The new Fiesta Active has gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £17,995 for the jacked-up SUV-aping supermini.

Ford says it is responding to the increased demand for SUVs – nearly one out of every five cars that Ford sells in Europe is now an SUV – with its new range of Active-badged cars, offering them to people who aren’t quite ready to make the leap from more conventional hatchbacks. 

Ride height has been increased by 18mm over the standard Fiesta, while the car’s track has been increased by 10mm, for what Ford calls a ‘confidence-inspiring driving position’. 

Also check out:

2018 Ford Fiesta Active

We dare say a cushion would be a cheaper investment in an 18mm-higher seat, but the Fiesta Active has the rugged looks to match its SUV intentions, with bespoke bumpers, plastic cladding around the body and practical roof rails for added storage potential on the move. 

There are two engines available – Ford’s impressive 1-litre, three-cylinder Ecoboost petrol in four states of tune ranging from 84bhp all the way up to 138bhp, and the company’s 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine with two power outputs of 84bhp and 118bhp.

A suite of safety systems are available on the car for added protection while driving, including cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist and lane-keep assist among others. Active models also feature selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal and Slippery, which adjusts stability and traction to maintain control when cornering or changing lanes in slippery conditions.

The Active versions of the Fiesta are available in three trims – Active 1, Active B&O Play and Active X, all of which are five-door models.

In terms of pricing, the Fiesta Active 1 starts from £17,995, the Active B&O Play from £19,195 and the Active X from £20,295.

Look out for our upcoming first drive of the Ford Fiesta Active.

 

Gallery: 2018 Ford Fiesta Active on sale