Ford Fiesta Studio and Style trim levels dropped from UK line-up

The Ford Fiesta Studio and Style trim levels have been dropped from the model’s UK range, raising its starting price from £10,345 to £13,395.

Ford has taken the decision to ditch the Fiesta’s cheapest models to clear space for its upcoming Ka+, which arrives as a cheaper five-door, five-seat hatchback priced from £8995.

Ford said the model’s similarity with the base Fiesta trim levels would have left customers with two near-identical offerings. A spokesperson said: “We never want customers to be faced with a model versus model scenario, so dropping the Studio and Style gives the two cars clear differences.”

Although the decision to drop the Studio and Style trim levels was based on the arrival of the Ka+, Ford’s latest sales figures confirm the models were also the lowest selling in the Fiesta range.

Between the months of January and July of this year, just 562 Fiesta Studios were sold, representing just 1% of the Fiesta’s total numbers. The Style fared only a little better, with 1290 units sold, representing 2% of total sales.

The new entry-level Fiesta model, the Zetec, accounted for 58% of sales in the same period, while Titanium made up 21%. Even the range-topping ST out-sold the base models combined, with the hot hatch accounting or 6.5% of sales.

Dropping the Studio and Style trim levels is therefore not likely to have an impact on the Fiesta’s title as the UK’s best-selling car.

Buyers hoping to grab a last minute bargain may be tempted towards showroom examples of remaining Studio and Style Fiestas. Expect dealers to offer some hefty discounts on the now discontinued versions.

The car previous buyers of those models are now expected to opt for, the Ka+, is already on sale. First deliveries are expected to arrive in November.