2017 Ford Fiesta release date, specs news: New supermini is sophisticated, more efficient

Ford Motor Company recently introduced the 2017 Fiesta during a special Go Further event in Cologne, Germany. The seventh-generation supermini is bigger, safer and more efficient. It also comes with the most sophisticated range of features and technologies.

The 2017 Ford Fiesta is offered in four trims — ST-Line, Titanium, Vignale, and Active.

The performance-focused ST-Line comes with sporty styling seen in the alloy wheels, grille, bumpers, and side-skirt designs. Inside, there are also sporty seats, alloy pedals and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Further enhancing the trim is a sports suspension. Meanwhile, the best-selling Titanium trim delivers a simple yet stylish design.

The range-topping model, Vignale, comes with upscale features including 18-inch alloy wheel designs and quilted, tuxedo-switched leather seats.

New this year is the Active trim, the first crossover model with an SUV-inspired design. It is a soft-roader with higher ground clearance, roof bars and a special body kit.

While the 2017 Fiesta stays true to its iconic design, Ford has enhanced its exteriors with new aesthetics like a stronger appearance with superior quality and refinement. It also has new dimensions as it is 71 mm longer and 12 mm wider.

Under the hood, the new supermini comes with a base 1.1-liter petrol engine that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. There are also other powertrain options like the new 1.5-liter TDCi high-power diesel engine and the 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine with cylinder deactivation. Fuel efficiency was taken into consideration by providing Auto Start-Stop technology and an Active Grille Shutter. Manual vehicles also get an Eco driving mode.

Driving experience is enhanced by a new suspension, a stiffer body structure and Electronic Torque Vectoring Control.

Inside, the car has sophisticated and ergonomic features. Customers are presented with more personalization options like a panoramic glass roof. There is a new dashboard layout that can be equipped with the optional 8-inch floating touchscreen display. The SYNC 3 infotainment system can control audio, provide navigation, and recognize voice commands. Furthermore, there is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a B&O PLAY sound system.

Advanced safety features offered by Ford include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Lake Keep Aid and Forward Collision Warning, among others. There are also two cameras, three radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors that provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle.

The 2017 Ford Fiesta will arrive in Europe in mid-2017.