The next-generation Ford Fiesta has been unveiled and the little hatch will arrive in the U.S. as a 2018 model year car.
Introduced at a special event in Cologne, Germany, the all-new Ford Fiesta will be available in four variants in Europe: Upscale Vignale, sporty ST-Line, stylish Titanium and Active crossover. Like the new Chevrolet Spark Activ, the Fiesta Active features a high-riding body with crossover styling cues.
Along with a stylish redesign that gives the Fiesta a more mature look, the American automaker focused heavily on the interior and high-tech features. It continues to be built on Ford’s Global B platform, allowing the American automaker to save money on research and development.
On the inside, Ford uses soft-touch materials to replace the current rubbery-finished components, while a panoramic glass roof has been added. It is also the first Ford model to deliver a premium B&O PLAY Sound System, accompanied by a SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system presented on an eight-inch floating high-definition touchscreen. According to Ford, 20 buttons have been removed from the dash thanks to the new system.
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Advanced safety features include a new anti-collision system that detects objects more than 425 feet (130 meters) in front of the car, and if the driver doesn’t react in time, it will automatically brake to prevent an accident. It’s just one of 15 new driver assistance features on the Fiesta, including Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping Assist.
In Europe, there will be a range of turbocharged and naturally aspirated three-cylinder gasoline engines available, as well as a new TDCi model that is the most powerful diesel Fiesta ever. It will also feature the 1.0-liter EcoBoost, which is the world’s first three-cylinder engine to feature cylinder deactivation.
Expect to hear details on the North American version of the Ford Fiesta closer to its launch in 2018.
