The popular Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.25 LX
The popular Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.25 LX
It’s been the UK’s best-selling ever car for more than 40 years.
But despite selling more then 22-million models worldwide, Ford has ended the UK production of its much-loved supermini – the Fiesta.
Holding a special place in many people’s hearts and spanning multiple generations, the humble Fiesta has graced UK roads for almost five decades, transcending from merely a small car to iconic status.
Here, we take a look at the history of the much-beloved car.
During the 1970s, popular Ford models, the Cortina and Escort, dominated brand sales, and then, in 1972 Ford put ‘Project Bobcat’ into motion. Its brief: to create the most outstanding small car the world had ever seen. Due to the 1973 oil crisis, the economic climate changing and fuel prices rising, the demand for more cost-effective and smaller cars was high.
Ford decided to create a small front-wheel drive car that would tick all the boxes. However, few could have predicted its success. After coming up with the concept, Ford marketing named it ‘Bravo’, but they were overruled by CEO Henry Ford II who wanted Fiesta (meaning ‘party’ in Spanish), which portrayed a more vibrant aesthetic.
And, as they say, the rest is history.
The first-generation Fiesta ran from 1976-1983, first rolling off the production line in Valencia, Spain, while other factories in Europe were also used, including Ford’s plant in Dagenham, near London.
Launched as a three-door hatchback (and three-door panel van) in the UK in 1977, the Fiesta, with its modern looks and simple engineering, was an instant hit. Thanks in part to its low price (£1,856) and maintenance costs, over a million were sold worldwide in 1979.
The Fiesta was the first Ford car to feature a transverse engine layout, as well as being the brand’s first globally successful front-wheel drive model. Engineered to be as fuel-efficient as possible, the powertrains were initially available in a 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre Ghia variants, with a 1.6-litre arriving later. In 1981, Ford introduced the sporty XR2, the first Fiesta hot hatch. With a top speed of 105mph and 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds, the XR2 quickly became synonymous with the term ‘boy racer’.
Two years later, the Fiesta received an update, with the arrival of the second generation. Ford brought some improvements to the now slightly bigger model, including an additional fifth gear, improved aerodynamics, increased fuel efficiency and a 1.6-litre diesel engine – which would remain in the line-up for many years. A revised XR2 model was introduced in 1984 with improved suspension, brakes and body kit, while an automatic transmission was launched for the first time in 1987. By the time production ended in 1989, total global sales topped 4.5 million.
As the 1990s loomed, Ford decided to give the Fiesta a more radical makeover. With better efficiency, the third generation introduced a sleeker look and featured an array of updates, including for the first time, a five-door hatchback and a longer wheelbase variant. Refinement was also upgraded with better seats, higher interior quality, and more technology, including a heated windscreen, and it was the first small car ever to have ABS brakes installed.
New 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre powertrains were offered, alongside the 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre versions. Ford also brought out a sportier 100bhp XR2i hot hatch model in 1989 with a 1.6-litre twin cam powertrain and a five-speed gearbox. The XR2i was joined by another performance model, the RS Turbo (later named RS 1800). With a 16-valve 1.8-litre powertrain, sporting five-spoke alloys, spoiler and bonnet louvres, it was a hot hatch that packed a punch.
The fourth-generation Fiesta arrived in 1995 with a raft of noticeable differences. With a rounder aesthetic, better aerodynamics and enhanced fuel economy, the Fiesta introduced new 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre Zetec SE powertrains to the line-up. The Fiesta continued to be a hit with the public, dominating the sales charts. The powerful XR2i and RS 1800 were dropped and replaced with a sharper Zetec S which delivered 100bhp and harder looks. In 1999, the fourth-generation model was given a mid-life facelift in order to align with Ford’s ‘New Edge’ mantra. Revamped engines, leather options and side airbags were introduced. It was also the last Ford model to be produced at the Dagenham plant before vehicle assembly ceased in 2002.
That same year saw the launch of the fifth-generation Fiesta. Sporting a boxier design, it arrived with a new powertrain line-up including the Duratec 1.3-litre and the 1.6-litre 16-valve. Such was its popularity, that it went on to become Ford’s best-selling Fiesta generation. The car had advanced tech such as MP3, Bluetooth and fold-in mirrors. Featuring a new 2.0-litre, 150bhp powertrain, Ford also introduced the world to the long awaited XR2i replacement – their most powerful Fiesta to date, the Fiesta ST.
In 2008, the sixth-generation Fiesta was unveiled to widespread acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show under the ‘One Ford’ banner. With flair, style and a softer design, Ford wanted the model to appeal to the masses, and in doing so, was the first model to be universal, which meant globally, the model would be the same, allowing production to be more efficient and cost-effective. New Duratec 1.6-litre petrol and diesel powertrains were introduced to the range while the popular ST model made a return. Achieving 0-62mph in just seven seconds, a 1.6-litre EcoBoost powertrain, better handling and offering 180bhp, customers couldn’t get enough. A special run of the ST200 saw the power increase to 197bhp.
A mid-life tweak in 2013, brought a mild refresh, sharper looks and advanced technology, as well the reliable 1.0-litre EcoBoost powertrain. It also saw the Fiesta enter the world of WRC rallying. Over its eight-year production run, the Fiesta would retain its crown of being the top seller in Europe.
The seventh and final generation of the much-loved Fiesta was introduced in 2016. Bringing new distinctive characteristics, advanced tech and improved safety. The three and five-door hatch brought new Active and Vignale trims to the range. As the market expanded, Active brought a rugged approach with crossover vibes, while the top-of-the-range Vignale brought refinement and luxury to the supermini.
The popular ST model returned, with 197bhp and a 1.5-litre powertrain, as well as a limited-run Performance Edition – both were applauded for their driving dynamics and impressive powertrains. 2022 saw a mild facelift with improved safety features, an upgraded front end, new tech and mild-hybrid technology to boost performance and efficiency.
At the beginning of July, Ford produced the final Fiesta at its factory in Cologne, Germany, before the site is modified to make more room for more electric vehicles.
Production of the Focus will also cease in 2025 as the carmaker aims to have an electric-only fleet in Europe by 2035.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
Throughout the years, it has been a constant in many people’s lives. Its popularity throughout the years has rarely been matched. The seventh and final generation brings to an end a fantastic legacy, one that Ford can be proud of, and one that many people can cherish.
As the Fiesta says farewell, I have a funny feeling the Spanish party will live on, in hearts and minds, for many years to come.
Hasta la vista Fiesta.
