Ford Fiesta: old vs new

The 7th Generation Ford Fiesta was launched in 2017 and offers a more upmarket image than its predecessor. Let us take you through what’s new with the UK’s best-selling car.

Styling

Given that the facelifted 6th Generation Fiesta (launched in 2013) is the best-selling yet, it’s no surprise that Ford have stuck with a similar design for its successor with its sleek lines and Aston Martin-style grille. It is bigger than its predecessor; 65mm longer and 26mm wider, to be exact.

If you’re looking for something sporty, the ST-Line trim has been carried over to the latest model, which offers larger alloys and aggressive body kit resembling that of the new Fiesta ST that was launched earlier in 2018.

Interior

This is where the new Fiesta has seen the most changes. The cabin of its predecessor was deemed dated, since it had been in use since its launch in 2008. You now get plenty of features as standard, like automatic headlights, manual speed limiter and lane-keeping system, which all help keep insurance premiums down.

As you move up the trims, you’ll find hi-tech equipment like a touchscreen infotainment system, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control and auto high beam, which prevents dazzle for oncoming drivers at night. You can also find a wide range of optional extras, like adaptive cruise control and retractable door-edge protectors, which are definitely worth keeping an eye out for on the used market.

The 6th Generation Fiesta wasn’t best known to be spacious for taller passengers in the rear, whereas that’s now changed for the 7th Generation, offering a much more comfortable amount of room for 2 tall adults.

Boot space, on the other hand, has barely changed - 292 litres versus the predecessor’s 290. However, the larger cabin space has resulted in 119 more litres with both rear seats folded down.

Engines

Ford has stuck with its winning formula by offering the Ecoboost engine across the board. Also available are the non-turbocharged 1.1 litre petrol engine, which is cheaper to insure, and a 1.5 TDCi diesel engine, available with 85 or 120bhp. Because the Fiesta is now larger, it is also heavier, which has resulted in the 0-60mph time being compromised. The 125bhp Ecoboost models now do 0-60 in 9.9 seconds, compared to the predecessor’s 9.4 seconds, though this may not be noticeable for many.

The hot hatch ST is now available with a 1.5 litre Ecoboost engine with 197bhp, compared to the preceding 1.6 Ecoboost with 182bhp. The extra power has resulted in a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the old model.

The verdict

The New Fiesta is certainly a worthy successor and the new, hi-tech features bring it in line with the competition. However, the new tech comes at a price, with prices starting from around £12,000 on the used market for a year-old model.

CarShop  stock a wide range of used Ford Fiestas in their showrooms across the country. If you’re in a market for a Ford Fiesta, visit one of our showrooms and take as many test drives as you’d like.

Click here to see our full range of Fiestas.