Road Test: Ford Fiesta ST-Line X 1.0L EcoBoost MHEV 155PS
Mild hybrid has no effect on the Fiesta’s popular, fine driving formula, finds Martyn Collins.
Ford Fiesta ST-Line X with the 155hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost
SECTOR Supermini PRICE £22,980 FUEL 42.8-50.461.4mpg CO2 122g/km
There’s no full-electric Fiesta yet, but Ford’s popular supermini is the latest model to benefit from mild-hybrid power.
Alongside the Puma and Focus, the Fiesta gains 48V architecture, giving further small fuel and emission savings to the already frugal 125 and 153hp versions of the 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine. It is basically the same mild-hybrid set-up that was first seen last year in the Puma SUV. So, think belt-driven starter motor instead of the standard alternator, feeding a small lithium ion battery during braking or coasting.
That belt-driven alternator also acts as a motor, working with the engine and using the stored energy to give extra torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration – as well as running the Fiesta’s electrical ancillaries.
Performance is best described as punchy, yet it is now capable of 61.4mpg WLTP fuel consumption and 122g/km emission figures.
At the same time as the mild technology, the Fiesta has gained further safety kit in the form of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go and Speed Sign Recognition. This was fitted to our test car as part of the optional Driver Assistance Pack (£550) and it works very well.
Our Fiesta was in costly, range-topping ST-Line X Edition trim (£22,980), but these engines are fitted across the other trims. Being an ST-Line X, you get pseudo sporty looks and 18-inch alloy wheels, all finished on our car by the unique and attractive Freedome Blue exclusive body colour.
Inside, highlights of this Fiesta include supportive sports seats, chunky three-spoke steering wheel, the Ford SYNC 3 touchscreen navigation system and powerful, B&O sound system.
The Fiesta might not be the newest supermini on the block, but we reckon it’s still the most fun-to-drive with precise steering, slick gearchange, sharp handling and surprisingly composed ride, despite the big wheels.
FW Rating: 4/5
Martyn Collins
Martyn has 18 years experience as a motoring journalist, working across a wide selection of B2B and consumer titles. A car enthusiast since his early years, Martyn has a particular interest in the latest models and technology and in his spare time enjoys driving his own Minis.
