2017 Ford Fiesta Crashes Its Way To 5 Stars From Euro NCAP

Not willing to believe the Blue Oval on the safety built into the seventh-generation model, the Euro NCAP put on its skeptical hat on and bought a handful of Fiestas for the exclusive purpose of crashing them in terrible ways.

Weighing in at 1,150 kg, the supermini earned the full-fledged 5-star rating from the European organization, making is the second subcompact after the 2017 SEAT Ibiza to achieve the maximum points for crashworthiness this year. By comparison, the 2017 Kia Picanto failed to receive the same accolade.

“Fiesta can now help steer drifting drivers back into lane, and can monitor the road ahead up to the length of a football pitch – helping drivers detect and avoid hazards for safer journeys,” declared Joe Bakaj, vice president of product development at Ford of Europe. One of the reasons the Fiesta Mk8 is that much safer is because the body features 36 percent more boron steel.

While on the subject of structural changes, the 2017 Ford Fiesta makes use of a T-section configuration for the upper section of the central side-pillar. The reasoning behind this part is that it transfers side impact energy into the roof more effectively. The redesigned door cross sections are also stiffer, whereas the mechanically-activated locking tongue prevents slippage of the seatbelt during a crash. The little Ford also happens to bristle with standard safety kit.

From a technological standpoint, the Fiesta Mk8 takes pride in features that include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid, and pre-tensioners and load limiters for the rear-seat passengers. It’s no wonder the Euro NCAP gave the Fiesta 87 percent for adult occupant protection.

The 5-star rating applies to the three- and five-door models, with any of the available engines (1.0-, 1.1-, 1.5-liter), in both left- or right-hand drive.