Good news: it has up to 140 PS and that’s before ST models arrive
Fresh from the all-new Fiesta's world debut last night in Germany, Ford has dropped detailed information about its new B-segment core model.
Dubbed "the world's most technologically advanced small car," the 2017 Fiesta has four distinct personalities: the upscale Vignale, sporty ST-Line, stylish Titanium, and Active crossover. Two body styles will be on offer: three- and five-door hatchbacks.
All of them are available with a range of new driver assistance technologies and connectivity features, including Electronic Torque Vectoring Control, Pedestrian Detection for night driving, Active Park Assist with brake interventions, a premium B&O PLAY Sound System, and SYNC 3 connectivity with touch screens up to 8-inches.
There are 15 driver assistance technologies in total, including Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam, Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adjustable Speed Limiter, Blind Spot Information System, Driver Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert, and Forward Collision Warning.
New engines with up to 140 PS, including an all-new 1.5-liter TDCi
But what interests consumers the most is the engine lineup, and the new Ford Fiesta comes with new Euro 6 gasoline and diesel units. These include the 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo engine available in three states of tune (100 PS, 125 PS, and 140 PS) and with cylinder deactivation technology from early 2018.
There will also be a naturally aspirated 1.1-liter three-cylinder gasoline unit with 70 PS and 85 PS versions, mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox. This new engine replaces the 1.25-liter unit previously available on the Fiesta.
The big news is the introduction of an all-new 1.5-liter TDCi turbodiesel, available in two states of tune (85 PS and 120 PS) with a six-speed manual gearbox. All engines get Auto‑Start‑Stop technology as standard, with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost and 85 PS 1.5-liter TDCi also getting Active Grille Shutter.
According to Ford preliminary data, the new Fiesta's CO2 emissions will be as low as 82 g/km for the diesels and 97 g/km for the gasoline units, thanks to an all-new six-speed manual transmission with innovative friction reduction technologies.
More refined, fun to drive, and practical
The automaker claims the all-new Fiesta makes a big step forward in quality and refinement, thanks to a 15-percent stiffer body structure, reduced powertrain noise vibration and harshness, enhanced soundproofing, and the use of an acoustic windshield. Overall, the new Fiesta is up to 7 percent quieter inside than the outgoing model.
The traditional fun to drive character of the Fiesta has been preserved and further improved, according to Ford, with the new model said to deliver more grip, shorter braking distances, and improved steering feel, without affecting ride quality. The car's increased width should help improve stability: the front track grows by 30 mm, and the rear track by 10 mm, allowing the fitting of larger 18-inch wheels.
Inside, the Fiesta offers 16 mm more knee room for rear seat passengers, while the tailgate is wider for easier access to the boot. Ford says there's improved storage for personal belongings across the cabin, thanks to a 20 percent larger glovebox, a 1-liter media bin in the center console, and spaces for 0.6-liter water bottles in the rear doors.