These latest spy pictures show a testing mule of the next Ford Fiesta, ahead of a planned 2017 release. It's an eagerly awaited car, especially in the UK, where the Ford Fiesta is the best-selling car of all time.
The bodywork on this test car is designed to hide as many features as possible, but underneath it's possible to see new shapes for the grille and air-intakes. It would seem an evolution of Ford's current Aston-Martin-esque grille is planned. The test car seems to have a wider track than the current model, suggesting that an increase in size is planned. This may be to widen the gap between the Fiesta and the new Ka Plus, which we're expecting to see in 2016.
The current model was launched in 2008, which means despite a facelift in 2013 it will have been on sale for nine years before the new model is launched. It's always been top of the class for driving dynamics, but newer models like the Volkswagen Polo and Vauxhall Corsa are besting it in areas such as interior space and technology.
We'd expect the new model to feature Ford's usual range of EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines, with a hot ST version to follow. Ford officials are quick to deny any rumours of a Fiesta RS, though, saying 'We're pleased with where the ST is now'. With the Focus RS so eagerly awaited, and plenty of customers speccing their ST's with the Mountune performance pack, that might be a wasted opportunity for the company.