Anyone interested in more technical details knows that the platform of the new Ford Fiesta (7th generation) derives from the previous generation. It may even be the same platform as the 6th generation — more evolved, naturally — but on the road the new Ford Fiesta feels like another car. Sit down more car.
It looks like a model of a superior segment, due to its smoothness, its soundproofing, the “feeling” transmitted to the driver. So why switch platforms? What's more, times call for cost containment. There are more important places to invest money…
dynamic behavior
As I mentioned earlier, the dynamic behavior of the new Fiesta is at the level of the best in the segment. Within segment B, only the Seat Ibiza plays the same game. It's a superb corner correction and the steering is tactful.
I also liked the new steering wheel, and the driving position doesn't deserve “maximum marks” because the seat base should, in my opinion, be bigger. The support, on the other hand, is correct.
Fortunately, good dynamic behavior doesn't make a dear to comfort. Despite the 18-inch ST-Line wheels (optional) that fitted this unit, Fiesta still handles tarmac imperfections very well.
Richard Parry-Jones' teachings continue to be a school with Ford engineers — even after he left in 2007.
Whenever you read (or hear…) a compliment to a Ford's dynamic behavior, remember the name of Richard Parry-Jones.
He was largely responsible for the dynamic referential adjustment of models such as the Fiesta and the Focus. It joined Ford in the early 1990s and the brand was never the same again — the Escort was a disgrace from that point of view, even in light of the times. The Ford Focus MK1, which already celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is perhaps his most emblematic creation.
Inside
Remember when I wrote that “There are more important places to invest money…”. Well, part of this money must have been channeled to the interior. The presentation of the cabin leaves the previous model miles away.
We start the engine of this Ford Fiesta ST-Line and are surprised by the sound insulation. Only at higher revs does the tricylindrical nature of the engine manifest itself.
This unit (in the pictures) was equipped with almost 5,000 euros of extras, but the perception of solidity and attention to detail is standard on all versions. Everything is neat, in the right place.
Only in the rear seats you can see that the use of the old platform was not a completely won bet. It has enough space, yes it does, but it's not as comfortable as the Volkswagen Polo — which “cheated” and went after the Golf platform (also used on the Ibiza). The luggage compartment capacity also does not reach 300 liters (292 liters).
More advanced driving assistance systems are on the list of options.
The engine
Ford must no longer have space to store the trophies collected by the 1.0 Ecoboost engine. In this unit, the well-known 1.0 Ecoboost engine has 125 hp of power and 170 Nm of maximum torque (available between 1 400 and 4 500 rpm). Numbers that translate to 9.9 seconds from 0-100 km/h and 195 km/h of top speed.
But these numbers don't tell the whole story. More than pure accelerations, what I want to highlight is the availability of the engine at medium and low speeds. In everyday life, it is a pleasant engine to use and makes a "happy marriage" with the six-speed manual transmission. As for consumption, it is not difficult to get averages of 5.6 liters.
Continuing on the engine, bearing in mind that it is not a sporty model (despite the sporty suspensions and the exterior appearance), the new Ford Fiesta is very interesting to explore in more applied driving. The chassis invites and the engine doesn't say no…
Equipment and price
The equipment list is sufficient. In this version of the Ford Fiesta ST-Line I naturally emphasize the sporty equipment. On the outside, attention is divided by the sport suspension, grille, bumpers and exclusive ST-Line side skirts.
Inside, the Ford Fiesta ST-Line stands out for its sports seats, gearshift handle, leather-covered steering wheel and handbrake, and aluminum sports pedals. The black roof lining (standard) also helps to set the mood on board.
The 6.5-inch Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system with six speakers and USB ports offered as standard does very well, but if you truly enjoy listening to in-car music and value gadgets, the Premium Navigation Pack (966 euros) is required. They get a navigation system, B&O Play sound system, an 8-inch screen and even an automatic air conditioning system.
If in terms of comfort, the list of standard equipment is sufficient. As for the most advanced active safety systems, we have to go to the list of options. Look for Pack Tech 3 which costs €737 and includes ACC adaptive automatic cruise control, pre-collision assistance with distance alert, Blind Spot Detection System (BLIS) and Cross Traffic Alert (ATC). Naturally ABS, EBD and ESP systems are standard.
The unit that you can see in these images costs 23 902 euros. A value from which the campaigns in force must be subtracted and which can amount to €4,000 (considering the brand's financing campaigns and support for recovery).