Ford Fiesta review - Interior, design and technology
Not a class leader for interior quality, but the Ford Fiesta is competitive.
The new Ford Fiesta isn’t exactly a design revolution over the previous model, and that’s partly because the car uses the same Ford ‘Global B’ platform as before. That means lots of the unseen parts are the same, keeping the proportions broadly similar to before - and, therefore, the design. A familiar trapezoidal grille remains on the front, plus there’s a set of swept-back headlights and a rising shoulder line just like before.
Still, at the back there is quite a change, as the larger, more horizontal taillights and new tailgate give the rear a different stance on the road. The car is longer and wider than before, which helps with interior space, but it also means the new Ford supermini does have a new shape, even though it takes more than a glance to realise.
The bigger change to the Fiesta’s design is on the inside, though. There are fewer hard, scratchy plastics in there, replaced with soft-touch materials and a newer, more modern layout. A large, tablet-style touchscreen sits on top of the dash, just like in the Citroen C3 and Hyundai i20, with the heater controls placed lower down. It means the Fiesta is a far cry from the previous version covered in buttons and switches, and it feels more upmarket as a result. The SEAT Ibiza still wins for material quality and simple design, though.
Entry-level Trend cars feature 16-inch alloys as standard, plus air-conditioning, Bluetooth and a 8.0-inch touchscreen. The expected best-selling Titanium model adds rear parking sensors, cruise control and Ford’s SYNC 3 software with sat-nav. Move up to ST-Line X and you get 18-inch alloys, partial leather-trimmed sports seats and a B&O Premium audio system.
Range-topping Vignale models are positioned to rival premium superminis, and get 17-inch alloys, heated leather seats and unique interior/exterior styling accents - but as these models cost a lot to buy and won’t hold their value very well; we’d stick to a Titanium model if you want more toys.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
All models now come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, although Trend versions have to make do without Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system.The latest version of the tech adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The graphics are crisp and it’s pretty easy to use, but there are only a few physical buttons to make navigating easier when you’re on the move.
Higher-spec models add a Bang & Olufsen stereo that has eight speakers and a subwoofer for improved audio. It’s there to compete with similar systems in rivals: the Nissan Micra has a Bose set-up, while Beats audio features on a number of other supermini rivals.
