Ford has expanded the best-selling Fiesta range with the Active, a new crossover model.

It offers more rugged looks, an increased ride height and comes in three variants, priced from £17,790.

Buyers can choose from Active 1, Active B&O Play and Active X.

All models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and three selectable drive modes.

A range of safety systems are fitted, including: lane-keeping technology, rear seat belt minder, rear centre headrest, auto headlamps, Quickclear heated windscreen and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

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 is priced from £19,190 and comes with a black roof, black roof rails and matching electrically operated and heated door mirrors, plus a premium audio system with 360-degree sound and 10 speakers.

Additional features include cruise control, rain sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, a centre console with armrest and illuminated cup holders, plus a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster screen with traffic sign recognition.

At the top of the range is the Active X, costing £20,290. It features a partial leather upholstery with heated front seats, power-foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, Navigation with DAB and 8in touchscreen, the KeyFree system with keyless entry and start, and a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors.

The engine line-up includes a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit with four power outputs (85PS, 100PS, 125PS and 140PS), with CO2 emissions from 105g/km.

Ford’s 85PS 1.5-litre TDCi engine is also available with CO2 emissions from 96g/km.