Exciting gifts arrive in small packages. Take, for example, Ford's celebratory Fiesta subcompact.
Reintroduced to the U.S. in the 2011 model year, this front-wheel-drive offering possesses many attributes and technologies that just a few short years ago would be the guise of professional racing or more opulent nameplates.& The 2014 Fiesta not only impresses with fit& and quality build, but mileage estimates tickle the 40 mile per hour plateau utilizing regular, 87-octane fuel to operate finely-tuned powertrain investments. A mid-cycle exterior facelift, notable upfront, reflects the new personality of additional noteworthy powertrains.& Globally speaking, Fiesta ranked as the best-selling subcompact through the first six months of 2013.
As has been the case during the past three years, two body styles are available: four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Major 2014 updates include a new performance-oriented ST trim with more potent output and sporty-type handling. At the other end of the spectrum, a fuel-efficient, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine delivers some of the highest non-diesel, non-hybrid fuel numbers available. &
EcoBoost is Ford's marriage between turbocharged and gas direct injection technologies working in tandem to maximize fuel efficiency efforts. The new-to-North-America three-cylinder, 1.0-liter EcoBoost generates an impressive 123 horses and highway fuel estimates reaching 40 mpg.& &
The 2014 Fiesta is not the only nameplate bringing back a three-cylinder engine (which continues popular in Europe) here to the states.& Mitsubishi offers two versions in its all-new 2014 smaller-than-subcompact Mirage minicar (measuring in at 148.8 inches long, eleven inches or so shorter than the Fiesta hatchback).& Expect more three-cylinder debuts in the not-so-distant future.
Returning from the 2013 model year is Ford's proven 1.6-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated (read non-turbo) engine cranking out an acceptable-for -this-class 120 horsepower.& It's available with six-speed powershift (dual clutch) transmission. &
Ford's advanced power shift automatic, also known as a dual clutch transmission (not tested this week) , combines the convenience of a traditional six-speed automatic with engineering and fuel conservation of manual varieties. This technology gained notoriety in the auto racing circuit, undergoing refinements for the past 30 years.& Usually the domain of high-end import automakers, this lighter weight technology eliminates the bulky, heavy torque converter utilized in conventional automatic transmissions. No foot clutch is needed and forward gears move automatically very much like a conventional automatic. It's class exclusive to Fiesta. &
Time was when subcompact, entry-level cars were available bare-boned and intended to stay that way.& Not so for the 2014 Fiesta.& Options including leather seats, sunroofs and in-dash navigation are available as wish-list items in upper levels. Trims include entry S, mid-level SE, Titanium and aforementioned ST (available solely in hatchback body style with six-speed manual). The ST builds in performance tweaks to the 1.6-liter engine for a 197 horsepower output, one of the more potent available in the segment.
All trims sans the S entry come with a rather unique ambient interior lighting system. A push-button below ventilation dials cycles through the seven hue selections trimming the dual in-line beverage holders and a thick strip along the glove box.
Fiesta sedans start at $14,000 while five-door "S" hatchbacks& list at $14,600. Our SE hatchback tester and 1.6-liter four banger coupled with five-speed manual transmission checked in at $16,050.& A SE appearance package ($995) included satellite radio and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, while a comfort package ($290) included warming front seats and heated side-view mirrors.& A $795 in-dash navigation and $795 delivery fee brought the bottom line to $18,925. Fuel economy estimates averaged 27 mpg city and 38 mpg highway close to the dual clutch transmission numbers.
Supportive cloth front bucket seats feature a relatively high seating position, making ingress and egress a pleasure rather than a chore. Front seat headroom is plentiful, while row two could be a tight fit for those six-feet-four-inches and taller. Leg room in back is less than a recently tested Nissan Versa subcompact, but acceptable. Row two is best left for two adult passengers, no matter what the promotional brochures claim about this segment comfortably seating five.
The smallish instrument panel includes two three-quarter-circle analog gauges flanked by an "H" center divider with a tiny analog fuel gauge along the bottom and small digital message window atop. The largely black, modernly-stylish dashboard features brushed aluminum circular vents at each end while serpentining outward towards the center.& Brushed aluminum highlights also connect the three interior spokes of steering wheel.
Ventilation controls in the lower center stack consist of two small dials controlling fan speed and temperature flanking a larger circular center region with a readout of the interior temperature setting surrounded by tiny push-buttons detailing blower direction. The upper portion includes a house-like square structure with 6.5-inch touch screen inside. A top-side brim helps reduce sun glare, but, for those with long vertical inseams, blocks the top quarter inch of the screen, which is home to the Fiesta's digital time display. That said the touch-screen tutorial remains extremely user friendly and intuitive with the home screen in quads (radio, navigation/compass, phone and time/settings) with a 'home icon' option always visible during cyber cycling to get folks back to the square one home-page starting line. Portable electronics and iPod ports are found inside the thin, deep center arm rest.
A wonderful, low-tech, low-cost yet high-impact safety nuance includes beveled-like glass tucked in upper side corners of the side-view mirrors illuminating blind spots on both side of the vehicle. Mirror housing include blinker bands, alerting those around of a driver's next impending maneuver. Standard in all trims is a rear wiper, clearing the view when inclement weather presents itself.
Another low-tech, high-reward feature is the cap less fuel lead.& It's so useful and easy; more manufacturers are getting on board. The filling station nozzle breaks past a thin plate barrier when fueling.& The plate self-seals once the nozzle is removed, negating the need for a cap and saving a few pennies along the production process.
The rear hatch conveniently opens high enough so vertically-enhanced folks can load and unload with having to duck down to avoid head bumping with the raised door. In front, Fiesta for 2014 borrows a styling cue from Ford's mid-size Fusion four-door with a bolder front grille statement.& Ford's iconic blue oval logo now resides above, not inside the grille, which measures considerably larger than 2013 with five horizontal slates inside a trapezoid like structure. Sleek, narrow headlight housing extends up next to the hood along the side fender, stopping six-inches from the 'A" pillar base.& Large tail light housing flanking the hatch door remains large and tri-angular in shape; and hard for other road warriors to miss at night.
At highway speeds, some wind noise is audible through the interior. Blind spots are minimal and drivers have good perception in all directions; overall, a pleasant driving experience.
Ford's 'MyKey' is new to Fiesta in 2014, allowing parents to play the role of 'Big Brother' by limiting maximum speed and audio limits when offspring are in charge& behind the wheel.
At a glance
Price as tested:& $18,925
Engine:& 1.6-liter Duratech inline four cylinder
Horsepower:& 120
Fuel economy:& 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway
Overall length:& 159.7 inches
Overall height: 58.1 inches
Overall width: 67.8 inches
Wheelbase: 98 inches
Curb weight:& 2,537 pounds
Powertrain warranty:& Five years/ 60,000 miles
Built: Cuautitlan Mexico
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