The all-new next-generation Fiesta is to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. Although Ford hasn't yet released official pictures, we have a pretty clear idea of what the Fiesta Mk 6 is going to look like from these unofficial 'spy shots', which reveal a smaller Ford Focus. It is set to be far roomier and more refined than the current model, as well as being a rewarding drive. Much of its underpinnings will be lifted from the Focus, and predictions are that it is to be around 12 ft 10 in long, 5 ft 7 in wide and 4 ft 9 in tall - a significant increase over the current car.
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The new range is expected to feature 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines as already used in the Focus (80 bhp and 100 bhp respectively) while a lower-powered 1.3-litre will follow later. There will also be a 68 bhp, 1.4-litre diesel unit developed in conjunction with PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) which will also feature in the forthcoming Peugeot 107 and Citroen C3. Most exciting for hot-hatch enthusiasts, however, is the rumour of an ST150 high-performance version to take on the Renault Sport Clio 172, BMW MINI Cooper and others, with 150 bhp and a seven-second 0-60 mph acceleration time. There could also be a turbo-charged RS variant, promising around 170 bhp; apparently, an ultra-hot Fiesta Cosworth has been ruled out.
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Of more interest to most buyers, however, will be the sheer choice of variants and specifications; the L, LX, Zetec and Ghia badges are to be retained and three different gearboxes are on the way: a standard five-speed manual, a clutchless manual similar to Toyota's Freetronic and a sequential semi-auto. The five-door version will be launched first, the three-door following in October or November 2002; the three-door's later arrival has been caused by the need for some late restyling. Originally, this model was to have been the replacement for both the current three-door Fiesta and the Ka, but Ford eventually decided that the Fiesta was too big to replace the Ka, and has had to rework its looks so as not to clash with the existing Ka, which will now live on.
The three- and five-door versions of the Fiesta will have different characters and be targeted at different markets: three-door models to younger, sporty-minded drivers, and five-door models to small families or older, comfort-seeking buyers. Further down the line, the Fiesta will follow fashion and spawn a mini-MPV, known as the Urban Activity Vehicle.
Meanwhile, the related Ka range will be strengthened with the arrival of the StreetKa roadster in January 2003, and mildly reworked versions of the existing hatchback, to be called SportsKa and CityKa, the intention being to market the Ka family as a separate brand, like the DaimlerChrysler/MCC Smart and BMW MINI.
The Fiesta has come a long way from its 1976 namesake, and is set to develop even further. It might have some way to go before it catches up with the world's best-selling car of all time, the Toyota Corolla, of which over 23 million have been made, but then the original Corolla was launched 10 years earlier. The Corolla has also never met with the same affection in the UK as the Fiesta, which should continue as one of Britain's favourites for a lot longer yet. Happy 25th, Fiesta.
