Ford: New Fiesta just the way you want it
Ford is not only rounding off the popular Fiesta range with the next generation of the sporty ST, but is also introducing the Active, a crossover of its bestseller. With the Active, Ford continues the concept of a crossover begun with the Ka+. Black-rimmed wheel arches, side skirts with silver inserts, a suggested underride guard on the [...]
With the Active, Ford continues the concept of a crossover started with the Ka+. Black-rimmed wheel arches, side sills with silver inserts, a suggested underride guard at the rear as well as a spec front spoiler lip, fog lights positioned vertically instead of horizontally and optional roof rails are the key features. But the first impression is deceptive. If you take a closer look, you'll notice that the Active stands a bit higher than its civilian brother. The Cologne-based company has given its small crossover 19 millimeters more ground clearance and widened the track by one centimeter.
Clearly structured and more valuable looking interior
Otherwise, the same applies to the entire model series after the renewal a good ten months ago: Ford has given its small car a more clearly structured and more valuable-looking interior. The soft-touch surface of the dashboard, the carbon-like decorative elements and the large, easy-to-grip steering wheel, as well as the free-standing touchscreen in the center, stand for this change. Buyers can choose from five engines, including two diesels, with outputs ranging from 85 hp to 140 hp, and three trim levels including partial leather and a 675-watt audio system.
The sporty ST with 200 hp has become a different car
After the first few kilometers, the second candidate in the Fiesta portfolio is a real joy: the ST. Ford also offers the small sports car with 200 hp as a family-friendly five-door model. 200 HP? That's what the predecessor had last time, too. The brand's performance department has done a great job here. For example, the Fiesta ST has the stiffest twist-beam axle of all Ford models worldwide and the most direct steering ratio. You can feel it every meter of the way.
The tuning of the individual driving modes is optimally successful
The high-revving 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (with cylinder deactivation) suits the B-segment sports car extremely well. When the car is pushed, the exhaust roars wonderfully from the flaps, while when accelerating, the throaty roar is subtly underscored by the speakers of the audio system in the cockpit. Ford's specialists deserve great praise above all for the successful tuning of the individual driving modes. While the normal mode already gives enough reason for pleasure and conveys a high level of dynamic enjoyment, the "Sport" setting actually raises the ST another notch higher. The "Race" setting, which is only intended for the racetrack despite activated (but deactivatable) ESP, adds a little extra. Prices start at 24,200 francs.
