Test drive Ford Fiesta: fresh power
Test Drive

Test drive Ford Fiesta: fresh power

Test drive Ford Fiesta: fresh power

The Fiesta, Ford's first model under the company's new "global" policy, will be sold around the world virtually unchanged. The fourth generation of small cars seeks to be radically different from their predecessors. Test version with 1,6-litre petrol engine.

Once you come face to face with the new generation of the well-known Fiesta across Europe, you can't help but think that this is a brand new model and of a higher class. The truth is that the dimensions of the car have increased relatively slightly compared to its predecessor - two centimeters long, four wide and five high - but its appearance makes it look bigger and more massive. Like the Mazda 2, which uses the same technology platform, the new Fiesta has lost even 20 kilograms.

The design is practically taken from a series of concept developments called Verve and looks fresh and bold without falling into excessive extravagance. Clearly, the Fiesta wants to not only retain its old fans, but also win the hearts of a whole new audience - the overall impression of the car has nothing to do with any of the models that have carried this name so far.

High level of equipment

The basic version is equipped as standard with ESP, five airbags and central locking, while the top version Titanium also has air conditioning, alloy wheels, fog lights and a number of "mouth-watering" details in the interior. In contrast to the base prices for the model, which, despite the good equipment, seem to be a bit overpriced, the extra charge for the extras turns out to be surprisingly beneficial.

Each of the three modifications Sport, Ghia and Titanium has its own style: Ruth Pauli, chief designer of colors, materials and finishes for all Ford Europe models, explains that the Sport has a puritanically aggressive character and is aimed at the maximum Already for young people, Ghia - for those who appreciate calmness and love soft smooth tones, while the top version of Titanium is emphatically technocratic and at the same time refined, striving to satisfy the most demanding.

The stylish lady is happy to report that according to her personal taste, the most eye-catching colors for the Fiesta paintwork are sky blue and sparkling yellow green (which she says is inspired by her favorite caipirinha cocktail). It was in the latter nuance that the body of the car used for the photoshoot was discovered, and we can confidently confirm that it made a huge impression among the traffic on the roads of Tuscany.

Attention to detail

Impressive is the almost perfect ergonomics of the rather unusual cabin shape - the Fiesta is a prime example of unconventional, and in places even bizarre design, which at the same time remains fully functional. The materials are of very good quality for their category - the hard polymers typical of small cars can only be found in the most hidden corners of the cabin, the instrument panel is pushed forward, but its matte finish does not reflect on the windshield, and the relatively thin front speakers do not reflect. make visibility as challenging as most competing models.

From the moment you step into the driver's seat, you begin to feel like you're in a sports car - the steering wheel, shifter, pedals and left footrest fit as naturally as if they were extensions of the limbs, elegant devices are usable in any light and require no distraction attention.

Surprise on the road

The real surprise comes when you get to the first corner with the new Fiesta. The fact that Ford has been one of the most recognized masters of dynamic driving in recent years is well known in itself, but that does not make the presentation of their new creation any less delightful. The winding mountain roads are like a home for a Fiesta, and the driving pleasure reaches such proportions that we can't help but ask ourselves questions like, "Is this really achievable with a very simple small class model?" and “We're driving a sporty version of the ST, but somehow forgot to notice first?”

The steering is exceptional (for some tastes even excessive) direct, suspension reserves are fantastic for a car like this, and the 1,6-liter petrol engine responds instantly to any command and provides confident and even traction across almost the entire rev range. Of course, 120 horsepower is not enough to turn the Fiesta into a racing sports car, but while maintaining a consistently high rev level, the dynamics are significantly better than one would expect based on the technical parameters on paper.

The car pulls smoothly on reverse downhills in high gear and under 2000 rpm, which makes us discreetly check at the first opportunity that Ford engineers haven't hidden a turbocharger under the hood after all. We do not find it, so the explanation for the respectable capabilities of the drive remains only in the talent of engineers. However, the absence of sixth gear is noticeable - at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour, the tachometer needle crosses the 4000 division and, given the short gear ratios of the box, there is nothing surprising in the high fuel consumption.

There is no doubt that with their new Fiesta Ford, they are taking the lion's leap forward and upward. The harmonious complex of qualities, the absence of insurmountable flaws and excellent behavior on the road are highly appreciated.

Ford Fiesta 1.6 Ti-VCT Titan

If not for the high fuel consumption of the 1,6-liter petrol engine, the new Fiesta would have earned the maximum five-star rating without any problems. Apart from this drawback and limited visibility from the driver's seat, the car has practically no significant drawbacks.

technical details

Ford Fiesta 1.6 Ti-VCT Titan
Working volume-
Power88 kW (120 hp)
Maximum

torque

-
Acceleration

0-100 km / h

10,6 with
Braking distances

at a speed of 100 km / h

39 m
full speed161 km / h
Average consumption

fuel in the test

7,6 l / 100 km
Base Price17 euros (for Germany)

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