Ford reveals updated Fiesta

The really big changes take place under the skin

Updated - the really big changes take place under the skin of the new Fiesta

Ford has announced a big series of updates for its popular Fiesta model, the best-selling car in the UK market last year. There have been significant changes to the Fiesta’s appearance but the really big changes take place under the skin.

The main external changes take place at the front, where there’s a new nose incorporating a big trapezoidal grille shape that resembles that found on the new B-Max people carrier, which is based on the same platform as the Fiesta. The grille is flanked by new headlamp units which incorporate LED-based daytime running lights.

The biggest mechanical change is the availability of Ford’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the Fiesta for the first time. The 1.0 litre EcoBoost already performs very well in the larger Focus, so should do well in this lighter car. The Fiesta is also available with Ford’s Active City Stop automatic braking technology which is designed to help drivers avoid low-speed collisions.

Inside, the most interesting novelty is Ford’s SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity technology which makes it easier for drivers to use devices connected via Bluetooth or USB to make phone calls or access their music collections. SYNC also incorporates an Emergency Assistance option that connects to local emergency services in the event of an accident. SYNC is already well-established in the US market and Ford is now quickly rolling it out across its European range, where it is being offered on the B-Max, Focus ST and Transit Custom.

Finally, the Fiesta sees the European debut for Ford’s MyKey safety technology, which allows parents to set parameters such as maximum speeds and audio volumes before letting younger drivers loose in the car.