Ford unveiled no fewer than 4 versions of the next-generation Ford Fiesta at its #GoFurther event in Cologne, Germany. The newcomer (of which a production version will be released in Europe mid-2017) is expected to arrive in South Africa in early 2018.

The line-up showcased at the event included the 5-door Fiesta Titanium, the Ford Performance-inspired Fiesta ST-Line (not to be confused with the ST derivative, which is in the pipeline), the eye-catching Fiesta Vignale 3-door and the crossover-styled Fiesta Active, which is best described as a rival to the pre-facelift Volkswagen Polo's CrossPolo derivative.

Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company, was joined by Mark Fields, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company, to unveil four new production versions of the next generation Fiesta to an audience of 2 500 dealers, employees and media at the company’s Cologne Niehl manufacturing facility – the home of Fiesta.

The next generation debuted with a spectacular unveil to music performed by the award-winning DJ Yoda assisted by a “YuMi” collaborative robot. Ford is among the first automotive manufacturers to develop a new, closely integrated approach to car workers and collaborative robots working together on the assembly line. DJ Yoda and “YuMi” performed a setlist of tracks from 1976 onward in celebration of Fiesta’s 40th anniversary.

“Four years ago, at the first Go Further event, Ford promised a leaner, smarter business in Europe with great products and new technologies – and we’ve over-delivered through the talent, ingenuity and passion of our people,” Farley said.

Billed as the "most technically advanced (and most fun to drive) small car in the world", with "standard-setting refinement, craftmanship and upscale interior materials", the next-generation Fiesta is also said to offer "more grip, a more responsive driving experience and benchmark NVH control".

Fiesta gets SYNC3, less buttons

Whereas social media reaction to the newcomer's evolutionary exterior styling has been mixed, the ergonomic interior, which offers an 8?inch floating high-definition touchscreen and Ford’s sophisticated SYNC3 communications and entertainment system is certainly a highlight. By utilising the new system, the Blue Oval has reduced the number of fascia buttons by 20! It will also be the first Ford to deliver a premium B&OPLAY Sound System.

Engine choice

Meanwhile, the Fiesta's 1.0-litre EcoBoost will be the first three-cylinder engine in the world to feature cylinder deactivation. The technology can disengage or re-engage the cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – and combined with advanced solutions to counteract vibrations, will be imperceptible to drivers in terms of operation and engine performance.

The 1.0-lite EcoBoost engine will be offered in 3 states of tune with either 74 kW, 92 kW and 103 kW. A 3-cylinder 1.1-litre petrol will also be available with either 52 kW or 63 kW. A 1.5-litre diesel engine will offer 63 kW or 88 kW. All Fiesta derivatives will have a stop-start button while manual versions will gain an ECO button to maximise efficiency.

We will keep you updated as more information regarding the new Ford Fiesta becomes available.

Watch the spectacular reveal at Ford's Cologne plant below:

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