2018 Ford Fiesta

For some time rumors have been going around that the Ford Fiesta is going   up market. I didn’t believe any of the rumors as the car is currently at the top of its segment. As such I didn’t see the need to push the car which is offered as both as a sedan and hatchback up the luxury ladder. However, I understand that Ford is set to replace the lower trims of the Fiesta with a new Ford Ka+ which is set to hit the market anytime now. The redesign is welcome as it is long overdue considering the current Fiesta debuted in 2008. The 2018 Ford Fiesta has already been captured testing though under heavy camouflage.

Read along to find out more:

2018 Ford Fiesta Exterior

Although the spy our photographers took, show a testing mule under heavy camouflage, a number of new features can be seen. It is evident that the model features a whole new body.

At the front, the model features a new radiator grille which seems to have honeycomb mesh. The upper part of the grille has been slightly reduced in size while the lower grille has been increased in size to channel more air to cool the engine. There are also new headlights which work well with the new grille design. The hood features refined lines just like the new ones on the sides.

The rear has also received huge modification, gone are the vertical taillights which have been replaced with new horizontal taillights. The boot lid and tailgate for the sedan and hatchback respectively also look new. The rear bumper has also been modified to go with the longer structure.

Overall, the automaker has decided to reduce its curves and hook it up with a sharper look.

2018 Ford Fiesta Interior

Due to the camouflage, our spy photographers didn’t manage to get shots of the cabin. However, I don’t believe the automaker has finished off the cabin at this moment. Due to its decision to take the model up market, you can expect the cabin to come with features that are more refined.

Expect the SYNC 3 infotainment system’s interface to be upgraded with a larger screen-display. The system will enable satellite navigation, music streaming and Smartphone integration. The cabin will also feature an extensive use of soft-touch materials. More soft-touch materials will be a huge welcome considering the current model largely features a rubberized finish.

The model will also feature improved safety features in addition to the current features. Expect the new model to add blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition among others.

Engine Specs and performance

Ford has not released details of the drive-trains that will power the Fiesta. However, I believe the current engines will be retained. The automaker could however tune the mills to boost power and improve its fuel economy.

The engines are the 1.6 L, naturally aspirated engine capable of 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque and the 1.0 L, turbocharged 3-cylinder which produces 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque.

As usual, the performance oriented ST will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6 L, 4-cylinder engine which is good for 197 horses and 202 lb-ft of torque.

Price and release date

The 2018 Ford Fiesta will arrive in dealer showrooms in the second half of 2017. Ford has not placed a price tag on the model. Considering all the scheduled upgrades, expect the new model to be more expensive than the current Fiesta which has a starting price of $ 14,965.

Considering the first two trims have been eliminated, a starting price of around $ 17,000 is likely.  However, the price won’t go up much as buyers in this segment are very price sensitive and any significant increase in price would adversely affect demand.

Competition

The 2018 Ford Fiesta will compete against the likes of Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Accent and Toyota iA.