More details about Ford’s crucial all-new 2017 Fiesta range have come to light, including technical specifications, chassis enhancements and equipment new to the range.
On certain variants, the new Fiesta will be available with pedestrian detection, auto high beam dipping, traffic sign recognition, cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. This is thanks to an array of three new radar sensors, two cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors that can scan a 130-metre perimeter of the vehicle. Automatic parking assist will also be available.
In Europe, there will be four models as previously reported: the Active crossover (pictured above), ST-line with sporty accents, the Titanium luxury model, and flagship Vignale.
Engines will include the 1.0-litre turbo EcoBoost triple with either 74kW, 92kW or 103kW; plus a normally aspirated 1.1-litre three-cylinder with 52kW. Diesel customers will be able to select a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 63kW or 88kW.
Measurements for the vehicle are 4040mm in length, 1734mm for width and 2493mm for wheelbase. This represents growth of 71mm, 12mm and 4mm, respectively.
Ford claims the new Fiesta is ‘cleaner’ to drive, with 15 per cent more chassis stiffness due to more laser welds and higher usage of boron steel plus 10 per cent more grip thanks to electronic torque vectoring.
Inside, a 675-watt B&O Play sound system will be on offer, as well as Ford Sync 3. The screen sizes range from 4.2, 6.5 and 8.0 inches in size, depending on the variant. A panoramic sunroof will be available on top models too, meaning the Fiesta brings large luxury car firsts to the segment.
Ford Australia has indicated there will be differences between the European Fiesta and Thailand-sourced model Australia will ultimately get, but the extent of those differences won’t become clear until next year.
