For many years Ford’s Fiesta has made it into many prestigious ‘top’ lists, and for good reason. The latest generation Fiesta is more practical, better equipped and more efficient than many of its predecessors but most importantly it remains just as good to drive. The Fiesta is available with a variety of petrol engines with the pick of the bunch being one of the well-performing EcoBoost engines which offers an optimum combination of performance and efficiency. In Ford’s latest EcoBoost Hybrid engines, at low speeds or when stationary, the engine can switch itself off and the 48V starter-generator seamlessly restarts when needed. The separate 48V Li-ion battery is automatically recharged by regenerative braking during coasting and braking.
Special mention : Comfort, steering wheel texture, seamless auto stop/start & energy regeneration, great design, dynamic chassis, Sync 3 infotainment, CarPlay / Android Auto works incredibly well.
Needs work : Auto Stop/Start cuts off air con at the lights (to save energy), holding higher revs for longer reduces fuel economy but that’s down to the driver. Infotainment screen could be integrated into the dash for the next version. Boot space isn’t flat when rear seats are down.
Specs: As tested
| Max Power 125 PS | Petrol / 6 Speed Manual |
| 0-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds | Road Tax €190 |
Price: €23,957 As spec’d :€26,763 | Boot 311 / 1093 litres |
Here we have the 1 litre Ecoboost Hybrid ST with 125 horsepower and a six-speed manual gearbox. The hybrid gives you a little bit back, but ensures the Fiesta doesn’t loose any of its well known fizz. The cylinder deactivation runs on just two cylinders when cruising to add to that energy saving. The EcoBoost Hybrid only weighs around 30kg more and in order to save more energy, Ford’s installed a regenerative braking system that gets to work the second you ease up on the accelerator.
In terms of design, the new Fiesta has developed nicely, now boasting a sleek front and more angular rear. This is the EcoBoost Hyrbid in ST Line and is a nicely specced model in the lineup, features the more sporty ST front grille and body styling. It’s got front fogs, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. The ST also gets 17” alloys, special rear and wing badges, power folding door mirrors and safety features such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot assist.
One neat trick from the folding door protectors is that they fold in and out when you open the door to create extra protection against walls or other cars. Unfortunately the usual door clunk is overpowered by a tinny / plasticky ‘click clack’ sound.
On the inside the interior is a mix of soft touch material and carbon fiber impression surrounds. This ST model has comfortable plush seats which look great and are cosy. The steering wheel is covered in an extremely pleasant material which makes it very comfortable to hold. It’s also got some buttons for quick access to stereo, infotainment and cruise control settings.
There’s an 8” touchscreen as standard and this car gets the latest Ford sync 3 navigation system, DAB radio (no longer supported by RTÉ unfortunately) Apple Carplay and Android auto. There’s also a really decent set of speakers as well as automatic climate control and a brilliant driver’s instrument cluster which alongside speed and revs also shows sat nav and media amongst other features. There’s also the option of a panoramic sunroof although the cabin is sufficiently bright enough without it.
In the back there’s three seats made with the same quilted leather from up front, there’s a reasonable door opening, electric windows and the seats offer a good amount of support with good comfort levels and adjustable headrests. While space is fine if you’re smaller and shorter, head and leg room will be a bit pushed if you’re anywhere close to six foot. It is a small hatchback though and is comparable to space in its competitors.
This latest Fiesta gets a 311 litre capacity boot which is good enough, however it’s got a bit of a jump between the floor and the seats when they’re folded down making it trickier to fit awkward objects.
When you do extend the boot space, the seats can fold 60/40 and whilst there is a big lip between the seats and the boot floor, it opens up the space for larger luggage and boxes with the wide boot opening making it reasonably easy to load luggage.
The new Fiesta offers a range of fun and efficient engines which even at entry level and offer a satisfactory amount of power. The 125 ps EcoBoost engine is a good middle ground for comfort and low co2 emissions.
This particular six-speed manual gearbox is a good manual gearboxes for its class. Steering is light and easy and even without the reversing cameras, the Fiesta is incredibly easy to park. With its light steering and impressive maneuverability, it’s easy to navigate even to the tightest of spaces.
The Fiesta’s low running costs also mean that it appeals to many, combined with the stylish cabin, a good amount of technology and affordable monthly rentals make it a great car for all ages. With a vast model lineup to choose from you’re bound to find a Fiesta that perfectly suits your needs.