Watched the PR Event.
If priced right, that CUV-like makeup is Ford's license to print money in NA. Also, finally, integrated roof rails, which should have been implemented earlier considering the roof is already strong enough to support the car in a rollover. It seems to have also been given the most fanfare during the event as well as leading the pack around the floor.
It also looks as if in the rendering they slightly decreased the size of the seats in order to give a feeling of a larger greenhouse. Most of the size increase looks to be in the hips and rear profile, which give it a more wagon look. Certainly welcomed as it means more rear cargo space and maybe correctly folding rear seats. Though on further inspection they may have slightly peaked the front pillars allowing a taller front profile as well.
4 lug bolt pattern, and don't expect it to change as it is very popular globally.
Makes sense for a panoramic roof as it has been tricking down Ford's line-up. Though the weight and cost in the long run are a negative.
The front end design also takes cues from Clio and Peugeot (as well as the KA and KA+) which have definitely moved upmarket across the pond, defaulting the FiST as one of the cheapest hot hatches. Don't know if that will be true anymore.
I see a TCS Off button near the shifter, lane departure warning system, and it also looks like parking assist and collision avoidance? Looks to have loss the mini blind corner mirror (though of course this was just in NA). The touchscreen will entice even more people to steal these in Europe.
An actual Dead Pedal.
If we look at the ST-Line for evidence of the ST, it looks as if it will add larger/dynamic ground effects, front splitter with a more RS-derived cues, as well as a more aggressive spoiler and color accents inside.
If you have not watched the PR event, the Fiesta presentation was pretty good, though of course a pander to the younger gen. Starts around 1:20. The robot was cool but cringe-worthy. Is Europe getting it sooner than us? Will be receive leftovers as they phase out the current gen? Or are they simply referring to the 2017, as it would make sense for this to be released along the Ecosport in 2018. Also wouldn't the Active steal buyers from the EcoSport in Global markets?
Interesting that the Euro Marketing Lead said that the last year of production is this year for the current gen?? Also confirmed that the Fiesta will be moving upmarket, translation: more money. Is Europe getting it sooner than us? Will we receive leftovers as they phase out the current gen? Or are they simply referring to the 2017, as it would make sense for this to be released along the Ecosport in 2018.
Gone is the cursive Fiesta emblem, replaced with something akin to it's roots. No more aero on the mirror, so far, but it looks to have a curvy shape now.
Lastly there seems to be alot of indication that the 1.0 is the top engine for these trim levels. Nothing about the ST so far. What I found humorous was the Program Engineer saying that the ST-Line is the most fun small car to drive, when there is still the actual ST hiding somewhere. Though I think we may see the presentation of the ST from Ford Performance since that would make more sense.