Upgraded Fiesta surfaces in Europe

A mid-life refresh for the Ford Fiesta is likely to reach Australia at some point within the next 12 months, bringing with it the latest SYNC infotainment system and engine of the year, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost.

Ford's global media team released images and specifications for the revised Fiesta yesterday – with the further information that the tiny, turbocharged triple will even power the bulky Mondeo in due course. Here in Australia we can expect to see the upgraded Fiesta within 12 months, sourced from the Thailand-based AAT plant.

Neil McDonald, Brand Communications Manager for Ford Australia, told motoring.com.au that the car would be launched here in 2013, but wouldn't be drawn on whether the local launch would be earlier in the year or later. And the SYNC system is off limits also until final specifications for the car are decided. But it's practically a certainty, given Ford's marketing for the current Fiesta has been heavily centred around the car's voice recognition system and communications integration. Ford Australia recently showcased the upgraded SYNC system in the local-spec Focus, making it even more likely the infotainment system will continue in the light-segment car.

Mr McDonald did say that we'll see the 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder in the Fiesta first. Originally the plan was for the EcoSport to introduce the engine to the Australian market, but the Fiesta looks set to reach Australia first.

"We've confirmed [the three-cylinder EcoBoost] for Australia," Mr McDonald said. "It's probably a little bit too early to talk about the specific specs, but that engine will be coming. It was going to be the EcoSport that got that engine first, but now it's Fiesta."

In Europe the upgraded Fiesta introduced other technology also, including Active City Stop – already available here in the Focus – and MyKey, which provides parents with the options of limiting speed and audio volume levels for when the kids are driving the car. The ultimate electronic wowser will also keep audio volume at a lower level until all seatbelts are fastened and ensure that safety aids cannot be disabled by a secondary driver.

Ford expects the EcoBoost Fiesta to be the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment and will provide more information about the car's specification when the Fiesta goes on display at the Paris motor show later this month.

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