Friday 14th April 1989

Ford unveiled the third generation of its small Fiesta hatchback, which was to be built at the Dagenham plant in England and the Valencia plant in Spain. The Mk3 represented the biggest change to the Fiesta since the original car was introduced in 1976. In addition to the 3-door hatchback and panel van versions that had formed the Fiesta range, a 5-door hatchback was also added. The Fiesta Mk3 was replaced by the Fiesta Mk4 in 1995, but remained on sale until 1997. The Mk4 was a major restyle of the Mk3, but had the same chassis.

The Fiesta Mk3 also spawned a high-cube panel van version in 1991, the Courier, and also shared its platform with the Ka of 1996, which was derived from the Fiesta Mk4.