2017 Ford Fiesta
It’s hard to believe the basic design of
the current Fiesta dates back to Ford’s Verve concept car from 2007. Not that
it’s a bad thing, as Ford’s little offering has managed to stay relatively
fresh all these years, even if some of the competition has surpassed it in
packaging and interior quality.
However, this is all about to change,
with recently spotted development mules and testers confirming that the blue
oval is hard at work readying its seventh-generation Fiesta.
The soon to be replaced sub-compact is
perhaps still one of the better-looking hatchbacks in its segment, although for
2017, Ford is bringing an evolved and more mature approach. Frontal styling
isn’t far removed from the face-lifted Fusion; with a smaller trapezoidal
grille and slimmer headlamps. Step back a bit and you’ll notice the body has
grown in size, accompanied by a higher roofline. The profile sheetmetal is
rather chiseled, and wide horizontal LED tail-lamps adorn the rear quarters for
a more staunch appearance.
Perhaps one of the most criticized
aspects of the current Fiesta is its interior with cramped rear seating, small
trunk and average cabin plastics that fall behind better rivals. With the
Fiesta sitting above the upcoming Ka+ in European markets, Ford officials say
that haven taken the opportunity to make the new car more upmarket; cue better
materials and more driver assist & infotainment features like SYNC3. Most
importantly, the Fiesta will grow in size and gain increased rear passenger space
and better all-round packaging.
Three and four-cylinder Ecoboost engines
will predominantly power the Fiesta range, with the current 1.6-litre likely to
be phased out in Europe, along with Ford’s shuddery DCT gearbox. An all-new 1.5
EcoBlue diesel will also serve European and Asia-Pacific markets. Hot hatch
fans will no doubt be hanging out for the ST variant, which will likely get a
turbocharged four possibly producing close to 220hp. There have been rumors of
an even faster and more powerful RS version, however Ford have dismissed those
as untrue.
Expect the Fiesta to be near the top of
the pack for handling, however Ford will need to have all its other cards in
order to face off against stiff new opposition from Volkswagen's Polo, Suzuki’s
next Swift, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris to name just a few. The Fiesta is tipped to launch next year as an MY2018
offering in the States and Canada.
Source : Carscoops
