The ever-popular Ford Fiesta has been given a fresh remix for 2021, with revamped exterior and interior styling, new technology and distinctive trim lines.
We delve into the details…
What’s new about the 2022 Ford Fiesta?
The big news is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild-hybrid engine. It used a belt-driven integrated starter generator in place of the standard alternator, enabling recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack.
This acts as a motor, to dole out extra torque during normal driving and acceleration, and to power the car’s electrics. It can also restart the engine in 350 milliseconds, which allows the start-stop system to turn the engine off when coasting to a stop below 15mph, even when in gear and the clutch pedal is pressed. It’s available in 125hp and 155hp flavours.
The new Fiesta also receives Matrix LED technology headlamps for the first time, and a 12.3-inch customisable instrument display, while individual trim levels receive bespoke finishes (see below).
What’s it like inside?
All Fiestas receive a new 12.3in, fully configurable TFT digital instrument cluster, which changes its design whether you’re in Normal, Sport or Eco driving modes. Ford has upped the connectivity potential too, with live traffic updates and local hazard information; meanwhile there’s full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on an 8.0-inch central touchscreen.
A wireless charging pad for smartphones and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers, integrated subwoofer and 575-watt amplifier are optional.
The further up the trim level you go, the more plush the Fiesta becomes. The Vignale packs available on the Titanium, ST-Line and Active series offer upmarket seat materials and carbon-effect interior trim pieces. The sports-oriented ST now has 14-way adjustable seats with red stitching.
What engines are available?
The ST leads the range with a 200hp 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which will whisk you to 60mph in around six-and-a-half seconds and on to a 143mph, while delivering between 42.8 and 44.1mpg and between 145g/km and 150g/km of CO2 emissions.
The 1.1-litre Ti-VCT engine delivers 75hp, 121g/km and 52-53mpg, while the non-Hybrid 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine delivers 100hp, 120-126g/km and 50.4-53.3mpg.
The 125hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine delivers 52.3-57.6mpg and 112-123g/km when specified with the six-speed manual gearbox, and 49.6-53.3mpg and 119-128g/km with the seven-speed automatic gearbox.
The 155hp version of the same engine is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, and delivers 52.3-56.5mpg and 113-122g/km.
What models and trims are available?
The range begins with the Trend (£16,645), which is the only one to offer the 1.1-litre VCT engine, alongside the EcoBoost engine in 100hp un-hybrid and 125PS hybrid forms. The Titanium (£19,145) and Titanium X (£21,840) models add more luxury items, with the Titanium X offers the option of the 155PS hybrid engine, 17in alloy wheels, B&O sound system, foldable door mirrors and temperature control.
The Vignale (£23,590) represents the luxury side of the Fiesta range, with a part-leather interior with heated seats, 17in alloy wheels and a unique chrome grille, as well as a rear-view camera and blind spot monitoring system.
The Active (£20,485) and Active X (£22,950) models have an increased ride height for rough roads (18mm additional ground clearance), five drive modes (Normal, Eco, Slippery, Trail and Sport) and more rugged styling.
The ST-line (£19,845) and ST-Line X (£22,950) bring a flavour of the ST models, with sports-tuned suspension, seats and bodykit. The X version adds the B&O sound system, 18in alloys and the option of the 155hp hybrid engine. The ST-2 (£21,955) and ST-3 (£24,580) sits atop the model range, with two different wheel choices depending on which you go for; the ST-3 gets a Performance Pack, which includes a Quaife limited-slip differential, launch control, B&O sound system and temperature control system.
When does it go on sale?
The new Ford Fiesta is available to order now, with prices starting at £16,620 and first deliveries planned for early 2022.
What this means for you
Delivery times are stretching into 2022, and this model represents an incremental improvement of the Fiesta at best. With that in mind, you might want to call around Ford dealers and see what’s in stock if you’re looking to pick up your new Fiesta earlier than that. Don’t expect much in the way of discounts, though, as supplies of all new cars are looking limited right now, so it’s a seller’s market.
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Further reading
>> Why your next car might be bought on an app
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