Ford has updated its popular Fiesta supermini with efficient new mild-hybrid powertrains, along with technology enhancements.
Following on from the excellent new Puma crossover arriving in showrooms earlier this year with its fuel-saving mild-hybrid engines, Ford has chosen to add these to its Fiesta model too – the UK’s most popular new car.
Available on the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with outputs of either 123bhp or 153bhp, the electrification helps to improve both responsiveness and efficiency.
The powertrain features a belt-driven starter/generator, which replaces the usual alternator. It can harness energy when the car is braking or coasting – and then store it in a battery pack - as well as provide additional torque.
Ford says that it offers up to 24Nm more torque and is five per cent more fuel efficient than the non-electrified engine, which remains available with outputs of 94bhp or 123bhp.
The mild-hybrid models can return up to 57.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 109g/km – making it nearly as efficient as the 1.5-litre diesel.
The regular 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is also now available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, though no manual transmission is available with this any longer.
Adaptive cruise control is now available on the Fiesta for the first time, too, with automatic versions featuring something known as ‘Stop & Go’, which can bring the car to a stop in traffic and accelerate away autonomously when the car ahead starts moving. Park assist is also now available on more Fiesta trim levels, while rear cross traffic alert (which helps when reversing out of parking spaces) has been added to the options list.
New remote features are available on the Fiesta, too with the FordPass mobile app – including locking the doors, starting the car (only offered on automatic models), checking oil levels and more.
The Fiesta’s standard-fit eight-inch touchscreen has also been revised as part of this update to feature larger buttons – making the system easier to use on the move.
Mild-hybrid Fiestas are now available to order, with prices starting from £19,860 (entry-level Fiestas start from £16,640). You can choose the powertrains on all but the base Trend model and sporty ST versions.
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