The next-generation of Ford's popular supermini, the Fiesta, is set to debut in 2017. Our spy photographer has caught prototypes undergoing testing in Europe.

Ford's current Fiesta has been around since 2009 and has remained amazingly popular during this long model life. In fact, last year was this Fiesta generation's best sales year in the UK! But, with the competition getting stiffer and the Fiesta falling behind in terms of interior packaging and ergonomics, a replacement is around the corner.

PHOTOS: S.Baldauf/ S.B Medien

Reports suggest a new model that is slightly larger than before, with a particular emphasis on improving rear knee and shoulder room – areas where the Fiesta has been lagging its rivals. Up front, the cluttered current facia will make way for a more minimalistic design featuringFord's SYNC3 info-tainment system.The growth in size and (primarily) sophisticationmakes sense as Ford has just released a new, bigger Ka+ (badged Figo in SA) in Europe, positioned below the current Fiesta.

At this point drivetrain news is based on pure speculation, but a hot tip is that only three-cylinder turbo engines will feature. It is also rumoured that the dual-clutch transmission will be dropped.

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