Ford Fiesta

In 2002, the all new third-generation car was unveiled, with no genetic links to the 1976 original. Of this Mk6 Fiesta, most engines were carried over from the previous Fiesta, but renamed "Duratec" with the "Zetec" tag used for the sportier models in place of the previous Si. Trim levels available initially were Finesse, LX, Zetec and Ghia, with limited edition variants soon following. The Mk6 was also the first Fiesta to feature the Anti-lock Braking System and passenger airbags as standard.

Engines available include 1.25 L, 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 2.0 L petrol (gasoline), plus 1.4 8v and 1.6 16v Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesels built in a joint venture with PSA.

In Brazil, the engine options include 1.0 L 8v, 1.0 L 8v Supercharged (95 hp, not sold any more in Brazil, though still assembled and exported to Colombia), as well as a Brazilian specific 1.6 L 8v alcohol/gasoline (110 hp) "RoCam" flexible-fuel version. The internal codename of this model is B256 (5 door) and B257 (3 door). The South American-market Fiesta was facelifted in early 2007 as a 2008 model, with new rectangular headlights and grille.

The Ford Fiesta ST is the performance variant of the new Fiesta, capable of speeds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h) and hopes to relive the success of the XR2. To differ it from the standard Fiesta, it also has visual enhancements, including 17" alloy wheels, different front and rear bumpers, side skirts, body colour handles and bump strips, partial leather seats and a ST logo on the steering wheel. The ST version features a 2.0L Duratec petrol engine, which produces 150 PS (147.9 hp/110.3 kW) in standard form.

In Australia, the Fiesta ST is sold as the Fiesta XR4. Like all Euro sporty Fords sold in Australia, they all use the 'XR' badging, instead of the 'ST' badging used in Europe.

This was also the first Fiesta to be sold in Asia and Australasia (all 1.6 L LX 3dr/5dr, Zetec 3dr, Ghia 5dr), replacing the Kia-based Festiva. In Brazil and Argentina, a Fiesta Saloon version was introduced in late 2004. A similar Fiesta Saloon model, with a different front end, was released in India in late 2005. Although the Mk6 Fiesta was ergonomically and mechanically more advanced than any previous Fiesta generation, it was criticized for being too dull and 'heavy' looking. However, the Mk6 facelift came with an improved exterior.

In 2002, it was the fifth best selling new car in the UK, but was pushed down to third place in the supermini charts by the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 206, not claiming top spot in its sector until 2006.

Mk6 facelift Revision (2005 –): Facelift & moderate revisions

2007 Front Facelift Fiesta Zetec-S
2007 Rear Facelift Fiesta Zetec-S
2005 Ford Fiesta STIn November 2005, a revised version of the Mk6 Fiesta went on sale. Also known as the Mk6.5. A number of cosmetic changes were introduced: front and rear lights featured new detailing (known as nipple lights), and bumpers, side mouldings and door mirrors were altered. A bright new colour palette was introduced.

Inside, the dashboard featured both a new design and better quality soft touch materials, following criticisms of the hard, cheaply textured original. A new analogue instrument display features in a style similar to the Mk 2 Ford Focus.

New technology was made available, including power folding mirrors, automatic and 'home-safe' headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, Bluetooth with voice control, Trip computer, MP3 player connectivity and the Electronic Stability Program.

The changes had immediate effects on sales. After years being outsold by Vauxhall's Corsa, among others, in February 2006 Ford announced sales in the preceding month were up 25% on January 2005 for the previous model. Furthermore, the Fiesta captured the title of Britain's most popular supermini in both 2006 and 2007, for the first time since 2001. [4]

In the United Kingdom, the car is available in Studio, Style, Style Climate, Zetec Climate, Zetec S, ST and Ghia trim levels. In 2007, more limited editions were added — the Fiesta Zetec Blue, and (following on from the hugely successful Fiesta Zetec S 30th Anniversary), the Fiesta Zetec S Celebration. In 2008, following in this tradition, the Fiesta Zetec S Red was added, as well as an ST500 model.