THERE’S a newcomer to an expanded Ford supermini range: the Fiesta Active.
The Ford Fiesta Active is a ‘crossover’ offering drivers an increased ride height, a rugged exterior, along with Ford advanced technologies.
Company car drivers wanting this more rugged look can choose from Active 1, Active B&O PLAY and Active X.
Prices are:
- Fiesta Active 1 is £17,790,
- B&O PLAY is £19,190 and
- Active X is £20,290
With a P11D price starting from £17,595 for the Active 1, the benefit in kind is £3871 for the 2018/19 tax year.
For a 20% company car tax driver that’s an annual tax bill of £774 a year (£64.50 a month), or £1548 a year (£129 a month) for a 40% tax payer.
We’ve not seen anyone quoting car leasing rates on the new Ford Fiesta Active yet.
Clearly if the idea of a Ford Fiesta Active appeals then you’re after something…well, a little bit more eyecatching for your company car motoring.
The Active has a rugged bodystyling kit with Active badging and styling cues, rough-road suspension with increased ride height, roof rails, front fog lights and 17in five-spoke alloy wheels.
You also get the choice of different driving modes. Three of them: Eco, Normal and Slippery, with rough-terrain capabilities enhanced by Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Start Assist.
Back safely on the tarmac – those bits that aren’t pock-marked by potholes – there’s lane-keeping technology, auto headlamps, Ford’s Quickclear heated windscreen (brilliant for getting going quickly on frosty mornings) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
There’s also electric front and rear windows, rear privacy glass, driver seat height and lumbar adjustment and air-conditioning.
Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system provides smartphone control via voice, or via the tablet-inspired colour touchscreen, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A different look with the Fiesta Active B&O PLAY
This version looks different. And it will sound different to your ears, too. There’s a distinctive black roof with black roof rails and matching electrically operated and heated door mirrors, plus a B&O PLAY premium audio system with 360-degree sound and 10 speakers.
The Active B&O PLAY includes a yellow colour theme and additional features such as cruise control, rain sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, a centre console with armrest and illuminated cup holders, plus a 4.2in TFT instrument cluster screen with traffic sign recognition.
Top up the equipment with Fiesta Active X
Top line Active X gives you more equipment. There’s partial leather upholstery with heated front seats (again useful on those frosty mornings), power-foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, Ford SYNC 3 Navigation system with DAB radio and 8in touchscreen, keyless entry and start, and a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors.
There’s also the option of a two-part panoramic sliding roof on the Active 1 and Active X models.
Choice of EcoBoost petrol of TDCi diesels
The multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available in Fiesta Active with four different power outputs: 85PS, 100PS, 125PS and 140PS.
The gearbox is a six -speed manual.
Alternatively, there’s the option of a 85PS or 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi engine.
Auto‑Start‑Stop technology is fitted to all engines to improve economy, with Active Grille Shutter for both petrol and diesel engines. A new Eco button for manual transmissions adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel when desired.
The new Ford Fiesta Active will be available this summer.