Our photographers have captured more images of the soon-to-be-revealed updated Ford Fiesta supermini wearing less camouflage than ever before.
The current Ford Fiesta has been on sale since 2017, with a typical model’s lifecycle meaning an update is imminent; the Blue Oval is readying a refreshed version of its hit supermini for an imminent debut in 2021.
Captured here in sporty ST-Line guise, as well as entry-level trim, these test cars wear a light disguise to conceal the revised front end styling of the upcoming facelifted model.
Even so, the ST-Line’s resculpted front bumper vents are visible, along with a new honeycomb mesh for the front grille. The headlight clusters have also been refreshed, featuring a new LED running light signature.
The headlights of the entry-level car have also been redesigned, and the lower front bumper has been given a tweak. For both models, changes will be more subtle at the rear, which appears almost entirely unchanged.
ST-Line trim will feature new, darkened tail-lights, however, with the roof spoiler and sporty rear bumper of the current car being carried over.
We expect few changes inside, too. These development cars appear to retain the existing eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, although it’s thought that some models will receive the fully digital dashboard found in the brand’s Fiesta-based Puma compact SUV. Other updates will likely extend to new trim pieces and upholstery choices.
Last year, Ford axed the diesel-powered Fiesta and unveiled a pair of new powertrain options, borrowed from the Puma. Both use a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid tech, which provides a small boost in performance and efficiency.
The mild-hybrid variant is available with either 123bhp or 153bhp form, and will probably sit alongside the conventional petrol units of the current range.
This includes an entry-level, naturally aspirated 1.1-litre motor with 74bhp, and a non-hybrid 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo unit with 94bhp. All will be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, although hybrid Fiestas will be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
We recently spied the upcoming, facelifted Ford Fiesta Active, featuring a raised ride height and rugged plastic body cladding. The Active will adopt the same powertrain options and subtle styling alterations as the standard hatchback, while commanding a small premium.
Ford is expected to reveal the refreshed Fiesta before the end of the year, with sales commencing in late 2021 before deliveries in 2022.
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