Ford Fiesta - Sixth generation (2008-2019)

The sixth generation of the Ford Fiesta was based on a series of ‘Ford Verve’ concept cars. The first ‘Verve’ concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007.

This iteration of the Fiesta was developed under the project codes B299 and B409 – and utilised the specially-created Ford global B-car platform.

Production began in August 2008 at Ford’s plant in Cologne, Germany. The sixth-generation Fiesta is available in four body styles including a three and five-door hatchback, a four-door saloon – and a three-door van.

Key features for this generation include the Ford Convers+ menu system with steering wheel button controls, the ‘Easyfuel’ capless refuelling system - and optional ambient lighting.

A facelifted Fiesta was introduced in September 2012 at the Paris Motor Show. This revised model had a new trapezoidal grille and Ford’s latest corporate front end. High-end equipment from the Focus and Mondeo lines were also made available for the revamped Titanium X model.

Ford Fiesta Fifth generation (2002-2008)

The fifth-generation Ford Fiesta was unveiled on 1st April 2002 and production started at the Ford Almussafes plant at the end of the month.

With this iteration, most of the engines were carried over from the previous generation but renamed ‘Duratec’ (as the ‘Zetec’ name was now reserved for Ford’s sportier models). This version of the Fiesta was built on the Ford B3 platform.

Trim levels available at launch included the ‘Finesse’, ‘LX’, ‘Zetec’ and ‘Ghia’. This generation was the first Fiesta to feature an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and passenger airbags as standard.

Body styles available for this generation included a 3 and 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon and a 3-door panel van. The fifth generation of the Fiesta was the most advanced and best-selling to date.

Ford Fiesta Fourth generation (1995-2002)

Launched in October 1995, the fourth-generation Ford Fiesta was Britain’s best-selling car from 1996 to 1998, before it was overtaken by another model in Ford’s roster – the brand-new Focus!

This generation benefited from overhauled interior and exterior styling, whilst maintaining similar dimensions to previous models.

A new range of Zetec-SE engines was introduced with this generation, including 1.25 and 1.4-litre petrol engines – and a 1.8-litre diesel version. Lower-spec versions came equipped with the Kent 1.3-litre OHV engine.

The Mazda 121 and Ford Fiesta shared an identical design, were built on the same production lines - and mostly used the same parts. Mazda’s sales were slower, although their 121 scored better in reliability surveys than the Fiesta.

Ford Fiesta Third generation (1989-1997)

Ford unveiled the third-generation Fiesta (codenamed ‘BE-13’) in late 1988, before it went on sale in February 1989.

This iteration was based on the Ford B platform and abandoned the rear beam axle from older generations in favour of a semi-independent torsion beam arrangement. Its looks were also significantly overhauled – and a 5-door option was introduced for the first time to match rivals such as the Peugeot 106 and Vauxhall Nova.

The running gear was also changed to a high-compression swirl version from the Kent/Valencia powerplant – and the engine capacity of the diesel version was increased to 1.8 litres.

When the next generation launched in 1995, third-generation models were still being produced and sold brand new. To help buyers distinguish between the two generations, the older versions were sold as the ‘Fiesta Classic’.

Ford Fiesta Second generation (1983-1989)

The second-generation Ford Fiesta launched in August 1983, sporting a revamped front end and interior. Body styles available with this generation included a 3-door hatchback and a 3-door panel van. The core range included the ‘Popular’, ‘Popular Plus’, ‘L’, ‘Ghia’, ‘1.4S’ and ‘XR2’.

With this generation, the XR2 received a significant upgrade. The new version featured a 96 bhp (brake horsepower) 1.6-litre CVH engine (previously used for the Escort XR3) - and a five-speed gearbox.

However, Ford deliberately avoided producing a ‘hot’ version of the Fiesta at this time to protect sales of their Escort line.

Nevertheless, aftermarket conversions were popular – and English company Turbo Technics offered a boost to 125bhp – a significant improvement over the factory model. Ford was impressed by the quality of their work and authorised installation at their approved fitting centres. (Owner’s warranties remained valid after conversion.)

Ford Fiesta First generation (1976-1983)

Launched in 1976, the flagship Ford Fiesta was the American automaker’s first multinational front-wheel drive automobile. It was available in two body styles: a 3-door hatchback and a 3-door panel van.

Although Ford’s marketing team had preferred the name ‘Bravo’, Henry Ford II overruled them, instead choosing ‘Fiesta’ - and the rest is history! The name ‘Fiesta’ belonged to General Motors, who had used it for their ‘Oldsmobile’ in the 1950s - although they granted Ford permission to use it.

All first-generation Fiestas featured 12” wheels as standard. Disc brakes were fitted at the front – and drum brakes at the rear. Whilst many rivals used torsion bars for suspension, the Fiesta used coil springs.

The first iteration of the Ford Fiesta sold well in most European markets. In the UK, it was the 9th best-selling car in its first year – and had reached 3rd by 1981.