By Otsile Kadiege

Ford has taken the wraps off their updated Fiesta compact hatchback. The facelifted Ford Fiesta gets confident new styling, an enhanced technology package and powered by sophisticated mild hybrid powertrains. 

Grades and exterior design 

There’s a comprehensive line-up of Fiesta variants which include the Trend, Titanium, ST-Line and Active models. Each model benefit from unique styling elements alongside an expanded range of exterior colours, wheel designs and interior finishes. Each new Fiesta variant has a more differentiated personality with unique fascia and grille designs alongside signature exterior and interior design elements to reflect individual characters. 

The SUV-inspired Active variant, for example, is distinguished by rugged design cues. A wide upper grille, flanked by standard LED headlights, features strong vertical strakes finished in gloss black, with taller and more prominent side vents reflecting the Active’s taller, crossover stance. 

Interior design and technology 

Inside, analogue dials are replaced with a new, configurable 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster as well as the tried & tested SYNC 3 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Optional extras include a wireless charging pad and a Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 10-speakers, an integrated subwoofer, and a 575-watt Digital Signal Processing Amplifier. 

Driver assistance systems 

The new Fiesta gets a sophisticated technologies like adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, active park assist, Blind Spot information system with cross traffic alert and active breaking, lane keep assist, and pre-collision assist with active breaking. 

Powertrains

The Fiesta range is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It produces three different power outputs: 75 kW, 91 kW and 115 kW. The powerplant is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). 

The forbidden fruit for Mzansi customers, the Fiesta ST, is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine making 147 kW and 320 Nm. Ford claims a 0-100 time in 6.5 seconds.

Ford South Africa is yet to confirm local availability.