Ford’s Fiesta has been an icon in low-cost British motoring for almost 50 years, and that continues today.
Even if you’ve never owned one, there’s a strong chance one of your friends or family members have, and millions have been produced. It’s also topped the list of the UK’s best-selling cars on 12 different occasions, with models continuing to fly out of showrooms.
Ford is now ensuring it remains competitive next to newer rivals like the Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa, with the introduction of a heavily revised model for 2022.
But what are the changes you need to look out for? Let’s take a look.
Bold new front end styling
It’s at the front where the majority of the Fiesta’s design changes have been made, with a redesigned bonnet that aims to give the model a higher-set look, while notably the Ford badge moves from beneath the bonnet line to within the grille.
Speaking of the grille, that’s been enlarged too, while LED headlights are now fitted as standard. Around the rear the lights get a stealthier black surround, while Ford is introducing a range of new alloy wheel designs. Two new colours are also available – Boundless Blue and Beautiful Berry.
New digitised interior
Ford hasn’t made too many changes to the Fiesta’s interior, but the main revision is the addition of a fully digital instrument cluster.
The 12.3-inch screen is one of the largest in this class, and while only found on higher-spec models, helps to give the model a more modern look, while it can be easily personalised to display the information you want it to. We’ve already seen the screen on both the Puma and Kuga and have been impressed by it too.
Greater driver assistance technology
Ford has harnessed the range of driver assistance features and technology available on the Fiesta as part of this update, with one key addition being matrix LED headlights. These essentially allow for maximum vision without blinding other motorists, while there are special lighting elements available for bad weather and when maneuvering.
A new ‘Wrong Way Alert’ has also been introduced, which notifies the driver if they accidentally drive down the opposite side of a one-way street, or drive through a no-entry sign. There’s also a feature that can tell you of any hazards ahead in the road by connecting with other cars.
Vignale model discontinued; becomes styling pack
Ford introduced a more premium Vignale version when launching the current generation of Fiesta, though it hasn’t proven especially popular with buyers.
So it’s why the Vignale will no longer be offered as a standalone trim level, but rather an option pack on Titanium, ST-Line and Active trim levels. It will bring unique styling elements like 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, Sensico seat material and matt carbon-effect decorative inserts to name just a few features.
Revisions to ST hot hatch
Ford hasn’t forgotten about its fantastic ST hot hatch, though, which also gets a raft of individual changes to enhance its appeal.
It gets a new ‘Chrystaline Grey’ colour for its grille and side vents, while the bold colour of Mean Green is introduced for those wanting their Fiesta ST to stand out from the crowd.
Elsewhere, its turbocharged 197bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine gets a torque boost from 290Nm to 320Nm, while Ford has also developed new ‘Performance Seats’, which are said to offer the ‘ultimate driving position’.
The new Fiesta range is available to order now, with first deliveries planned at the start of 2022.
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