Ford’s globally popular compact hatchback is due a facelift having not undergone any significant changes since this generation’s introduction in 2017.

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

Ford South Africa may be moving towards an SUV and bakkkie future but its Fiesta remains a favourite in the compact hatch segment, even if sales are a fraction of the heights they were some 5 to 10 years ago.

The Fiesta used to be the segment-leading Polo’s closest competition but rivals have taken over its spot offering newer, more advanced tech at similar prices. Then, there’s the compact SUV segment, which has further cut Fiesta sales leaving it languishing down on the sales charts. There is hope though as the facelift looks to be ready for 2022.

Read:Comparative Review: Ford Fiesta vs Volkswagen Polo (2018) [w/video]

These spy shots don’t reveal any major design changes for the updated model beyond some new front bumper and light treatment as well as a new rear light signature. We can be fairly sure that nothing new is going on with the chassis either as this generation is expected to run until 2024/25. Minor suspension tuning may take place, but fundamentally this chassis has been around since the 2008 Fiesta was launched (barring a few tweaks to the suspension here and there).

With the Fiesta being produced by Ford Europe, the question of what will happen to the Fiesta after 2024/25 is up for discussion. Ford Europe has committed to an electric future from 2030 in Europe so the next model may be all-electric or be scrapped for something entirely different. Outside of Europe, Ford would have to decide if it’s worth selling an ICE Fiesta in markets where it can exist or whether the cost is worth it.

Ford has already canned its ST models locally, causing some strife with local fans of the brand but poor fuel quality and expensive import costs have made it difficult to make a business case for the ST brand. Check out our favourite ST models here.

Ford Fiesta engines

The entire Fiesta range is powered by the 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which will in all likelihood continue in the facelift model too. A 48V hybrid model would certainly be on the cards for Europe but globally, the standard, non-electric assist models would be more popular.

Ford South Africa has still yet to confirm if the facelifted Fiesta will be sold in SA.

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