I have a 2009 Fiesta which I have always understood was a Mk7. I have recently seen post-2008 Fiestas described (on ebay) as Mk6 even up to 2012. Which is correct ? I have even seen reference to a Mk 8 but I don't know what this is or is it just a 'facelifted' Mk 7 ? In my view a car doesn't change its label unless there is a major body shape change as with the Fiesta in 2008. I recall there being a facelifted Cortina (for older readers !) called a '4A' which i always thought was incorrect.

I have a 2009 Fiesta which I have always understood was a Mk7. I have recently seen post-2008 Fiestas described (on ebay) as Mk6 even up to 2012. Which is correct ? I have even seen reference to a Mk 8 but I don't know what this is or is it just a 'facelifted' Mk 7 ? In my view a car doesn't change its label unless there is a major body shape change as with the Fiesta in 2008. I recall there being a facelifted Cortina (for older readers !) called a '4A' which i always thought was incorrect.

From 2008 onwards they are mk7 some people consider the mk6 st to be the mk7. The mk system isnt official and isn't recognised by ford so you are better of going by build year

Some people say the MK5 was actually a 4.5 as it was a facelift so the 6/6.5 should actually be 5/5.5 thus making the current model a MK6.

Some people say if the MK5 is actually a MK5 then the 6.5 should be a 7 thus making the currently model a MK8.

As above, Ford themselves go by the build year ;)

i agree, the build year is the only reliable way of identifying a 'shape' and the manufacturer won't want to get drawn into 'Mk' numbers as the changover point of models is always a sensitive time for them whilst they move the metal of the old model. However, Mk numbers are pretty universally used among the rest of us to identify a shape. If someone says a 'Mk1' or Mk2' or 'Mk3' Escort for example, I know exactly which shape they are referring to, Likewise with other Fords.

Interestingly, I believe the Sierra was the only model name to have only one shape. I could be wrong there.

I believe our current model is known as MK7 in the UK/Europe but a MK6 in the US/Canada/Asia. Maybe that is where the confusion arrises?