Ford has given the Fiesta Van a series of mid-life revisions, in line with the updates for the passenger car version.
Subtly revised styling
Claiming that the compact van now has ‘enhanced kerb appeal’, the Ford Fiesta van now gets the same LED headlights (with a ghostly daytime running signature outline) as the passenger car, and the same black-surround brake lights. In the grille, which is also lightly revised, the Ford ‘blue oval’ badge is now centred within the opening, rather than sitting on the lip of the bonnet as before.
The Fiesta van will come in two versions — Trend and Sport — which will have subtly different exterior styling. Trend models get a broader grille, with chrome surround and 15-inch steel wheels with plastic trims.
The Sport version of the Fiesta van will get an ST-Line-like honeycomb mesh grille in gloss black, along with side vents on the wings, lower sports suspension and a choice of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.
Sport models get a two-tone interior with contrast red stitching, while Trend versions get a plainer ‘ebony’ interior finish, but with ‘comfort’ seat foam. There are also two new exterior colour options — Boundless Blue and Beautiful Berry.
531kg maximum cargo weight
Behind the driver’s area, the load space is unchanged; there’s a grippy floor in the back, with four tie-down points. The total cargo volume is 0.96 metres cubed, and the maximum cargo load is 531kg. The maximum load length is 1,283mm.
Helpfully for those making in-town deliveries, the Fiesta van can now be had with an active parking assistant, which can scan for a suitably-sized space next to the kerb and help you steer the van into it. There’s also a rear-view camera, and puddle-lights on the door mirrors.
All versions will come with LED headlights, with optional high-tech auto-dipping Matrix LED units available. If you fit the Matrix lights, ’Manoeuvring Light’ and ‘Bad Weather Light’ functions are triggered when sensors detect a low-speed manoeuvre or the activation of windscreen wipers, and automatically adjust the beam pattern to help the driver see more clearly. In addition, ‘Glare-Free High Beam’ uses a front mounted camera to detect oncoming traffic and create a “glare-free spot” within the beam pattern by blocking rays that could otherwise dazzle other road users.
Further available technologies include adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert and Active Braking, Lane Keeping Aid and Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking. Customers can also specify Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and information system with an eight-inch touchscreen, and a navigation system with Live Traffic updates and Local Hazard Information to help drivers stay on schedule.
125hp mild-hybrid petrol engine
The Fiesta van comes with one engine option — a 125hp version of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit with mild-hybrid assistance. The technology can restart the engine in just 350 milliseconds, enabling the start-stop system to turn off the engine in scenarios such as when coasting to a stop below 25km/h, even when the vehicle is in gear with the clutch pedal depressed.
The Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid returns fuel consumption from 5.0 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions from 113g/km. Some markets will get an E85-ethanol compatible version of this engine, but that’s unlikely to come to Ireland.
“Our stylish compact van is now even better looking and more streetwise than ever, helping customers promote their business and drive with confidence in and out of town,” said Brendan Lyne, director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.
“The new Fiesta Van’s advanced driver assistance systems can make work less demanding for our customers, while its electrified powertrains and Ford Pro’s aftersales expertise help their businesses to thrive.”
