for the first time in a gasoline engine.
there is life beyond the engine
Fiesta ST also debuts the possibility to choose between several driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track, like its older brother Focus RS.
These driving modes allow you to change engine response, steering, stability control and even the exhaust sound (electronically controlled). Dynamically, one of Ford's concerns was to reduce the understeer typical of front-wheel drive sports cars. Like? Using an active torque vectoring and control system.
Contrary to what we have seen in other proposals, the Fiesta ST will be available with three- and five-door bodywork. The car's styling reveals itself aggressive and a new Liquid Blue color debuts. All complemented by 18-inch wheels.
The interior is characterized by Recaro seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a top-of-the-line B&O Play audio system. Unfortunately, the Ford Fiesta ST will only reach the market in 2018. Fortunately, the remaining members of the new generation of the Ford Fiesta will start arriving on the national market this month.