The all-new Ford Fiesta is set to raise the stakes in the compact car segment by building on the proud heritage of the very successful outgoing model, while lifting the benchmark significantly in terms of quality, refinement, technology and safety.
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The Fiesta’s widely acclaimed fun-to-drive character has been lifted to new heights, and its eye-catching new design embodies trend-setting style and sophistication.
The revolutionary interior design also takes a big step forward by delivering significant gains in space, comfort, ergonomics and technology.
“It’s because we share our customers’ passion for Fiesta that we’ve been able to take this iconic small car’s lovable, fun and sporty-to-drive character to the next level,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
“Globally, the Fiesta is Ford’s best-selling passenger car, and the all-new model represents a bold step forward in every area, from its attractive styling to the exceptional build quality, the superb craftsmanship evident in the new interior to the unrivalled smart features, safety and technology.
“Our multiple award-winning 1.0 EcoBoost engine remains a cornerstone of the Fiesta line-up, with a choice of new six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, along with the option of the frugal 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine,” Delate adds.
The all-new Fiesta is available at launch in two specification levels, comprising the feature-rich Trend series and the range-topping Titanium that boasts an outstanding level of standard equipment.
Evolutionary exterior design
“We evolved the design to make the all-new Fiesta more contemporary, yet not lose the ‘Fiesta-ness’ that our customers love,” Delate says. “The Fiesta’s exterior builds on the bold styling of the outgoing model, with a more elegant design, and a more fluid and transitional appearance.”
Simplified, straighter lines and de-cluttered surfaces deliver more visual strength, while the wider grille defines the upmarket appeal of the Fiesta. Sleek headlamps offer a new wrap-around effect that is immediately recognisable as part of the all-new model’s visual character.
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The side profile is more settled and less wedge-shaped, combining with 71 mm additional body length and 13 mm additional width to give a longer and more premium appearance. At the rear, new horizontal rear lights further enhance the Fiesta’s widened stance with broad shoulders, and feature a C-shaped signature light pattern.
In keeping with the fresh new looks for the Fiesta, Ford has introduced two all-new metallic colour options for the range, comprising Chrome Copper and Blue Wave.
Interior comfort and style
“Fiesta’s interior is revolutionary in its design and execution,” Delate explains. “The new design will reward customers with unprecedented quality of materials, craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies for this segment.”
The user-centric Fiesta interior execution is influenced by consumer interactions with smart devices and tablets. It delivers a more spacious and premium ambience through the use of ergonomic design and soft-touch materials.
The number of buttons on the centre console is reduced by almost half, with many connectivity and entertainment controls relocated to the 6.5-inch touchscreen fitted as standard on the Trend models, or the 8-inch version on the Titanium incorporating SYNC®3 with Navigation.
There’s also a stylish new instrument cluster featuring a 4.2‑inch multi-function TFT display that delivers an attractive welcome sequence on start-up.
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Rear seat passengers benefit from 16 mm more knee room, supported by new slim-back seats that are softer, and offer greater side-to-side support.
The all-new Fiesta’s tailgate is wider for easier access to the boot, and improved storage for personal belongings is delivered with a 20 percent larger glovebox and a 1-litre storage bin and armrest in the centre console. Rear doors can store 0.6-litre water bottles for road trips.
Intrinsic quality
“Ford paid a lot of attention to elements and features that customers notice without realising it, from panel gaps to pedal feel,” Delate says. “Fiesta delivers improved quality through enhanced specification, innovative engineering, and sophisticated design, reinforcing the Fiesta team’s obsession with quality that customers will instantly appreciate.”
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Optimised exterior finishing delivers a more upscale appearance. Parking sensors are now fitted flush with the body panels; windscreen washer nozzles are hidden beneath the upper bonnet lip; there are no visible screws in the taillights or rear fascia; and the shut line between the roof and the rear liftgate is reduced by more than 30 percent.
Flush, seamless surfaces continue through the interior. A one-piece centre console connects discreetly to the lower instrument panel for a more harmonious feel, and there are no visible fixings to the floor.
A stiffer body structure, reduced powertrain noise vibration and harshness, enhanced powertrain isolation, and an acoustic windshield contribute to a more comfortable and premium driver and passenger experience.
Drivers also will find the Fiesta easier to operate day-to-day: windscreen wipers that clear 13 percent more of the windscreen; and doors that require 20 percent less effort to close.
Smarter, stronger, safer
Fiesta’s active and passive safety systems, combined with a comprehensive range of driver assistance technologies, deliver the highest safety rating yet for this model.
The all-new Fiesta body features 36 percent more boron steel for greater strength in key areas. Redesigned door cross sections further protect occupants against side impact intrusion, and the doors also now contain pressure sensors that enable restraint systems to be activated several milliseconds sooner. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard fitment across the range.
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Innovative restraint features include a locking seatbelt tongue for the driver’s seat belt – a mechanically-activated device that helps prevent slippage of the belt during an accident and eliminates the need for a driver’s knee airbag. Rear outer seats also now feature load limiters and pre-tensioners – previously offered only for front seats occupants – to further restrain passengers and help prevent belt-related injuries.
Pedestrian protection is enhanced with headlamps that are designed to travel rearwards on impact, and a collapsible cowl and wiper spindle assembly designed to give way in the event of head impacts.
All models boast an extensive list of driving aids, including ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA) Electronic Stability and Traction Control (ESC).
Sophisticated powertrains
A simplified range of sophisticated petrol and diesel engines offers performance and fuel efficiency that support an outstanding driving experience and reduced costs for owners.
Ford’s six-time International Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, is offered in two variants in the all-new Fiesta. In the Trend model with a new six-speed manual gearbox, as well as the Trend and Titanium equipped with a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the 1.0 EcoBoost produces 74kW of power and 170Nm of torque from 1 500 to 4 000 r/min.
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The Fiesta Titanium mated with a six-sped manual transmission uses the 92kW version of this engine, to deliver even more exhilarating driving dynamics.
Offering the ultimate in frugal fuel consumption, the 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel is exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox, producing 63kW and a torque peak of 175Nm.
Fuel efficiency is further enhanced with Auto‑Start‑Stop technology on all engines, and a new Eco button for manual transmissions adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel. Underbody aero shielding further reduces aero drag.
Even more fun to drive
“A fun driving experience is central to the Fiesta’s appeal, and our all-new Fiesta remains true to the character that has delighted generations of drivers, with the sharpest, sportiest and most balanced performance yet,” Delate adds. “Offering more style, more refinement, more technology, and more fun, Ford’s best-selling small car is more Fiesta than ever.”
A 15 percent increase has been achieved in torsional stiffness, while the front track is 30 mm wider, rear track is up by 10 mm and wheelbase by 4 mm. A lighter, stiffer hollow front anti-roll bar contributes to better roll control and steering feel. Steering friction is reduced and gearboxes now deliver smoother gear changes.
The Fiesta’s chassis now offers 10 percent more cornering grip, while braking distances at 100 km/h are reduced by more than 8 percent.
Technologically advanced – including SYNC®3 with Navigation
An unprecedented range of technologies enhance Fiesta comfort, convenience and safety. Ford’s SYNC®3 communications and entertainment system enables Fiesta drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (once launched for the collective Middle East and Africa region).
The Fiesta’s floating, tablet-inspired 8-inch colour touchscreen and infotainment system with built-in turn-by-turn navigation is standard on the Titanium, and can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. The Trend model also incorporates SYNC®3, using a floating 6.5-inch colour touchscreen.
Reflecting the consumer shift towards portable digital multimedia, Fiesta delivers Bluetooth connectivity and two USB ports as standard, with an integrated CD player on all models. A high-end seven-speaker sound system is featured on the Fiesta Titanium models, with a six-speaker set-up on the Trend models.
Recommended Retail Prices:
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT R261 900
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT R277 300
Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Trend 6MT R292 500
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT R295 900
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT R310 600
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
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