With astounding sales figure goals, the 2022 Fiesta launches in Europe with revised looks and improved technology. The overall impressions are quite good as it gets a design refresh with new powertrain options. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, and Skoda Fabia are also getting substantial upgrades with the 2022 model year. How will the 2022 Ford Fiesta hold up in the European market after its latest facelift?

The 2022 Ford Fiesta is the penultimate model year of the seventh-generation range. The popular and iconic subcompact hatchback competes in a slowly dying segment currently struggling with high emission taxes and low demand, as consumers flock towards the vast array of crossovers many competing manufacturers currently offer. Because of this, Ford decided to pull the plug on the Fiesta's production last year, with no intention of issuing a replacement model.

The Ford Puma technically takes the Fiesta's spot in the brand's line-up, as it adopts a near-identical chassis and drivetrain configuration. It remains an appealing product, catering to a variety of consumers. The manufacturer maintains the model's diverse range of basic base models and aspirational higher trims with a mix of turbocharged and hybrid powertrains. Does the 2022 model hold any relevance in a field that is monumentally dominated by some compelling and versatile opponents?

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Ford's websites and other authoritative sources, including the Euro NCAP, AutoScout24, and the European Transport Policy. Each model score is determined by Top Speed's rating team, which factors in five different metrics. You can read our Methodology page for more information about our rating system.

What’s New For 2022?

For 2022, Ford issues a selection of noteworthy exterior revisions, including a revised grill with the Blue Oval badge repositioned at the center, rather than the base of the hood, which also inherits some new lines. A new LED headlight matrix and darker taillights grace the front and rear, while the seven new wheel options redefine the hatch's profile. The cabin features an updated 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a revised digital instrument cluster. Unfortunately, it still used the old Sync 3.0 software.

2022 Highlights

• New dynamic front grill with Ford badge
• Redesigned LED lighting
• Seven new wheel options
• New 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Updated digital instrument cluster

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from the Ford)

Engine Specifications And Performance

The base Ford Fiesta engine option is a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 100 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque on the front wheels. This drivetrain is only available with the six-speed manual transmission and returns a 10.8-second 0-62 MPH time before reaching its 112 MPH (180 KM/H) top speed. There's also a 125-horsepower state-of-tune, which lowers the acceleration time to 9.4 seconds.

The base 48-volt mild-hybrid engine option also produces 125 horsepower and 125 pound-feet and maintains the same performance claims, despite its heavier mass. You can have this with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but this increases the sprint time down to 9.9 seconds. A 155-horsepower and 140-pound-feet state-of-tune sits at the top of the range, but you can only have this with the six-speed manual. The result is a modest 8.9-second 0-62 MPH time and 136 MPH (219 KM/H) top speed.

Those wanting to enjoy the Fiesta's full potential can opt for the performance ST derivative, which features a downsized turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 236 pound-feet. A six-speed manual delivers power to the front wheels, resulting in a rapid 6.5-second 0-62 MPH time and 143 MPH (230 KM/H) top speed.

Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Ford)

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2022 Ford Fiesta

• 12.3-inch fully-configurable TFT digital instrument cluster
• Bang and Olufsen Premium audio system
• Heated seats and steering wheel
• 8.0-inch or optional 12.3-inch touchscreen with Sync 3.0
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Electronic glass panoramic sunroof

The base Fiesta Trend trim comes standard with manual air conditioning and manually adjustable front seats with cloth upholstery and metal gray stitching. Only the front windows are electric, with the driver's window featuring a one-touch function.

Ford makes the Titanium trim more aspirational by adding Sensico and leather touches and premium floor mats, together with a center armrest with a storage console. A rear privacy glass tint is also included. The ST-Line includes all-electric windows, black headlining, exclusive branded floor mats, and red stitching for the cloth upholstery. The Active trim, available only as a five-door, matches the ST-Lines specification.

Those wanting a more comprehensive cabin experience can upgrade the Titanium, ST-Line, and Active trims to the X package. This adds electric rear windows, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, smart keyless entry, and a 675-Watt Bang and Olufsen audio system to the Titanium. The ST-Line and Active further benefit from a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, alloy sports pedals, and partial leather and suede seats. The ST adds single-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and some model-specific interior trimmings.

Technology

The Trend and Titanium models feature the basic 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. You'll find the 12.3-inch infotainment and digital instrument cluster in every other trim.

Both systems accommodate navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but they are void of Ford's more modern Sync 4.0 operating system.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from the Ford)

Safety And Reliability

Ford maintains a high safety level for the 2022 range by including a full remote central locking system and alarm system. Active safety features include airbags for the driver front passenger and sides. For this, the Euro NCAP grants the seventh-generation Fiesta a five-star crash-test rating.

Ford's downsized EcoBoost engine range is a generally resilient engine, but the direct injection system will develop carbon build-up as the miles start to pile on. Fuel pressure problems may arise. You'll need to fit a new cam bucket to resolve this.

Driver Assistance Features

Basic advanced driver assist systems are limited on the entry-level Fiesta trims. All Fiesta models only feature ABS and electronic stability control with hill start assist, lane-keep monitoring and assist, and cruise control. The Fiesta ST is a bit more comprehensive with its autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and traffic sign recognition.

• ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist
• Electronic stability and traction control
• Hill start assist
• Lane-keep monitoring and assist
• Cruise control

Euro NCAP Crash Testing

Warranties

The 2022 Fiesta range comes standard with Ford Europe's basic warranty package, which includes a three-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan covering mechanical and corrosion defects. This plan also includes roadside assistance and 20 percent off your first scheduled maintenance within a 12-month period.

(Data sourced from the Ford)

2022 Ford Fiesta Versus Its Competitors

The Ford Fiesta may compete in a trying segment, but its main rivals are equally impressive and competitive. Manufacturers are rapidly transitioning the global subcompact hatchback arena into full electrification, like the Opel Corsa and Renault Clio, or equally sized high-riding crossovers such as the aforementioned Puma. The 2022 model's most noteworthy rivals are the Volkswagen Polo and Hyundai i20.

How The Ford Fiesta Compares To The Volkswagen Polo

• 2022 Ford Fiesta

  Model

  Ford Fiesta

  Transmission

  6-Speed MT | 7-Speed DCT

  Horsepower

  97-153 HP @ 4,500-6,000 RPM

  Torque

  125-140 LB-FT @ 1,400-2,500 RPM

  Driveline

  Front-wheel drive

  0-60 MPH

  7.9-11.1 seconds

  Fuel Economy

  4.9-6.4 L/100 KM

• 2022 Volkswagen Polo

  Model

  Volkswagen Polo

  Transmission

  Five-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

  Horsepower

  65-150 HP @ 5,000-5,5000 RPM

  Torque

  70-184 LB-FT @ 1,500-4,500 RPM

  Driveline

  Front-wheel drive

  0-60 MPH

  15.5-8.2 seconds

  Fuel Economy

  5.0-6.5 L/100 KM

The Volkswagen Polo is the golden standard of the subcompact hatchback world, as this moniker dates back to 1975. The 2022 model year features similar engine configurations. The Polo range's powertrain selection isn't as impressive as the Fiesta, as all equivalent engines, ranging from the turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder to the 1.5-liter four-cylinder, produce less power, and subsequently slower acceleration times.

Making matters worse is the fact that the Polo doesn't score much better consumption returns on the WLTP fuel cycle. The two models have equal pricing and specification levels, but Volkswagen's decision to build its Polo on the MQB platform means that it benefits from much better interior dimensions, making it a more practical offering.

How The Ford Fiesta Compares To The Hyundai i20

• 2022 Ford Fiesta

  Model

  Ford Fiesta

  Engine

  1.0-Liter I3 | 1.0-Liter I3 Hybrid

  Transmission

  6-Speed MT | 7-Speed DCT

  Horsepower

  97-153 HP @ 4,500-6,000 RPM

  Torque

  125-140 LB-FT @ 1,400-2,500 RPM

  Driveline

  Front-wheel drive

  Fuel Economy

  4.9-6.4 L/100 KM

  0-60 MPH

  7.9-11.1 seconds

• 2022 Hyundai i20

  Model

  Hyundai i20

  Engine

  Turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder, naturally aspirated 1.2-liter four-cylinder, or turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder

  Transmission

  Six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

  Horsepower

  83-204 HP @ 5,500-6,000 RPM

  Torque

  90-202 LB-FT @ 1,500-4,000 RPM

  Driveline

  Front-wheel drive

  Fuel Economy

  5.9-6.9 L/100 KM

  0-60 MPH

  13.1-6.2 seconds

The Hyundai i20 is the South Korean brand's bold attempt at stealing some of the Fiesta's thunder. Hyundai equips the model with some impressively punchy turbocharged engines that drastically outperform the Fiesta. This does come at the cost of slightly worse WLTP fuel consumption figures. The naturally aspirated 1.2-liter engine option returns great efficiency, but seriously poor performance abilities.

The i20's larger platform means that it also benefits from better interior dimensions. The dynamic chassis and engaging transmission options also make it a very engaging car, but reviewers tend to prefer the Fiesta's characteristics. The Blue Oval's hatch also benefits from a higher perceived quality level, but pricing and specifications are closely matched.

How Much Does A 2022 Ford Fiesta Cost?

The cheapest used 2022 Ford Fiesta Trend Manual averages a €16,000 price tag. The ST-Line's additional specification increases the price to around €18,500, while the Active models tend to be priced a bit higher at €19,000. The flagship performance ST trims still fetch a fairly high but competitive €26,000.

(Pricing sourced from AutoScout24)

These averages consider each trim's various body styles, engine, and transmission options offered throughout the European market, based on listings found on AutoScout24.

Fuel Economy

Interestingly, the WLTP rates the most powerful Fiesta Hybrid as the most efficient Fiesta model, with a 39 MPG (5.9 L/100 KM) combined fuel consumption result. The 125-horsepower hybrid six-speed manual also returns a 39 MPG (6.0 L/100 KM) figure on the WLTP's combined cycle. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic returns a slightly worse 38 MPG (6.1 L/100 KM) result. Both non-hybrid models bring in 37 MPG (6.4 L/100 KM) consumption figures.

(Data sourced from the European Transport Policy)

Is It Worth Buying The Ford Fiesta?

The 2022 Ford Fiesta is such a good subcompact hatchback offering, that we can't figure out why the Blue Oval would bring its production to an end. The range consists of accessible and basic entry-level models at competitive price points that don't sacrifice too many safety or comfort features. The higher trims benefit from more comprehensive specifications and performance without forcing you to increase your budget too much.

Both EcoBoost and MHEV powertrains return good performance and efficiency figures, making the Fiesta an easy and low-maintenance car to run as a daily driver. Those looking for a fun driving experience in a small package will thoroughly enjoy the Fiesta ST, with its punchy drivetrain, sharp suspension, and dynamic exterior styling.