The facelifted Ford Fiesta has been announced, bringing some visual updates and spec changes across the range.

Despite the onslaught of the SUV, B-segment hatchbacks are still performing well as far as sales go. Volkswagen continues to churn out plenty of Polos, both for local and international consumption. With the updated Volkswagen Polo hitting European showrooms in September 2021 and SA introduction scheduled for early 2022, its nemesis the Ford Fiesta has also been given a refresh.

For the international market, the facelifted Ford Fiesta has been grouped into bodystyles including regular hatchback, Active (Crossover) and ST (performance).

Visually, the facelifted Ford Fiesta now comes with LED headlights as standard across the range, with top-spec derivatives featuring the matrix LED lights with anti-dazzle tech. Other visual changes include a new-look grille design which will differ across the trim levels. The new-look headlights are complemented by some revised tail lamps.

Inside, the facelifted Ford Fiesta now comes with a digital 12.3-inch dashboard that replaces the standard analogue dials. There’s also the addition of numerous safety techologies like radar-guided cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

As far as engines go, it appears the EcoBoost range has been carried over. The Ford Fiesta ST (which is not available in SA) gets a small boost in torque and its outputs are rated at 147 kW and 320 Nm from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. A claimed 0-100 kph of 6.5 seconds is being touted.

The standard engine lineup comprises the 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder in three states of tune: 75 kW, 91 kW and 115 kW. For this facelift, the powertrain gains 48V mild-hybrid technology to save on emissions and improve economy, and as before, customers are given a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa representative told Cars.co.za this week that the Silverton-based company could not confirm the future local availability of the facelifted Fiesta.

Further Reading

Volkswagen Polo vs Ford Fiesta Comparison Review

Ford Fiesta (2018) Launch Review