Today, Ford has announced that its 2013 Fiesta, its best-selling vehicle in the UK, will receive major mid-life cycle changes.
Revealed ahead of the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the refreshened Ford Fiesta will receive a new 1.0 liter three-cylinder Ecoboost engine and a new 1.5 liter diesel.
The 1.0 liter Ecoboost will be available in 99-bhp and 118-bhp guise and Ford expects no less than best-in-class fuel economy figures in the ballpark of 70 mpg as well as less than 100g/km CO2 emissions . An even lower powered version of the 3-cylinder powerplant is expected after the initial launch of the refresh.
The 1.5 liter diesel is borrowed from the Ford B-Max and is rated at 74-bhp. Ford claims that its 1.5-liter is more flexible and can offer a range of power outputs that effectively replaces the current 1.4 liter and 1.6 liter diesel engines.
On the other end of the spectrum, the new Ford Fiesta ST will receive a potent 1.6 liter Ecoboost rated at 177-bhp. What's more, the Ford Fiesta ST will be the only model in the range to undergo chassis revisions.
The Ford Fiesta ST was first revealed in March during the Geneva Motor Show and had already previewed much of the styling updates applied for the mid-cycle refresh.
The most noticeable change to the exterior is the bold trapezoidal grille, the 'power-dome' engine cover, and the dramatically shaped headlights with LED daytime lights. According to Ford of Europe Design Chief Martin Smith, the Ford Fiesta has a more sophisticated look that remains fresh and sportier.
Inside, interior treatment stays relatively unchanged save for revised switchgear on the center console. Ford continues to improve upon its much criticized Sync multimedia system and this time, Sync offers a voice-activated option for easier access to mobile devices.
The official UK market release of the new Ford Fiesta will be January 1 while the Ford Fiesta ST will be due in March. Prices will remain the same while the new Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch will charge £17,000.
