With the first images of the redesigned Ford Fiesta out in the open, Ford today disclosed official details about what’s under the skin of its B-segment competitor in advance of its debut at the “Go Further” product event that will be held in Amsterdam this Thursday.
The most important change for the European-market Fiesta is the addition of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in its line-up. The three-cylinder unit, which has won the “2012 International Engine of the Year” award, is claimed to offer “best-in-class” fuel economy.
The Blue Oval didn’t release any further information regarding the output or the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of this poweplant, simply stating that more details about the European-market Fiesta (still no word on the US-version) will be released at the Paris Motor Show.
However, Ford has previously stated that the 1.0-liter unit will be available in two states of tune, at 99HP (100PS) and 123HP (125PS).
The faclifted Fiesta also gains the Active City Stop system that helps drivers avoid low-speed collisions and the SYNC voice-activated multimedia system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity and Emergency Assistance, which in the case of an accident, automatically contacts the local emergency services.
Another highlight for Ford’s updated supermini is the MyKey system. A first for this segment, it allows owners to configure maximum speeds and audio volume levels and ensure that the soundsystem is muted until all seatbelts are fastened and that driver aids, such as traction and stability control systems cannot be disabled.
This will surely be handy to a lot of parents who can set a sort of “parental control” to their offspring’s driving adventures. On the downside, the system can be used in other instances, too, such as fleet cars…
The exterior styling changes for the European market 2013 Fiesta concern the new front fascia with the Fusion/Mondeo/Aston Martin like grille with the chromed slats, the revamped headlamps with LED technology and the new bonnet design.
Inside, Ford made some changes to the switchgear to improve the car’s ergonomics.
“Fiesta has been one of the world’s best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world’s most successful small car,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. “We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta’s make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look.”
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