Ford previewed the facelifted front end with the Fiesta ST concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September. From this autumn, the entire range will receive the same raised grille as featured on the next generation Focus, with LED daytime running lights and subtle updates to the wheels, body styling and interior.

Fiesta will be the first model to receive the full family of 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engines. These include the 1.0 EcoBoost with 103bhp and 123bhp, and non-turbocharged versions producing 65bhp and 79bhp. The 1.5 TDCi, introduced with the B-Max, will also be launched as part of the refresh. All five produce less than 100g/km when fitted with the optional start/stop system.

The 1.25 and 1.4-litre petrol engines will be carried forward from the outgoing car, alongside the 103bhp 1.6-litre which now comes with a lighter six-speed, dual clutch PowerShift automatic gearbox instead of the four-speed item used to date. Ford is also continuing its 1.6 TDCi, which achieves the same 87g/km as the model it replaces when fitted with fuel-saving Econetic Technology systems.

Ford’s SYNC voice-controlled infotainment system will debut with the facelift, with a new MyKey package which allows speed and audio volume limits to be limited depending on which key is in the ignition. Fiesta ST will follow soon after launch, offering 180bhp from its 1.6 EcoBoost petrol engine.