Currently reading: Paris motor show 2012: Ford Fiesta
Mid-life revisions bring 1.0-litre Ecoboost and a new 1.5-litre diesel to the facelifted Ford Fiesta line-up

Ford has added the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Ecoboost engine to the Ford Fiesta, Britain's biggest-selling car, as part of a series of mid-life changes.

Also new to the Fiesta, launched at the Paris motor show, is a refreshed exterior look, a new 1.5-litre diesel engine and the addition of Ford’s new Sync multimedia system to a lengthier options list.

The 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine will be available with 99bhp and 118bhp power outputs, with Ford expecting best-in-class fuel economy. Sub-100g/km CO2 emissions are expected, as is combined economy around the 70mpg mark. A lower-powered version of the three-cylinder engine is expected some time after launch.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine from the Ford B-Max will be offered with 74bhp from launch. Eventually, this engine is expected to be offered with a wide range of power outputs and will replace the current 1.4 and 1.6 diesels in Ford’s line-up.

Four other petrol engines will also be available from launch for the standard model. A 1.0-litre unit producing 79bhp, a 104bhp 1.6 and two variants of 1.25-litre engine producing 59bhp and 81bhp will be offered. Diesel choices are limited to a 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with power outputs of 94bhp and 148lb ft of torque.

The other major powertrain addition to the revised Fiesta line-up is the 177bhp 1.6-litre Ecoboost unit for the new ST. The Fiesta ST is the only version to undergo any chassis changes; the standard Fiestas will carry over unchanged from before.

The ST, revealed at the Geneva motor show last March, previewed much of the styling changes the standard Fiesta range has now received.

Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s design chief, describes the latest Fiesta as having a more sophisticated look, but one that stills looks fresh and sporty.

Styling changes are most prominent at the front, where there is a larger trapezoidal grille, more dramatically shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights, and a ‘power dome’ bonnet.

Interior styling changes are less prominent, with the biggest difference being revised switchgear for the centre console.

While the look of the cabin doesn’t stray too far from that of the previous Fiesta, equipment levels are given a lift with the option of Ford’s Sync multimedia system. First introduced in Europe with the B-Max, Sync is a voice-activated system that allows drivers to make calls and access mobile devices wirelessly.

Other new additions to the Fiesta include Active City Stop, which slows the car automatically if it detects an impending accident, and the MyKey system.

The Style, Zetec and Titanium trim levels will be available with Ford’s ECOnetic Technology, which delivers emissions of 87g/km CO2 and up to 85.6mpg. A six-speed Powershift transmission will be available for the updated Fiesta.

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The range-topping Titanium X trim level includes a key free system, a partial leather interior and a DAB radio as standard.

Deliveries of the revised Fiesta officially commence in the UK on 1 January. Deliveries of the revised Fiesta officially commence in the UK on 1 January. Prices will range from £9,795 to £17,545.

Mark Tisshaw/Jim Holder

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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Flash Harry 7 September 2012

The Fiesta did not need a

The Fiesta did not need a facelift.The interior does look much better though.The 1.0 triple should be a hoot to drive though.

JagFury 6 September 2012

no

looks ugly like its snorting its nose

IIII 5 September 2012

Ugly

Not sure the grille works, ruins the front end totally for me. Still be a remarkably good drive though, 'specially with this 1.0 triple...!?