Ford Fiesta through the ages

The Ford Fiesta has been a key player in the automobile industry ever since the first production work began in 1972. But, however promising the early models were, it’s hard to imagine that anyone could have envisaged the Fiesta’s subsequent crowning as the UK’s most popular car.

“Project Bobcat” was the label given to the highly-secret early work on the Ford Fiesta, and the initial design was inspired by the fuel crisis of 1973. Ford’s engineers aimed to create a truly fuel-efficient vehicle, hence the compact, aerodynamic frame, and use of pioneering early technology. The name “Fiesta” was chosen by Henry Ford II in 1975, and shortly afterwards the first model was produced.

Boasting the vibrant design that its name suggested, along with class-leading performance specifications, the Ford Fiesta was an instant hit, and in 1982 it was voted the best car in its class in both England and Germany, a title it actually went on to achieve for six years running. Never content with success, Ford released a new model the following year – the sporty Fiesta MK2, which could be fitted with a 1.3-litre engine and incorporated a fifth gear.

Ford has rewarded motorists with a variety of special edition models down the years, including 2011’s Fiesta Centura edition, which celebrated the manufacturer’s 100th anniversary. The Centura was based on the Fiesta Zetec trim level, and it boasted a distinctively sleek design, along with a 1.25-litre petrol engine with enough efficiency to exempt its driver from road tax for the first year. Nowadays, motorists can choose an S1600 134 PS limited edition Fiesta, which is performance-oriented, with a 1.6-litre Duratec engine and a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds.

If there was any doubt as to the Ford Fiesta’s impact on the industry, it is still officially the most popular car in the UK, with 109,265 units sold in 2012 alone. The awards keep on accumulating, with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine picking up the top German Paul Pietsche award in 2013 for technological innovation.

The latest model can be fitted with the EcoBoost engine to achieve fuel economy at 85.6 MPG, and CO2 emissions from 87g/km. With its trademark compact frame and vibrant design, the Fiesta will be a presence on UK roads for many years to come. If you would like to test drive the new Ford Fiesta, please get in touch with Gates Ford, located in Essex, or fill out an enquiry form.

Find out more about the The New Ford Fiesta Available from Gates Ford