Ford Reveals the New-Gen Fiesta and its Wannabe Micro-Crossover Version

2018 Ford Fiesta (Credit: © Ford )

While it’s not anything overly exciting, Ford has just revealed its new-generation Fiesta, which will join the lineup for the 2018 model year.

There is still no press release for the new Fiesta; instead, Ford unveiled the new city car in a live broadcast that revealed only a handful of details. Fortunately, the automaker did reveal a slew of images of its new hatchback, and it proves that Ford decided not to break the mold with this redesign.

The 2018 Fiesta features the same basic silhouette as the current model, but its details are massaged a bit. The changes include tweaked headlights, a longer and flatter hood, a new grille, a revised and cleaner front fascia, and a shorter rear overhang. Around back, it’s easy to spot that Ford scrapped the vertical taillights for more traditional horizontal units.

2018 Ford Fiesta Active (Credit: © Ford )

A big change for this new generation is the Active variant, which is just about as pointless as the recently unveiled Spark Activ. This model, while limited in detail, appears to feature a higher ride height, black plastic body cladding and a black mesh grille, making it look the part of a crossover. Like its Spark Activ rival, this lifted Fiesta will likely come with only front-wheel drive and no off-road capabilities whatsoever.

The new-generation Fiesta will continue to offer the ST variant, which will gain an exclusive grille and front apron, larger wheels, and a more aggressive body kit.

2018 Ford Fiesta ST (Credit: © Ford )

Powertrain details are quite scarce, as Ford only revealed a few details on the Europe-spec model’s driveline. It mentioned that a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine will remain available, only this time with active cylinder management to conserve fuel when cruising. It also mentioned that there will be diesel versions and that five- and six-speed transmissions available. These is no mention of what powertrains the U.S. will have available.

Stay tuned for updates as we approach the new-generation Fiesta’s launch in 2017.