Ford updates Fiesta for 2022
Up until the recent pandemic, Ford’s Fiesta has been the UK’s best-selling car for many years, but with a combination of Coronavirus imposed dealer closures and now supply issues as a result of semi-conductor chip shortages, it’s been knocked off the top spot. But Ford is fighting back and hopes to regain its position at number one with this updated edition of the Fiesta.
A range of electrified mild hybrid petrol powertrains from the outgoing Fiesta help drivers save fuel and reduce emissions, while maximising driving fun. A trio of power outputs – 99, 123 and 153bhp are on offer in the new car – with CO2 emissions as low as 113g/km and fuel economy of 52.3 to 56.5mpg. A 74bhp entry-level 1.1- litre Ti-VCT engine manages 120g/km and 53.3mpg, respectively.
New exterior styling across the range includes a bonnet design that increases the height of the nose, combined with larger upper grilles. The Ford blue oval badge is now displayed within the grille, rather than on the bonnet lip, contributing to greater road presence. Trend versions feature a simple grey grille with chrome surround, while Titanium editions have horizontal chrome slats to tie in with the door window surrounds. ST-Line versions feature a more aggressive grille with a gloss black honeycomb mesh, and bladelike silver inserts on the wide lower air intake. Active editions feature vertical bars on the tough-looking nose, with additional body cladding and silver embellishments to deliver an SUV-esque appearance.
New headlights also contribute to the confident, modern styling language of the new Fiesta, while at the rear, the standard clusters receive new black surrounds for a more sophisticated appearance. The LED rear lights fitted to upper versions are completed with a Premium Black outer finish. LED headlights are introduced for the first time to all Fiesta variants, with advanced Matrix LED technology available on some upper editions.
A new 12.3-inch digital instrument display makes its debut on the Fiesta Vignale versions, while local hazard information and wrong way alert is added for additional safety. The Fiesta’s engaging driving experience can be further tailored using selectable Normal, Sport and Eco Drive Modes that enables the throttle response to be adjusted, fine tune the electronic stability and traction control systems, plus gearshift timings on the PowerShift automatic models. Fiesta Active also has Trail and Slippery modes, too.
As before, the Sync 3 infotainment system allows drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple voice commands. The system delivers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and is supported by an 8-inch central touchscreen with pinch and swipe functionality, as well as the ability to display a 180-degree image from the rear-view camera that comes fitted to Vignale versions. A new feature, Rear Occupant Alert, is intelligently designed to stop drivers accidentally leaving children or pets in the car when the rear doors were opened at the start of the journey. Additional features include wireless smartphone charging that is standard on all versions except the entry-level Trend model, and an optional B&O Play audio system with 10-speakers, integrated subwoofer and 575-watt amplifier.
The latest Fiesta, priced from £16,620, boasts more road presence and greater differentiation between the trim levels than before, with names carried over like Trend, Titanium, Active and ST-Line. There are also new Vignale versions that are designed to amplify the Titanium, Active and ST-Line personalities with extra luxury touches. Available in a choice of three- and five-door hatchback bodystyles, the facelifted Fiesta is on sale now, with the first deliveries to Ford showrooms expected early in 2022.