What's all this about?

It's the arrival, or rather the unveiling of, the new Ford Fiesta - we'll have to wait until next summer for the actual arrival. The new Fiesta has retained much of the current car's charm with cheekier looks and a slightly larger shape. More important is the introduction of a defined range of models; from the upmarket Titanium spec, there is a sportier ST-Line version, a deluxe Vignale model and even a crossover-inspired Fiesta Active.

What's changed with the new car?

Almost everything. The core chassis is carried over from the existing car, though it has been tweaked quite a bit to add some refinement without losing the fun driving characteristic that defines the Fiesta. It is now 71mm longer overall with a slight stretch in wheelbase too, which benefits passenger space. Also increased is the front track, by some 30mm, while the rear track gains 10mm over its predecessor, all in the name of improving handling performance. The suspension has been tweaked to accommodate up to 18-inch wheels too.

What you're more likely to notice though is the redesigned exterior. Every panel is new and the Fiesta now has a smoother shape to it, which is reflected in its slipperiness through the air, with Ford claiming it to be the most aerodynamic car in its class. The more rounded look carries on to the rear where new horizontal taillights add to a broader appearance.

And the interior?

The cabin is where the 2017 Fiesta has taken a big step forward. It's fair to say that the outgoing model was a product of its time, but now it's all about connectivity and touchscreens. So to keep up with the current trends, Ford will offer a free-standing eight-inch tablet-style touchscreen incorporating its latest SYNC 3 infotainment system with voice control. As you might expect, full smartphone connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will also feature. Each model will get specific interior treatments too, with different colour trim panels, seat fabrics and painted accents according to the particular version. In the back passenger knee room has been increased.

What about engines?

Ford will have no less than seven engines to choose from in the new Fiesta range, starting off with a naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol unit that will come in 70- or 85hp states of tune. Moving up from that will be three versions of the turbocharged 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which has already proven popular. Here there are 100-, 125- and 140hp outputs with a six-speed manual gearbox. The 100hp EcoBoost unit will also be available with the option of a six-speed automatic. On the diesel side of things, two 1.5-litre TDCi four-cylinder engines will deliver 85- and 120hp respectively, the latter of which is the most powerful diesel ever to feature in a Fiesta.

Anything else?

According to Ford, the new Fiesta will be the most technologically advanced small car when it goes on sale. For example, its new Forward Collision Warning can detect objects up to 130 metres away and can autonomously brake if the driver does not. Other systems like Lane Keeping Aid, Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control will all be made available.