The Ford Fiesta It is a true motoring icon. Very few have the privilege of being able to say that they have been in the market for more than four decades. Fewer still have they achieved sell more than 18 million units along its history. And here we have the latest update of the eighth generation of the Fiesta, which receives slight tweaks at an aesthetic level, in its equipment and in its mechanical range. It is already available from 19,756 euros and we are going to tell you all its details below.
at the party we see a measured update in which there are not many changes. However, we see how the oval brand focuses on the electrification of its gasoline block and offers two Mild Hybrid versions that are very usable. In addition, they maintain that offer for the customization that makes there are many differences at the aesthetic level between the Trend, Active, Vignale and ST-Line finishes; having the ST version as the undoubted top of the range.
Exterior
At an aesthetic level, those lines so characteristic of the Ford Fiesta are maintained, although with some notable modifications. On the front we can see a generously sized grill placed in a fairly low position that receives the logo. It is specific to the ST-Line, as each finish has its own. Also change led headlights, which have a new light signature and also black edges. The bumper has been redesigned and achieves a sportier image.
In general, it could be said that the Fiesta has matured slightly and that it enters more through the eyes. Its color palette receives new tones to add up to 10 options, while there are more wheel designs up to 18 inches. Now that the three-door body has been withdrawn from production, we only have this five-door with a silhouette that does not lose its attractiveness thanks to the ribs on the doors and that striking rear.
The rear of the Ford Fiesta is recognizable and hardly receives any changes. Start with a generous roof spoiler which is in the same color as the rest of the bodywork and continues with a small gate. In this area there are some new LED taillights more attractive. The bumper widens at the bottom, exposing an exhaust outlet. Needless to say, the model name and version are on the sides of the tailgate.
It sits on the same platform than the pre-restyling model, although its dimensions have been slightly modified by the new bumpers. The new Fiesta stays in a 4069mm length, with the same width of 1,735 mm and a height of 1,484 mm. The wheelbase remains at 2,493 mm.
Inside
Inside the Ford Fiesta there is a too discreet renovation. In fact, my first impression is that it has become somewhat obsolete compared to the competition, which offers more digitization and options. However, after living with the utility for a while, it has been shown to be easier to use than others due precisely to its simplicity. The main novelty is the 12.3-inch digital instrumentation that already appeared in other models such as the Ford Puma.
On the other hand, it maintains the Ford SYNC 3 multimedia system that we already saw in its predecessor. It is represented through a 8 inch touch screen that floats on the dashboard and is not completely integrated. The positive part is its easy handling, because its response is fast, it uses direct access buttons and has connectivity with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The climate controls they are also analog, so they contribute to that usability that we mentioned.
The Ford Fiesta is a general utility framed in the B segment and that means that it will not have too many pretensions in the scope of quality. However, with the higher trim levels, we have an interior that is above average. In this one that seeks sportsmanship, you can appreciate a specific upholstery in two colors and red stitching making contrast. The moldings that imitate carbon fiber or sports pedals do not go unnoticed, although most materials are still plastic.
Another point where the Fiesta has taken a step forward is in the equipment. We see elements that can be differential in the segment, as is the case of the B&O Play sound system that has 10 speakers and 675 W of power. Optionally it can also be equipped with a panoramic sunroof of two pieces that leaves a more illuminated interior. It also introduces a wireless charging surface and enough driving aids to complete
The habitability It has never been the strong point of this model, we have already mentioned that in previous tests. In the front seats there will be no problem, but the second row of seats can be somewhat fair. The access is pretty good thanks to the five doors and the space for the legs is correct, as long as you have a not too tall stature.
However the headroom is very tight by the fall of the ceiling and complicates things for users from 1.75 meters. The usual thing also happens with the central square, which is narrower and has a transmission tunnel, so it is better to travel with four people in this Fiesta.
Trunk
The trunk of the Ford Fiesta is in the segment average with its 311 liter capacity. It is well below the 391 liters of the Renault Clio, which is the leader of the utility vehicles, but it still takes a lot out of the Suzuki Swift and its barely 265 liters (make a graph or something with this data). We also see that the loading mouth it is in a fairly high position, exactly 720 mm from the ground. In addition, it has a considerable step between it and the bottom of the trunk.
Despite everything, the gate is quite big and there are also details like lighting and hooks on the sides to hold bags. Under the floor there is a double bottom and the rear seats can always be folded down in two parts (60:40) to let out their power and reach up to 1,093 litersalthough there is not a completely flat surface.
Engine
The mechanical range of the Ford Fiesta is maintained in a similar way to what we saw previously. It has a version of atmospheric access, with the 75 hp 1.1 Ti-VCT engine that I don’t think is the best option. Now that they have removed diesel, gasoline takes center stage with the 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder as an arrowhead in the range. It is available with 100 hp in its most traditional configuration, although it has also received electrification to have two versions that are the most interesting as they carry the ECO label.
There are two Fiesta EcoBoost MHEVs, one with 125 and one with 155 hp. In both cases, a 48V microhybrid system which adds a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG). In practice, it provides increased Start&Stop operation and a reduction in consumption and emissions. Special mention deserves the Ford Fiesta ST, which is the top of the range with its 200 CV extracted from the 1.5 EcoBoost engine.
Behaviour
We had not said it before, but we are behind the wheel of the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost MHEV of access, the one that It has 125 hp and 200 Nm of torque.. It is probably the most balanced version for performance and consumption, since with those figures it is more than enough for day to day. The 155 hp will be more fun and is placed one step below the ST, it is a good intermediate option for those who want a little more sportiness. In any case, I am going to focus on this specimen, which is linked to a Manual gearbox with six gears and that has front-wheel drive, like the other versions of the model.
If we take a walk through its technical sheet, we see that this Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost MHEV 125 CV is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and it reaches a maximum speed of 200 km/h. As we said, more than enough for daily use thanks also to the fact that the 200 Nm of torque are available from 1,750 rpm. In fact, we liked the linearity of this engine and the way it pushes from practically any area of the rev counter without having to resort to the gear lever too much.
And that he transmission touch It has been quite pleasant for us. It offers quite short and direct routes, accentuating a bit the character of the Fiesta. Although we are not going to lie, this copy has not been made to transmit purely sporting sensations like the ST. Have three driving modes, but there are hardly any variations in its behavior. We can choose the Eco to save some fuel, the Normal in everyday situations or the Sport to get a little more hardness in the direction or sensitivity in the throttle.
With the passing of the kilometers we are perceiving the impact that the installation of the microhybrid system has had on this 1.0 EcoBoost. He has slightly improved refinement of the three cylinders, although some vibrations and low noise remain. What is most appreciated is a greater retention when the foot is lifted from the accelerator to regenerate energy which is stored in the 48 V battery. The Start&Stop system is also very fine, while it is easier to hold speeds in cruises thanks to that “sail mode”.
Although honestly what makes you fall in love with the Ford Fiesta is nothing other than the tuning your chassis. Following the premise of “if something works, don’t touch it”, the oval brand presents its utility vehicle with its characteristic dynamic and precise behavior to which we were accustomed. It does not disappoint on twisty roads, since the suspension (McPherson type in the front axle and rigid axle in the rear) has a fairly firm setting and the direction is direct and communicative. It also comes with a braking system that manages to stop its just over 1,200kg with solvency.
And of course it’s also responsive in urban environments due to its agility and contained dimensions. Even on fast roads such as highways and expressways, it offers quite an outstanding poise. In short, a round chassis with which it is not surprising that they have been able to give life to the Fiesta ST. Although in this version common sense prevails and we have achieved a around 6 liters during the week of testing, a figure just as complete as the car in general.
Opinion cars.com
The Ford Fiesta is a car With feet on the ground. Although it received a recent update, it remains with the same character as always and just changes to survive in the short term. Aesthetically it is very similar and its technology is nothing to write home about, the same as its interior space or its quality. They bet on microhybridization and it seems that there is still an electric Fiesta among their ranks. However, this specimen shows a behavior clearly above average and continues to offer a pretty good value for money.
The Ford Fiesta has a PVP of 19,756 euros, although with offers part of 16,311 euros. He is a little above other rivals that are more affordable with discounts. For example, the Hyundai i20 starts at 13,540 euros, the SEAT Ibiza starts at 13,840 euros and the Renault Clio starts at 14,934 euros (make a table/graph). Although, it must be added that it can always be found Something cheaper at Coches.com, where we have the best new car deals in Spain, as well as renting or financing with very good conditions.
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