Launched in 2017, the seventh generation of Ford Fiesta it is far from being out of date. Still, the authentic “flood” of new models that has occurred in the last year and a half in the B segment has raised the bar.
Does the Fiesta still have arguments in a segment in constant turmoil and where its main rivals — Renault Clio, Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa — were recently renewed?
To find out, we tested the Ford Fiesta ST-Line equipped with the multi-award winning 1.0 Ecoboost, here in its 95 hp variant. Are there still reasons to party? Find out in the next few lines.
saucy exterior look
Aesthetically, the ST-Line version does not hide its inspiration from the radical (and sporty) ST variant.
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From the specific bumper and grille to the spoiler, everything contributes to a sporty look less discreet than that presented by the spicy variants of some of its competitors such as the Opel Corsa GS Line, Peugeot 208 GT Line or Renault Clio R.S. Line.
Personally, I think this look fits the Fiesta “not a glove”, serving as the perfect bridge to the sensations it gives us when we drive it.
Already compared to the competition, the look of the Ford utility vehicle remains as current as it was three years ago, well disguising the fact that it became, almost overnight, a “veteran” in the segment.
And interior too
Forgetting the clear similarities between the dashboard styling of the Fiesta ST-Line and that of several other Fords, what stands out most are the sporty details.
The steering wheel (with good grip) is lined in leather and the metallic gearbox grip not only creates a sportier environment — which the sport seats also help — but brings to mind the solution used in the first Puma (the coupé) .
As I told you on the test at the Active version , the assembly is robust and the materials, although mostly stiff (as you would expect in a utility), reveal a good quality, allowing Fiesta to play the same game with the competition.
In terms of ergonomics, the conservative style sets the tone and allows the Fiesta to impose itself on models such as the new 208, whose use requires greater habituation.
Finally, when it comes to space, two occupants travel in comfort in the rear seats, with the Fiesta matching models like the Renault Clio or the Peugeot 208.
The luggage compartment with 311 liters ends up falling short of the values presented by the Renault Clio (391 liters), Hyundai i20 (351 liters) or SEAT Ibiza (355 liters), being more in line with the pair of proposals from PSA, the Opel Corsa and the Peugeot 208, with 309 liters of capacity.
In the rear seats two travel in comfort, three is also possible, but it won't be as comfortable.
practical and fun
If inside the Ford Fiesta continues to be able to fight on an equal footing with its competitors, where the Ford model stands out most compared to the vast majority of these is in the dynamic chapter.
Today, just as when it was launched, Fiesta continues to assert itself as one of the segment's references in terms of dynamic behavior.
Safe and stable when driven calmly, this proves to be interactive and fun when we decide to explore your “ST rib”.
We have three driving modes and the truth is that the difference between them is felt.
The steering has a good weight, being precise and direct, the suspension holds body movement very well (without being overly firm) and the grip levels are enviable.
If to all this we add a rear axle that supports the front when inserting into curves and a good ability to exit curves under acceleration, we end up with a model in which everything seems to encourage us to look for a mountain road just to explore its potential. of the chassis.
Best of all, despite appearing somewhat modest on paper, the 95 hp with which the 1.0 Ecoboost presents itself does the job well, with the engine speeding up happily and allowing it to print at higher speeds.
In addition to this dynamic cocktail, we have a six-speed manual gearbox with a reference touch and a stepping capable of combining consumption and performance without sacrificing one to the detriment of the other.
Speaking of fuel consumption, when driving calmly it is quite possible to drive at around 5 l/100 km. Even when you get carried away by the Fiesta's dynamic skills, they are fixed between 6 and 6.5 l/100 km, only approaching 7 l/100 km when you add urban traffic to the equation.
Is the car right for me?
It may not be the most affordable (that's why there's the Dacia Sandero), the most avant-garde (Peugeot 208), spacious (Renault Clio) or sober (Opel Corsa or Volkswagen Polo) but one thing is certain, the Ford Fiesta remains a proposal to be taken into account in segment B.
With a good level of equipment and a fair price compared to everything it offers (even with "mandatory" options, such as the Premium Security Pack, the price of this unit was no more than 22 811 euros), the Ford Fiesta joins an extra factor: it's fun to drive.
At the wheel of the Ford SUV, all trips that involve facing curves become interesting and we even ended up looking for the most winding way home, just to explore this aspect a little more.
When we slow down the pace, the Fiesta ST-Line has all the qualities of a good SUV, revealing itself to be practical, safe and easy to drive, giving Ford more than enough reasons to still “celebrate” against its most recent rivals.
That said, for those who want an economical and well-equipped utility vehicle, but don't want to give up driving pleasure, the Ford Fiesta ST-Line is one of the best options in the segment.