Presentation and test drive Ford Fiesta 2018, eternal youth

The all-new generation of the Ford Fiesta is ready for its launch, completely redesigned to keep on racking up successes. Highmotor has travelled to the wonderful city of Córdoba to witness first-hand the evolution of the new Fiesta.

That the Fiesta is one of Ford’s most important products is something nobody dares to question at this stage. And the flawless track record of this American city car, born in the 1970s, now enters a new chapter with the arrival of the eighth generation, the most technological and advanced in the model’s history.

Exterior design

The new Fiesta has been unveiled with a deeply renovated look, yet it retains the essence of the previous model on which it is based. The Fiesta’s exterior leaves no doubt: it is a 100% city car designed for exactly that purpose, and also a 100% Ford model, full of details that identify it as another member of the family.

The Fiesta’s front end has matured its lines, keeping the generously sized grille but reducing the volume of its lamps, which are more compact and flatter. These lamps can feature LED daytime running lights and elliptical projector technology, but unlike rivals such as the VW Polo or the SEAT Ibiza, a full LED lighting system cannot be fitted.

The side profile is possibly the one that has changed least from its predecessor. The smooth, dynamic lines are retained rising towards the rear on a body that will surprisingly be available in both three-door and five-door versions, something increasingly unusual.

The wheel arches are perfectly filled by new alloy wheels which, depending on the trim and engine chosen, range from 15 to 17 inches in diameter. A noticeable detail is the small size of the exterior mirrors, which in certain situations can prove a problem.

The rear is possibly where the changes are most evident. The light clusters now sit horizontally, abandoning the vertical layout the Fiesta adopted in the early 2000s. As a result, the Fiesta’s rear looks more mature and more serious, which some users may not like.

Two small reflectors have been installed on the sides of the rear bumper to enhance the impression of width, which, combined with the exposed exhaust outlet on some versions, gives a sportier and more dynamic appearance. The new Fiesta has a length of 4.04 metres, in line with a segment that keeps on growing.

Interior design

If there is one thing that distinguishes the new generation of the Fiesta, it is a completely revamped interior, which represents a major step forward from its predecessor. In fact, it can be stated without any doubt that the new Fiesta has one of the best interiors in its segment, ahead of rivals of the calibre of the Peugeot 208 or the Citroën C3.

The new Fiesta’s cabin breaks with the lines of its predecessors and also distances itself from the styling of its larger siblings, resulting in a far more ergonomic and attractive interior. The main lines of the dashboard tend towards the horizontal, with the large screen of the Ford SYNC 3 system as the centrepiece.

The build quality of the Fiesta’s interior has taken a big step up. Now there are padded materials across much of the dashboard, with hard plastics used on the lower panels, always with precise fits and no rattles or poor finishing.

The decorative trim has more presence than ever, and depending on the finish chosen, we get colour accents on both the dashboard and the doors to tailor the cabin ambience to the character of the car, something that also extends to elements such as the gear lever knob or the seat upholstery.

The technology equipment has taken a major leap forward, making the Fiesta one of the most interesting city cars on the market right now. Standard equipment includes features now common in the segment, such as the light sensor, occupant airbags and a multifunction steering wheel with on-board computer.

The new Fiesta can now be equipped with a generous array of driver-assistance and electronic systems, such as the aforementioned Ford SYNC 3, a pedestrian detector capable of working at night, or a double panoramic glass roof with electric opening, a unique feature in its segment.

Differentiated and personalised trims

Speaking of the new Fiesta’s character, the American brand has firmly committed to the ability to build a unique Fiesta for every customer. To that end, it has deployed all its resources, developing an extensive range with up to five trim levels, from the accessible Trend and Trend+ to the luxurious Vignale.

The Trend and Trend+ are the entry-level trims, and include features such as the light sensor, multifunction steering wheel, lane departure warning, air conditioning and three-point seatbelts with pretensioners both at the front and rear.

One of the major additions to the range is the Active variant, a version available only with the five-door body that adopts an adventurous image, with plastic body protection, raised suspension and exclusive fabric upholstery.

The Vignale variant sits at the top as the most elegant and best-equipped of the line-up. Highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, electrically folding mirrors with LED exterior lighting, and the “Ford Power” keyless entry and start system.

There is also the ST-Line variant, aimed at the more dynamic buyer, with sporty styling both outside and inside, along with chassis changes, including firmer damping that also sits the body closer to the ground.

Driving dynamics on a par with the best

It is well known that the Fiesta has always stood out for its driving dynamics, and the new generation of the American city car is no exception. The eighth edition is built on the platform of the previous generation, though it has undergone an advanced update process that has modified a large proportion of its components.

The Fiesta continues to rely on one of the most common suspension layouts on the market, with McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam with trailing arms at the rear. Both the steering and the braking system respond with precision, delivering unusual agility whichever variant is chosen. The action of the torque vectoring control also stands out, a system that brakes the inside wheel in a corner to improve the line.

Whatever engine you choose, the chassis is always well ahead, proving its worth both in town, with good comfort and a very tidy turning circle, and on the open road, where it displays a very notable composure. When the road gets twisty, the Fiesta shows its qualities, reminding us that the most powerful version, the ST, is just around the corner.

The new Fiesta will be available with four petrol options, starting with a 1.1 Ti-VCT with 70 CV and continuing with the renowned 1.0 Ecoboost in three power outputs: 100, 125 and 140 CV. The diesel will be offered only with the 1.5 TDCi engine in two power outputs: 85 and 120 CV. All engines except the 1.1 petrol will be fitted with six-speed gearboxes, both manual and automatic. All this with a starting price of €12,229 after discounts included.