All-new Ford Fiesta Active Crossover delivers SUV-appeal and true Fiesta driving experience

FORD’S all all-new Fiesta Active is the first in a new family of Active crossover models inspired by sports utility vehicles (SUVs) that combine rugged styling and enhanced versatility with true fun-to-drive dynamics and sophisticated comfort and driver assistance technologies, for Europe’s growing numbers of SUV and crossover customers.

The all-new Fiesta Active model adds even more practicality to the multi-award-winning Fiesta in five-door body style, featuring raised ride-height that delivers greater ability over rough road tracks and a higher driving position for more confident urban and highway driving.

SUV-inspired exterior features include additional cladding, unique 17-inch alloy wheel designs, and roof rails to help carry bicycles or sports equipment – supporting active lifestyles. The interior features sports seats with exclusive materials and designs, standard SYNC 3 voice-activated connectivity and entertainment system, and available B&O PLAY premium audio for ultimate sound quality.

The Fiesta Active driving experience is enhanced with Drive Mode technology that enables drivers to choose between Normal, Eco and Slippery modes to match driving characteristics to the environment with the press of a button. Sophisticated powertrain options include Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offering up to 140 PS.

‘Car-buyers love the versatility, bold styling and confidence-inspiring abilities of SUVs – and demand has never been higher – which is why we’ve fused these qualities with our all-new Fiesta’s class-leading driving experience and advanced driving technologies to deliver a Fiesta Active crossover that seamlessly fits with our customers’ active lifestyles,’ said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service. Ford of Europe.

Ford SUV sales were up 24 per cent in 2017 – approaching 1 in 5 of every new Ford vehicle sold in Europe – driven by best-ever sales years for the compact EcoSport, mid-size Kuga and large Edge. The all-new Fiesta Active will be joined by the new KA+ Active value small car and all-new Focus Active five-door and wagon models on sale later this year.

The all-new Fiesta Active delivers a more rugged interpretation of the elegant all-new Fiesta exterior design, featuring dark cladding that flows from the front bumper lip, through the wheel arches and side profile to the rear. A dark grille with unique mesh pattern also features a dark surround, and front fog lamps are housed within dynamic C-shaped bumper recesses.

A bespoke rear bumper delivers a more commanding appearance, supported by available LED taillamps. Bright scuff plates feature front and rear, and unique-to-Active 17-inch alloy wheels are available in Rough Metal or Absolute Black finishes. Vibrant paint colours include Lux Yellow, Ruby Red and Blue Wave, and customers can also opt for a black or red contrast roof depending on body colour.

Fiesta Active ride height is increased by 18 millimetres over the standard all-new Fiesta chassis, and track increased by 10 millimetres, delivering a more imposing stance alongside greater rough road capability and a confidence-inspiring driving position.

High-quality materials, seamless surfaces and an intuitive layout feature for the interior. A leather steering wheel and gearknob, and satin aluminium detailing deliver a high-quality feel; contrasting with body-colour decorative elements for the central and passenger-side instrument panel.

The Fiesta Active’s sports seats are available with coloured stitching that forms horizontal bars down the centre of the backrests, and offer lumbar support for the driver and four-way adjustment for driver and passenger. An optional openable panorama roof allows daylight to flood the cabin for an even more open and spacious feel.

The all-new Fiesta Active delivers confidence for drivers whether on smooth Tarmac roads, gravel tracks or in slippery conditions, while retaining the fun-to-drive character of the multi-award-winning all-new Fiesta.

Optimised front shock absorbers feature a new hydraulic rebound stopper to smooth out bumps or jolts when driving over rough surfaces. Unique knuckle geometry for the suspension and bespoke settings for the springs and shock absorbers combine with revised electric power-assisted steering and electronic stability control (ESC) tuning for enhanced comfort and responsiveness across a multitude of surfaces.

Fiesta Active models offers three selectable Drive Modes:

• Normal mode uses the standard settings for ESC and Traction Control for everyday driving

• Eco mode – available with six-speed manual gearbox only – adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel when desired

• Slippery mode adjusts ESC and Traction Control settings for increased confidence on surfaces with reduced grip such as snow and ice; reducing straight-ahead wheel spin, including when pulling away from stationary. Slippery mode also helps drivers maintain control when cornering or changing lanes in slippery conditions by delivering small adjustments to the throttle and brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer