The Ford Fiesta Mk2 appeared in late August 1983, with a revised front end and interior; the most notable change involved the new wraparound headlights.

[3] At launch, the Mk2 Fiesta was only available with the familiar 957cc and 1117cc Kent Crossflow-based "Valencia" engine options, although they now featured variable venturi carburettors for improved fuel consumption.

[2] The more bulbous bonnet line of the Mk2 was created largely due to the need to package the taller Ford CVH engine, a 1.3 L version of which followed in 1984, and this model also featured a five-speed manual transmission for the first time.

[6] This may also have been because the larger engine, shared with the Escort/Orion, offered only marginal fuel savings over that of the smallest petrol options and at a considerably higher purchase price.

[7] The Diesel Fiesta also had altered spring settings at the rear and received the Sierra's MacPherson struts up front to deal with the heavier engine.

[11] In May 1987, Ford added the new CTX, incorporating continuously variable transmission, to the range, although it was only offered with the 1.1 engine,[1] and relatively few of these Fiesta CTXs were produced.