| New Model Preview | 2008 Geneva Motor Show | Ford Fiesta |
It's the UK's favourite supermini and Ford will debut the next generation Fiesta at the
Geneva motorshow in March. The sharp looking new Fiesta goes on sale in the UK in the autumn in three- and five-door body styles.
Following Ford's 'kinetic design' philosophy seen on the
current Mondeo and
Ford Focus facelift, the Fiesta is a great looking supermini. Ford also points out that the new body is significantly stronger and safer than its predecessor's, as well as providing the agile handling that the Fiesta is noted for.
The new interior has much of the look of the Verve concept cars that Ford has displayed at recent motor shows, with a pronounced centre console. There's also electric power steering that helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
Engine choice is largely carried over from the current Fiesta range, which means 1.25- and 1.4-litre petrol engines and 1.4- and 1.6-litre turbodiesels. However, there's a new 1.6-litre petrol unit with 113bhp and variable valve timing. There's also an Econetic turbodiesel model due at the end of 2008 that will have carbon dioxide emissions of less than 100g/km to rival the
VW Polo BlueMotion.
Ford says the new Fiesta retains all of the excellent handling characteristics that its supermini is renowned for. The suspension is similar in design to the outgoing model's, but has been revised to give improved ride comfort.
Prices and details of trim options will be announced closer to the Fiesta going on sale in the autumn.
Alisdair Suttie - 15 Feb 2008