Ford unveils latest look for model that celebrates its 40th birthday this year

By Gerry Murphy

Ford celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Ford Fiesta this year, and now the latest version is imminent as the next generation is launched to the European press at a special Go Further event in Cologne, Germany. It will arrive in Ireland in the first quarter of 2017 and is a vital car for the brand.

Ford revealed four distinctive personalities of the car: a Fiesta Titanium, Fiesta ST-Line, an upscale Fiesta Vignale, and a new Fiesta Active crossover – the first in a new line-up of Active vehicles to be rolled out across the Ford range in years to come.

Among the range of Fiesta driver assistance features – supported by sensor technologies capable of monitoring up to 130 metres ahead – is an enhanced Pedestrian Detection system; and the first Ford Active Park Assist system that can deliver brake interventions to prevent low-speed bumps when parking hands-free.

Fiesta is also the first Ford vehicle to feature a premium B&O PLAY Sound System, and for the first time offers an openable panoramic glass roof.

The Vignale model joins the Mondeo, S-MAX, Kuga and Edge Vignale models as the highest expression of the Ford brand in Europe. You get unique 18-inch alloys wheel designs, exclusive exterior detailing and colours, and hexagonal-quilted, tuxedo-stitched leather seats.

Also new, the Fiesta Active is the first Fiesta crossover model, combining rugged SUV-inspired styling that includes raised ride-height, roof bars and additional cladding; hatchback practicality; and true Fiesta driving dynamics.

Earlier this year Ford introduced, for the first time, a new range of ST-Line models; and also revealed was the stylish Fiesta Titanium. Higher specification Ford models accounted for nearly 60% of sales in the first 10 months of 2016. Titanium models account for 48% of Fiestas sold this year. Fiesta will also be available in a Trend version.