The top-selling Ford Fiesta adds a rugged new look to its line-up with the addition of the Fiesta Active crossover range for summer.

Comprising three variants – Active 1, Active B&O PLAY and Active X – Fiesta Active joins Ford KA+ Active in offering buyers a lifestyle crossover with increased ride height, rugged exterior and advanced technologies.

All three Fiesta Active models have distinctive looks and impressive equipment levels, including a rugged bodystyling kit with Active badging and styling cues, rough-road suspension with increased ride height, roof rails, front fog lights and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

There are three selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal and Slippery, while rough-terrain capabilities are enhanced by the adoption of Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Start Assist.

On-road safety is boosted thanks to lane-keeping technology, rear seat belt minder, rear centre headrest, auto headlamps, Ford’s Quickclear heated windscreen for faster getaways on frosty mornings and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), while passenger comfort aids include electric front and rear windows, rear privacy glass, driver seat height and lumbar adjustment and air-conditioning.

Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system enables drivers to control audio and connected smartphones using voice commands, or via the tablet-inspired colour touchscreen, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Fiesta Active B&O PLAY stands out from its siblings both visually and audibly, with its distinctive black roof with black roof rails and matching electrically operated and heated door mirrors, plus a B&O PLAY premium audio system with 360-degree sound and 10 speakers.

The Active B&O PLAY includes a yellow colour theme and additional features such as cruise control, rain sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, a centre console with armrest and illuminated cup holders, plus a 4.2in TFT instrument cluster screen with traffic sign recognition.

Even more equipment is fitted as standard to the Active X, including partial leather upholstery with heated front seats, power-foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, Ford SYNC 3 Navigation system with DAB radio and 8in touchscreen, the KeyFree system with keyless entry and start, and a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors.

The Fiesta Active range also features separate colour schemes, and the option of a two-part panoramic sliding roof on the Active 1 and Active X models.

Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is offered with four different power outputs, allied to a new six-speed manual gearbox delivering from 105g/km CO₂ emissions.

All three Fiesta Active models are additionally available with Ford’s 84 bhp 1.5-litre TDCi engine with CO₂ from 96g/km.

Auto‑Start‑Stop technology is fitted to all engines to improve economy, with Active Grille Shutter for both petrol and diesel engines. A new Eco button for manual transmissions adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel when desired.

All models in the range, including the new Fiesta Active, feature as standard driver and front passenger airbags, front side impact airbags and front and side rear curtain airbags to provide maximum coverage in the event of an accident, aided by front and rear seat belt pre-tensioners.

An anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution ensures controlled deceleration if heavy braking is required, during which the Fiesta’s hazard lights and brake lights flash automatically to warn following vehicles of the potential emergency. Electronic Stability Control senses when a vehicle is losing grip and automatically applies a braking pulse to individual wheels, stabilising it.