Car Review: Ford Fiesta 1,0 l EcoBoost
The Ford Fiesta 1.0T Ecoboost Powershift brings the option of a new twin-clutch automatic gearbox to the very popular hatch in the supermini segment. With the new Fiesta, Ford sported bold new styling, a number of feature enhancements and very importantly, the introduction of the International Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
I had the chance to try out the Fiesta Ecoboost and I just need to say WOW (pun not intended), this nifty hatch surprised me. As someone quite new to this industry, I never really had any overtly-positive or negative opinions towards Ford, or the Fiesta in particular, but after a weeks worth of driving the 1,0 l EcoBoost, this might be one of my new favourites.
“Customers want cars that are expressive and fun to drive without breaking the bank,” says Ford Marketing Manager, Gavin Golightly. – this is exactly the feeling I got from driving the Ford Fiesta. Driving the Fiesta is an actual fun and effortless premium experience. You approach a corner, crank it up and without seeming to do much you’re around and riding off while travelling firmly on the ground. This is an incredibly agile car. With wonderfully accurate and effortless steering the Fiesta is a dream to drive. That alone sets the Fiesta apart from most other compact cars, but the fact that this is accompanied by a supple ride and almost no road noise puts it in a class of its own.
The gearbox is keen to change up as quickly as possible in an effort to help economy and emissions and the shifts are quick and smooth. You can also take control of the shifts by moving the lever back to ‘S’ and using a button on the side of the gear lever.
Ford geared up the Fiesta with loads of extra features to make it more appealing to different types of customers. With a fresh new exterior, improved material craftsmanship inside and a significant injection of the latest technology from Ford, the new Fiesta is sure to turn heads.
Ford’s SYNC system introduced recently on Focus models, is now also available in the Fiesta range allowing the driver to bring digital media players and Bluetooth enabled mobile phones in to the new Fiesta and operate the devices via voice commands and steering wheel mounted controls.
The Fiesta’s premium-looking face is dominated by a large trapezoidal front grille bracketed by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology. The Ford also offers new and improved storage solutions including a new central arm-rest that provides additional storage and door pockets that are larger and more practical. Overall the Fiesta is a sporty-looking, premium small hatch with loads of space.
There are three engine derivatives and three specification grades on offer with the Fiesta. The newest of the three features Ford Motor Company’s innovative 1.0-litre EcoBoost® engine and while it is one of the smallest displacement engines Ford has ever built, it is not short on power or refinement.
This landmark engine, already selected for both the Popular Mechanics 2012 Breakthrough Award and Engine Technology International’s “International Engine of the Year” Award in Europe, records CO2 emissions of just 99g/km and utilises only 4.3l of petrol per 100km. With 92kW and 170N.m on offer the 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers more power for its size than even some premium cars. Ford has also introduced Auto-Start-Stop on the 1.0-litre EcoBoost.
While the 1.0-litre EcoBoost is garnering plenty of attention, Ford continues to offer its tried and tested 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre TDCi engines within the line-up. The new Fiesta also continues to offer substantial safety features.
Pricing:
The recommended retail price (Including VAT) of the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend PowerShift is R230 800. All Ford Fiesta models come standard with Ford’s warranty and service plan, which comprises of a four-year / 120 000 km fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty, five-year Corrosion warranty and four year / 60 000 km service plan. A Ford Protect roadside assistance plan is in place for three-years / unlimited km while service intervals are scheduled at 20 000 km.
After my experience with the Ford Fiesta 1,0 l EcoBoost, I realised that there’s a reason this fabulous car had received the 2013 Women’s World Car of the Year award. This car screams out premium and economy, two factors not easily put together with style – but Ford pulls it off effortlessly with the Fiesta.