After Ford launched Fiesta, we have seen numerous cars including Focus, Fusion, Escape, Edge and some other models. All these vehicles wore the same badge when they were introduced in Europe and other markets, and every market got pretty much the same version. However, now there is a new Fiesta for the Europe. One of the answers we heard from Ford’s officials is this:
“We are introducing the new Fiesta in Europe and the Middle East and Africa at this time and will have more to say about other markets at a later date. Fiesta remains an important part of our lineup.” Does this mean that Blue Oval will replace the ongoing Fiesta in the US as well? Or did they decide to skip a generation in North America?
Either way, the Euro-spec model was put to the test. The proportions of the new version are the more or less the same as the ones on the current car. Ford initially wanted to update the sheet-metal and replace the cheap-looking dashboard as well as add more driver-assist goodies. But this is what the American carmaker did.
The new seats that are taken from Focus are installed, and there is a wider range of adjustment indicating a new floor pressing. They also expanded the front track by more than an inch, plus they added new uprights, new struts, and top mounts. An all-new torsion beam was installed to get more lateral stiffness in the rear suspension, but we should also mention bigger wheels and stronger brakes. Even a new six-speed manual transmission is integrated into the mix.
The 2018 Ford Fiesta has fuller curves but fewer creases compared to its predecessor whereas the old exterior panels are replaced with the new ones. At the rear end, we can see one of the biggest modifications – the horizontal lights came instead of the old vertical units. When it comes to the new equipment, the Euro-spec Fiesta is now offered with adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, road-sign detection and blind-spot detection. We need to emphasize that most of these features are optional, but that is still a pretty solid set of equipment for a small car such as Fiesta.
Inside the cabin, there is a larger instrument binnacle while the touchscreen comes in the tablet format. The Fiesta in Europe will be equipped with full Sync 3 for the first time despite the fact that it has been present in the US for some time. Coin-flap vents are replaced with proper adjustable items, and the HVAC controls are better designed. However, there is still room for improvement especially when you see the door pulls.
The engineers increased the wheelbase by a negligible amount which means that the rear seat and trunk space is still modest. Under the hood, the 2018 Ford Fiesta packs a 1.0-liter turbo engine good for 138 hp which means that this car has 15 additional hp compared to the model sold in the North America. It is an almost unnoticeable difference, and the engine behaves the same way with distinctive vibrations in the mid revs. The transmission we have already mentioned is fast and responsive.
The tires which were on the wheels of the tested Fiesta provided an exceptional grip, especially in turns. However, damping can let slip on hard surfaces, but you can purchase an ST-Line package which has improved dampers and stiffer springs as well as anti-sway measures. The refinement of the Fiesta is a powerful asset, and if you don’t plan to transport four adults and two bicycles in your vehicle, Fiesta is the excellent choice for urban areas mostly because it is economical. It is also good on highways – better than expected.
Even though It is not the Honda Fit or Nissan Versa Note, vehicles that boast a lot of space, The European Ford Fiesta has gone through serious changes that will make Americans jealous.
