Ford adds to Fiesta van appeal

Ford has updated its Fiesta Van, with a redesigned exterior, improved efficiency and an enhanced technology package. Available in Trend and Sport trim levels, the styling includes a new bonnet and grille design. LED headlights are standard and the rear lights get black surrounds.

Sport models have a honeycomb grille with gloss black finish and wide, body-coloured vents. Lower sports suspension combine with 17” alloys, or optional 18” wheels, while inside the van there is two-tone red and ebony trim. On the Trend vans there is a broad upper grille with horizontal strakes and a high-gloss chrome surround and 15” steel wheels are standard.

Sharing its body with the latest three-door Fiesta car, the van has a full height bulkhead with mesh upper. There is a flat load floor with four tie-down points and rear side glazing is replaced by solid panels. Maximum payload is set at 531kg, while the vans have a 0.96m3 load volume and a load length of up to 1,2843mm.

Driver assistance has been improved, with a Parking Pack that includes Active Park Assist. This system can detect a suitable parking space and control the steering for hands-free perpendicular and parallel parking. A rear-view camera helps with manoeuvring, while the standard LED lights can be upgraded to Matric LED headlights, capable of adapting their beam patterns to meet the driving situation. This includes Manoeuvring Light and Bad-Weather Light settings, triggered by sensors, along with Glare-Free High Beam, that uses a front-facing camera to detect oncoming traffic.

The vans can also be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Alert and Active Braking, Lane-Keeping Aid and Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking. Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment,

which comes with an 8” touchscreen, can also provide Live Traffic updates and local hazard information.

Under the bonnet the Fiesta Van can be had with Ford’s 125hp EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol engine, equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system. The 48V battery is powered by a belt-driven integrated starter/generator, in place of the standard alternator. This technology can restart the engine in just 350 milliseconds, allowing greater use of the Auto Start-Stop system, even when coasting at speeds below 15mph. The Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid promises up to 56.4mpg and CO2 emissions from just 113g/km.

Prices start at £16,715 for the Trend van and £16,790 for the Sport. First deliveries are expected early next year.

SHAPE OF RANGER TO COME

Ford has released a teaser shot of an updated Ranger pick-up truck, to be shown later this year prior to launch in 2022. The truck is said to boast superior off-road credentials and more dynamic driving capabilities. While there is little detail yet, it is thought that the new model may boast a hybrid driveline option, as Ford moves to electrify its entire vehicle line-up going forwards. This fourth generation Ranger will also form the basis of the next Volkswagen Amarok, as the German manufacturer returns to the truck sector next year.