MOTOR RIVALS

The next generation Fiesta is unveiled with the most sophisticated range of driver assistance technologies and connectivity features ever in a volume small car in Europe, as part of the most comprehensive and versatile line-up of variants in 40 years of Fiesta history. Ford revealed four distinctive production variants of the Fiesta, including the stylish Fiesta Titanium, the Ford Performance-inspired Fiesta ST-Line, the upscale Fiesta Vignale and the Fiesta Active crossover - the first in a new line-up of Active vehicles to be rolled out across the Ford range in years to come.

Simplified, straighter lines and de-cluttered surfaces deliver more visual strength. The bonnet offers a calmer design with no centre bulge, which allows the new, wider grille to dominate. Sleek headlamps offer a new wrap-around effect that is immediately recognisable day or night.

Powertrain

Cutting-edge powertrains include Ford's multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offering up to 140 PS, and a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel offering 120 PS - the first high-power diesel Fiesta powertrain. Ford anticipates CO2 emissions from 82 g/km, supported by an all-new six-speed transmission with innovative friction reduction technologies.

Ford's multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is offered with 100 PS, 125 PS and 140 PS, and a new six-speed manual gearbox with a reduced friction architecture or an optional six-speed automatic gearbox for the 100 PS variant with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine features advanced technologies including high-pressure direct fuel injection, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing, and an innovative offset crankshaft design for unparalleled three-cylinder refinement.

Ford's 120 PS 1.5-litre TDCi engine is the first high-power diesel powertrain ever offered for Fiesta. The 1.5-litre TDCi engine is also offered with 85 PS - 10 PS more than the most fuel-efficient outgoing Fiesta - and Ford's new six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-litre TDCi engine employs optimised combustion chamber design, turbocharging - including variable geometry technology for the 120 PS version - and sophisticated fuel injection that enhances refinement. Smart Regenerative Charging enhances fuel efficiency by selectively engaging the alternator and charging the battery when the vehicle is coasting and braking.

Ford's 1.1-litre petrol engine shares a three-cylinder architecture with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, and is offered with a new five-speed manual gearbox in 70 PS and 85 PS versions, replacing the outgoing naturally aspirated 1.25-litre petrol engine and delivering more power and anticipated reduced CO2 emissions from 101 g/km.

Chassis

The Ford Fiesta's chassis now offers 10 per cent 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 (62 mph) are reduced by more than 8 per cent. Rear disc brakes feature on models with more than 100 PS.

New double-bonded suspension bushes are twice as stiff as the outgoing Fiesta for sharper steering response. The bushes also bulge in a specific shape designed to better isolate road imperfections, combining with a larger rear twistbeam to reduce the impact of small bumps and road noise in the cabin.

Technology

Ford's SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system will enable Fiesta drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. SYNC 3 also offers SYNC AppLink, enabling voice-activation of a range of smartphone apps including Glympse, Aupeo, Spotify, MyBoxMan, HearMeOut, AccuWeather, and Los 40 Principales. Fiesta delivers Bluetooth connectivity and two USB ports as standard, with an integrated CD player offered as an optional extra. DAB radio is available across the range and the first B&O PLAY Sound System to feature in a Ford model.

The Ford Fiesta's floating, tablet-inspired 8-inch colour touchscreen can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. Also offered with SYNC 3 is a floating 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, and a 4.2-inch colour screen is combined with the MyFord Dock that enables users to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and navigation systems. All Fiesta screens offer class-leading resolution and are up to twice as bright as competitors, making it even easier for drivers to read and navigate on-screen information and functions.

Safety

Fiesta is the first car in its segment in Europe to offer Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. The feature is amongst 15 Fiesta driver assistance technologies in total, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Adjustable Speed Limiter, Blind Spot Information System, Distance Indication, Driver Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Forward Collision Warning.

Fiesta is the first Ford to deliver an enhanced version of Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that can detect people who are in or near the road ahead, or who may cross the vehicle's path, using light from the Fiesta's headlights at night. Also offered for the first time on Fiesta is Ford's Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, which helps drivers find suitable spaces and park hands free nose-to-tail and side-by-side with other cars. Traffic Sign Recognition, which is now able to monitor multiple speed limits that apply to individual motorway lanes displayed on overhead gantries, and update the display if the driver changes lanes.