Hills Ford's video: FORD FIESTA ACTIVE 2018 IN-DEPTH REVIEW HILLS FORD

Here's a Fiesta - but not quite as you know it. For those who kind of like the idea of a small SUV but aren't quite ready to take the plunge, the Fiesta Active might be just perfect. A few off road cues, some extra traction for slippery surfaces and efficient running costs will all make it tempting to those wavering on the brink of small Crossover ownership. Background Just about every market segment seems to offer an SUV option these days and the supermini sector is no exception. Ever since the turn of the century, we've had superminis on sale with ruggedized exteriors - usually marked out by body cladding and a bit of extra ride height. Long-forgotten contenders that come to mind include the Rover Streetwise, the Volkswagen Polo Dune, the Citroen C3 XTR and, a little more seriously, the Suzuki Swift 4x4. This Ford Fiesta Active is a slightly more serious effort than most of those: thanks to a multi-mode traction control system, it actually does have some 'off piste' ability for a start, though you'd be wise to limit that to rough tracks that aren't too arduous. Does this trendy variant make sense? Let's find out. Driving Experience As part of our test, we took the chance to try this car on a slippery surface so we could sample this variant's selectable drive modes. There are three settings - Eco, Normal and Slippery. This car's rough-terrain capabilities are also enhanced by a slightly higher ride height and by the adoption of Ford's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Start Assist. Other changes include a 10mm wider track, suspension revisions and optimised front shock absorbers that feature a special hydraulic rebound stopper that smooths out the bumps or jolts you'd get over rougher surfaces. Fortunately, none of this has significantly detracted from the standard Fiesta's class-leading handling package. Under the bonnet, the usual 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is offered with three different power outputs: 95PS in conventional form and 125 or 155PS with Ford's latest EcoBoost Hybrid mild hybrid tech. All these variants get a six-speed manual gearbox. If you want auto transmission, there's also a non-hybrid version of the 125PS 1.0T EcoBoost unit. The 1.0T turbocharged three-cylinder powerplant features advanced technologies including high-pressure direct fuel injection, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing and an innovative offset crankshaft design for decent refinement. There's also a version of the brand's usual 1.5-litre TDCi diesel, developing 85PS. Design and Build The Fiesta Active model gets more distinctive looks than the standard version thanks to a rugged body styling kit with Active badging and styling cues. Plus there's rough-road suspension with increased ride height, roof rails, front fog lights and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Fiesta Active buyers also get to choose from more dramatic and dynamic colour schemes, and there's the option of a two-part panoramic sliding roof on the 'Active 1' and 'Active X' variants. Inside, it's much as it would be in any normal Fiesta. The highlight as usual is the SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system enables drivers to control audio and connected smartphones using voice commands, or via the tablet-inspired 8-inch colour touchscreen. This is compatible with the 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring systems, so you can access your favourite handset apps on the centre-dash screen. Rear seat passengers get decent legroom - there's 16mm more knee space than there was in the previous generation Fiesta - supported by new slim-back seats that are soft and offer great side-to-side support. This Ford's tailgate is wide for easy access to the boot, and improved storage for personal belongings is delivered with a large glovebox and a 1-litre media bin in the centre console. Summary We've never seen a Fiesta like this before. But then the Fiesta has never previously had to face a threat as significant as that posed by the current dramatically expanding small SUV sector. This is the Blue Oval brand's response. It'll be interesting to see how buyers react. So there you have it. For sure, this isn't a perfect package, but this is a Ford that's fashionable, properly priced and well-connected. Which leaves us with... well what? Perhaps the realisation that if you want a more interesting breed of Fiesta, then getting Active might be worth a thought. Book a FREE Test Drive @Hills Ford ▶ NEW FORD FIESTA ACTIVE: https://bit.ly/2T8TdpA ▶ VIEW OUR LATEST FORD FIESTA ACTIVE OFFERS: https://bit.ly/2T7xb6M ▶ Subscribe to get more videos like this one: https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsFordWM?sub_confirmation=1 ▶ Share this video: https://youtu.be/q_VQsvVf9Qw ▶ Visit our Ford Dealership: http://bit.ly/2RHK5r8 FOLLOW US ON: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/Hillsford TWITTER: https://twitter.com/hills_ford/ INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/hillsford/ WEBSITE: https://www.hillsford.co.uk