The 2017 Ford Fiesta signals a strategy change in Ford’s production for small cars. The Fiesta is one of Ford’s most successful models and the automaker aims to make it even a better performer in the market particularly in Europe. The new redesign seeks to push the Fiesta a little bit up-market. The Fiesta comes with new technologies, more premium features and a sportier look. Read along to find out more:
2017 Ford Fiesta Exterior
Ford has put some effort in giving the new 2017 Ford Fiesta a sportier look. The model has a wider and longer look. The automaker has done away with the sharp point outside edges of the headlights. The new look features a bubbly appearance though still of the same size. The grille look has been redesigned to look wider compared to the outgoing model; its lower side edges are more upright. Each trim has a unique grille design. While the titanium trim has horizontal bars, the ST-Line features a front spoiler with a black mesh front grille. On the other hand, the plush Vignale has a satin honeycomb look for its grille.
On the sides, the accentuated lines in the outgoing model carry over but are more pronounced on the new Fiesta. One line cuts through the door handles while the other line runs towards the bottom of the doors. The result is a sculpted appearance without having to unnecessarily make the car muscular. It also features blacked mirror caps.
At the rear, the rear quarter glass slots much higher than on the outgoing model. In addition, the model features short, wraparound taillights that replace tall, high-mounted headlights on the outgoing models. The lower part of the hatch has also been recessed. The rear of the car also features vertically oriented reflectors.
Overall, the exterior of the three-door hatch looks more attractive compared to that of its five-door sister.
2017 Ford Fiesta Interior
The cabin of the new Ford Fiesta 2017 features a single-piece center console. The model will also feature a new instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT multifunction screen that is mounted on the middle of the center cluster. Ford will finally feature the Sync3 infotainment system as a standard feature across all trims. Buyers will also have an option for a 6.5-inch or an 8.0-inch touch-screen that are designed to “float” on top of the Fiesta’s dash.
According to the automaker, the screens are the best in the segment in terms of resolution. The Sync3 also features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB and Bluetooth connectivity as well as a Sync App-link. The Sync App-link enables voice activation and Smartphone apps such as HearMeOut and Spotify. For audiophiles, the 2017 Fiesta comes with a 675 Watt, AB&o Play audio system.
The cabin offers a greater level of convenience as the automaker has made things pretty simple. Its center console, for example, features fewer buttons for a cleaner look. The model also comes with a bin to store things such as USB drives.
Things get even better for the rear passengers as the model will offer 16mm of extra knee-room. Storage space on the rear doors has been expanded to 0.6 liters while the glove box has also been expanded.
Engine specs and performance
Under the hood, the 2017 Ford Fiesta features a number of engines. The first mill is a 1.1 L, 3-cylinder petrol engine that replaces the 1.2 L, mill on current models. This engine has two iterations where one produces 69 hp while the other produces 84 horses.
The second mill is the current EcoBoost engine that is carried over unchanged. This petrol mill has three iterations of output i.e. 98 hp, 123 hp and 138 hp. This means the Fiesta will have five different gasoline drive-trains.
On the diesel front, the Fiesta will have two drive-trains. The two iterations share the same 1.5 L, diesel mill that is tuned to produce either 84 hp on base trims or 118 horses on higher trims. Petrol mills are paired either with a 6-speed manual gearbox or with a 6-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the diesel mill is hooked up with a 5-speed manual transmission system.
What’s more, all mills feature a stop/start technology to help save more fuel.
Price and release date
Ford will showcase the 2017 Fiesta at the Geneva Auto show in March next year before it goes on sale shortly later. As for the price, I expect the price to remain relatively unchanged; expect a price in the range of £14,000 to £20,000.
