All-new 2017 Ford Fiesta unveiled – four variants and new tech

Ford has unveiled its all-new 2017 Ford Fiesta small hatch at the company’s Go Further 2016 event in Cologne, Germany.

The new model retains the current Fiesta’s familiar shape although most elements have been refined for a ‘softer’ look. Meanwhile, the departure at the back is a little more pronounced with car getting a set of elongated taillights instead of the triangular units of its predecessor.

There will be four variants at launch – Titanium, ST-Line, Vignale and Active – each getting its own distinct styling, with the Active sporting a “crossover” look complete with raise ride height, plastic cladding, and skid plates.

Engine options include three versions of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol, each producing 74kW, 92kW and 103kW, respectively. A naturally aspirated 1.1-litre three-cylinder petrol in two states of tune is also on offer, each producing 51kW and 63kW, respectively. The 1.1-litre engines will be married with a five-speed manual, while the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo three-cylinder petrol will be matched with a six-speed manual.

On the diesel front, two 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesels with 63kW and 88kW, respectively are on offer, both paired with the six-speed manual.

All engine variants feature auto start-stop as standard, while the 74kW EcoBoost petrol and 63kW 1.5 TDCi also employ an active grille shutter for more efficient aero. Manual versions get an ECO button which adjusts engine and throttle mapping.

The new Fiesta’s chassis features double-bonded suspension bushes that are twice as stiff as the outgoing model’s for sharper steering response. The bushes have been designed to bulge in a specific way and work together with a larger torsion beam rear suspension to better isolate bumps.

A range of driver assistance technology is also making its debut on the new Ford, including active park assist with perpendicular parking, adaptive cruise control, adjustable speed limiter, auto high beam, blind spot information system, cross traffic alert, distance information, driver alert, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, hill launch assist, lane keeping aid, lane keeping alert, pre-collision assist with pedestrian protection and traffic sign recognition.

Wheel sizes range from 15- to 18-inch in diameter. The new Fiesta can be ordered in Blue Wave, Chrome Copper, Milano Grigio and Ruby Red paint. Other colours include Absolute Black, Blazer Blue, Bohai Bay Mint, Deep Impact Blue, Frozen White, Magnetic, Moondust Silver and Race Red.