Ford Fiesta

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Lehmann Photo-Syndication

15th August 2007

Caught on camera, these are the clearest pictures yet of Ford’s eagerly anticipated next-generation supermini.

Set to replace the ageing Fiesta, the daring looking newcomer comes hot on the heels of the Kuga compact SUV, upcoming Focus facelift and new Mondeo. And our spectacular images prove that Ford’s explosion of exciting models shows no signs of stopping.

Set to go on sale in the UK during 2008, the new Ford will target the Vauxhall Corsa and VW’s Polo. And although it may look like these pictures were taken in the desert, the car was in fact spied on an isolated test track near to Ford’s European base in Cologne, Germany.

Despite the black plastic disguise, it’s clear that the new Fiesta is far more angular than its predecessor. Its design will be heavily influenced by the latest Mondeo, and buyers can expect more style than ever before.

As we revealed back in January, the newcomer will get a large trapezoidal lower grille with huge headlights that stretch almost to the top of the wheelarches. The front wings will be chunkier than before, giving the Fiesta an athletic stance.

A rising waistline is another fresh design feature, while at the back there’s a wraparound screen with bold tail-lights that echo those of the S-MAX and Mondeo.

With such striking looks, the Fiesta replacement should be able
to hold its own against stylish supermini rivals such as the Fiat Grande Punto and new Mazda 2.

However, the Mazda will offer stiff competition, as both cars share Ford’s latest B2E platform architecture, as well as many of the same suspension components. Engineers will be keen to differentiate the two models, though, and like all current Fords, the Fiesta promises to have a sporty, agile driving experience.

Inside, the current car’s bland dash­board will be replaced by a far more stylish, high-quality affair. And there will be increased interior space, thanks to the larger platform.

The model will also make use of the blue oval’s Microsoft-developed Sync technology, which incorporates MP3 player compatibility and a Bluetooth wireless phone connection into one system.

Insiders say the new Fiesta’s platform is lighter and stiffer than before, which will help the new supermini to improve its crash safety standards. With front, side and head airbags, as well as the latest traction and stability control systems, it will be one of the safest models in its class.

Under the bonnet, there will be a choice of 1.3, 1.6 and 1.8-litre Duratec SCi direct-injection petrol engines, along with 1.4 and 1.6-litre TDCi diesel units developed with assistance from Peugeot. Manual and automatic gear­boxes will be available.

The engines will deliver lower fuel consumption figures than the current car, and some of them will emit less than 120g/km of CO2. This will put them in Vehicle Excise Duty Band B, which under proposed changes, would ensure they are exempt from congestion charging schemes.

However, one variant more concerned with performance will be the ST-badged model, which is due to get a 170bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine, lowered suspension and racy styling.

As well as the three and five-door hatchback versions, the next Fiesta will spawn a supermini-MPV called the B-MAX. While this model won’t arrive until 2009, the standard car is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, with sales scheduled to start next year.

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