2015 Fiesta Zetec S 'Red Edition' - Evo Triangle in the snow

[MarkwG]

GTIAlex said:

I know i'm bias but I do think the black edition looks horrific.

I wouldn't go that far, but not worth the extra, & to me looks like it's trying too hard, especially the red around the grill. In other news, turns out I was right, it was mis-built, should have the adjustable boot floor! Booking in to get that added when I get back from holidays.

[GTIAlex]

MarkwG said:

I wouldn't go that far, but not worth the extra, & to me looks like it's trying too hard, especially the red around the grill. In other news, turns out I was right, it was mis-built, should have the adjustable boot floor! Booking in to get that added when I get back from holidays.

Adjustable boot floor creating more load space? Optional extra I presume?

Haven't noticed many quality issues really apart from a big glob on clear coat on the corner or the bonnet, can only be seen when its open but it did make me laugh.

All the ones i've seen the black and red contrast, when not kept clean looks like black and pink, just looks odd, especially the lipstick!

Im current upgrading the interior and numberplate lighting to LED for a crisper look.

[MarkwG]

GTIAlex said:

Adjustable boot floor creating more load space? Optional extra I presume?

Haven't noticed many quality issues really apart from a big glob on clear coat on the corner or the bonnet, can only be seen when its open but it did make me laugh.

All the ones i've seen the black and red contrast, when not kept clean looks like black and pink, just looks odd, especially the lipstick!

Im current upgrading the interior and numberplate lighting to LED for a crisper look.

Yep, a £75 option: replaces the carpet with a lidded box, so sacrifices a bit of height but added strength & security. I opted for it, but it somehow didn't get fitted. I'm not that fussed either way, but the lease company want it as specced, which is fair enough, either that or my payments should drop appropriately (probably more difficult!). "Lipstick" - that's exactly it

[GTIAlex]

Thought I would update this a bit, not much going on really just changed a few things in between doing my VW Van or Mini.

The all time and money consuming van in the background.

Fitted a chav plate and an S badge.


Keeping it clean.


Change the entry interior light to a red bulb for that brothel red light district look; matches my G shock watch as well don't you know.
All very exciting isn't it!

[Sycamore]

I lease one of these, albeit Black Edition purely because I just don't like red cars.

They're great little cars, although with the hype I read about them before I leased it I did expect it to be a little faster. Maybe that's just because I previously had a Smart Roadster Coupe, which felt like I was doing much quicker speeds than I actually was, what with my arse being 2" off of the floor and all.

I think if I were to buy one with the view of keeping hold of it for a long while as opposed to leasing it, I'd have went with Red Edition in hindsight, the black paint marks light a bh! My dog rubbed his face on it and left a mark along the paint which had to be polished out.

Either my dog has a bonehead or the paint's st.

[gweaver]

I considered buying one of these, but was disappointed with the ride quality (45 profile tyres) and performance.

For a ~1150kg car with 140ps and 210Nm they just don't feel quick. I think this is largely down to the gearbox - torque (boost) is limited in first (possibly second too), and third is long geared. A stronger gearbox and third gear ratio suited to overtaking might transform the car, but instead Ford have a) been cheap and b) optimised the ratios for the now discredited NEDC emissions tests.

Shame, because lag aside, it's a nice engine and a very pleasant car to drive.

[GTIAlex]

gweaver said:

I considered buying one of these, but was disappointed with the ride quality (45 profile tyres) and performance.

For a ~1150kg car with 140ps and 210Nm they just don't feel quick. I think this is largely down to the gearbox - torque (boost) is limited in first (possibly second too), and third is long geared. A stronger gearbox and third gear ratio suited to overtaking might transform the car, but instead Ford have a) been cheap and b) optimised the ratios for the now discredited NEDC emissions tests.

Shame, because lag aside, it's a nice engine and a very pleasant car to drive.

I don't find anything wrong with the ride quality, and is positively cloud like compared to Fiesta St's I have been a passenger in.
There is a torque limiter on 1st and 2nd, but if you change up into third and forth full bore, you get overboost giving you more power.
Never had a problem finding a ratio suited to overtaking? Not really sure what you mean by that but yes obviously they arn't going spend too much on solving a problem that doesn't really exist or plonk the 6 speed box out of the ST in it are they...which is the actually the only thing it could do with gearbox wise...a 6th gear for the motorway.

Its all relative, I think the performance is fantastic from a 1.0 engine don't forget and provides a great all round package.

[gweaver]

GTIAlex said:

positively cloud like compared to Fiesta St's I have been a passenger in.

That I'll agree with! The Zetec on the other hand has an excellent ride for a supermini.

GTIAlex said:

There is a torque limiter on 1st and 2nd, but if you change up into third and forth full bore, you get overboost giving you more power. Never had a problem finding a ratio suited to overtaking? Not really sure what you mean by that but yes obviously they arn't going spend too much on solving a problem that doesn't really exist or plonk the 6 speed box out of the ST in it are they...which is the actually the only thing it could do with gearbox wise...a 6th gear for the motorway.

My point is that in 1st and 2nd you don't get full torque, and in third you are doing nigh on 100mph by the time maximum power arrives. A shorter third gear ratio where max power/rpm equated to around 85/90 mph would make better use of the engines powerband, reduce TED (time exposed to danger), whilst still allowing almost all overtaking maneuvers to be made without having to change into fourth gear mid maneuver. So basically I think that the first three gears are all compromised, and I do think that one solution would have been to fit the six speed box, which has a higher torque rating, and presumably shorter intermediate ratios. Instead they wasted (IMHO) the budget on making 17" wheels a standard part of the Zetec S specification.

GTIAlex said:

Its all relative, I think the performance is fantastic from a 1.0 engine don't forget and provides a great all round package.

You're right, and I do admit to feeling a bit mean for being so critical of your pride and joy. The Fiesta is a well sorted car and the 1.0 engine is both impressive and sounds great. It just frustrates me that, but for the accountants, it could have been so much better.

[GTIAlex]

Update:

Now approaching 12,000 so cars been in for a service which is the first time I've paid anyone to service a car. Not an enjoyable experience.

Had a groaning from the clutch when reversing which was checked and no fault was found...the courtesy fiesta I was given did the same thing so I'm happy its normal.

Also the passenger door has dropped, meaning it is INCREDIBLY annoying having passengers get in and out. "The doors not shut properly" "Thats not shut" "No, still not shut"....you get the idea.

Finally in terms of issues, the brakes are what id describe as shot; after about three slightly large stops, for example dual carriage way roundabouts, the brakes fade away to nothing. They have also developed a fairly substantial lip on the discs, but only on the back. Priced up some updated discs and pads so will put some on, uprate the fluid and hope that makes a difference.

General impression 11months on is that the car in general leaves me cold, and never leaves me smiling much, at least not for long.
Don't get me wrong its perfect for tootling around to work and back, and has a decent turn of pace, but lacks that 'special' feeling I got from my previous Clio 182 and even the daft grin factor of throwing a 1.0 yaris around.

Option 1: Change for a Fiesta ST or Focus ST
Option 2: Keep for another year and buy something totally different with around a 6k budget in 12 months time.

Definitely leaning towards option 2 at the moment.

[gweaver]

GTIAlex said:

Also the passenger door has dropped, meaning it is INCREDIBLY annoying having passengers get in and out. "The doors not shut properly" "Thats not shut" "No, still not shut"....you get the idea.

That's a bugger. Adjusting the striker might help, but I think adjusting the door itself is either very tricky or impossible.

GTIAlex said:

Finally in terms of issues, the brakes are what id describe as shot; after about three slightly large stops, for example dual carriage way roundabouts, the brakes fade away to nothing. They have also developed a fairly substantial lip on the discs, but only on the back. Priced up some updated discs and pads so will put some on, uprate the fluid and hope that makes a difference.

I thought the Fiestas all had drums at the back, with the exception of the ST?? Or did you mean the back of the front discs?

GTIAlex said:

General impression 11months on is that the car in general leaves me cold, and never leaves me smiling much, at least not for long.
Don't get me wrong its perfect for tootling around to work and back, and has a decent turn of pace, but lacks hat 'special' feeling I got from my previous Clio 182 and even the daft grin factor of throwing a 1.0 yaris around.

Option 1: Change for a Fiesta ST or Focus ST
Option 2: Keep for another year and buy something totally different with around a 6k budget in 12 months time.

Definitely leaning towards option 2 at the moment.

But, but, but, it's Autocars top rated warm hatch! It must be brilliant!

Good on you for giving an honest appraisal.
Maybe too much composure for the power available? Or not as responsive as your previous cars? I'd imagine that most modern hot hatches are a let down after a 182, and far too sophisticated and achingly boringly competent compared to the Yaris.

The Fiesta ST feels ballistic after the Zetec S, but I could imagine it frustrating as a daily driver. The ride quality is s**t too.
I'd say option 2 makes sense, but £6k?

I opted for a Swift Sport in the end, partly because it's the last of the old school naturally aspirated warm/hot hatches. It's too early to have much to report. The ride comfort isn't wonderful, but it's responsive and good fun when the driving conditions suit. I should start a thread for it on here. One of the rear pads doesn't seem to want to bed in - probably wants filing down and refitting, but I don't fancy doing that in these temperatures.

[GTIAlex]

gweaver said:

But, but, but, it's Autocars top rated warm hatch! It must be brilliant!

Good on you for giving an honest appraisal.
Maybe too much composure for the power available? Or not as responsive as your previous cars? I'd imagine that most modern hot hatches are a let down after a 182, and far too sophisticated and achingly boringly competent compared to the Yaris.

The Fiesta ST feels ballistic after the Zetec S, but I could imagine it frustrating as a daily driver. The ride quality is s**t too.
I'd say option 2 makes sense, but £6k?

I opted for a Swift Sport in the end, partly because it's the last of the old school naturally aspirated warm/hot hatches. It's too early to have much to report. The ride comfort isn't wonderful, but it's responsive and good fun when the driving conditions suit. I should start a thread for it on here. One of the rear pads doesn't seem to want to bed in - probably wants filing down and refitting, but I don't fancy doing that in these temperatures.

Yeah sorry I meant the back of the front discs.

There no point sugar coating car reviews like a lot of people seem to do on here, yes I invested around £4500 to lease it for two years but that matters little to me. I really enjoy the car still don't get me wrong, but it doesn't have that ZING that the previous cars had.
Although on the journey back from work today, I have reignited my liking for it, that 3 Cyl engine makes a funky noise and the car is just so composed.

The ride quality of the ST is what put me off in the first place so another test drive would remind me.

6k is the upper budget, but with a house purchase looming and two other classic cars to look after, I'm always looking at different options

My latest fancy is a Suzuki Ignis Sport, if not purely for those Recaros with the yellow mesh headrests. 100hp of revvy fun

[sheepman]

The lad I liftshare with has leased a black edition and agree with your review, I also think they could have improved the seats a bit more too as they don't really hold you in place better than a basic zetec I find?

My brother had a fiesta ST and while its a brilliant car, to live with day to day would be a nightmare. Absolute back breaking ride but I'm sure he averaged 38mpg-40mpg so not that much more expensive.

I currently drive a mk3 focus ST petrol and can't think of any car I'd replace it with (eyeing up 335i's though). Its by no means perfect but it handles brilliantly and has a good balance of economy, speed and comfort. It rides much better than the fiesta ST and I average 30mpg-34mpg on my 60 mile commute. A lot of people say they sound crap which is true compared to the old 2.5t 5 pot but I think they sound good in their own right as the standard induction noise is quite endearing, like an old escort induction sort of noise.

£350 gets you a bluefin map too with increases of 47bhp and torque up 127nm which is what ill be doing in the coming months, I realise I'm slightly biased when talking about the focus

Edited by sheepman on Saturday 20th February 07:40

Edited by sheepman on Saturday 20th February 07:41

[5potTurbo]

I have a 2014 ST. I don't find the ride "back breaking" at all. Skittish, sometimes, but not back breaking.
(Prior car was a 2.5T S-Max on KW V3 coilovers, so that was pretty firm too!)

My only gripe is with the ST's brakes. You can hear the pads on the discs when braking, every time. I'm told "it's normal", and it's just been serviced this week, so I wonder if the other Fiesta models brakes can be heard when used?

[gweaver]

GTIAlex said:

Although on the journey back from work today, I have reignited my liking for it, that 3 Cyl engine makes a funky noise and the car is just so composed.

The 3 cylinder ecoboost does sound pretty good :-) I think it's a love / hate relationship!

GTIAlex said:

The ride quality of the ST is what put me off in the first place so another test drive would remind me.

6k is the upper budget, but with a house purchase looming and two other classic cars to look after, I'm always looking at different options

My latest fancy is a Suzuki Ignis Sport, if not purely for those Recaros with the yellow mesh headrests. 100hp of revvy fun

5potTurbo said:

I have a 2014 ST. I don't find the ride "back breaking" at all. Skittish, sometimes, but not back breaking.

My lasting impression of the ST was of my internal organs bouncing around my body cavity as I drove over expansion joints that I barely noticed in my Rover 200vi. The Ignis Sport has a loyal following, but it's known for it's firm ride too. Same goes for the old Swift Sport.
The Clio RS200 (non cup) rode relatively well and might come in budget, but a) you've had a 182, and b) it likes a drink.

[df76]

Dropped back into the Red Edition today after a week abroad, where I had a 3 cylinder Audi A1, no contest, although the Audi was a decent car (I thought I'd loathe it just because of the badge, lesson learned).

Before getting the Red Edition, I seriously considered an ST, but given the miles I do (20k per year) that wasn't going to work. Great car though, and if i did half the miles I'd get one in a blink.

[Lgfst]

I've been looking at one of these for the wife to replace the Q3 that's gone. Just need something for town and a bit of DC and NSL country roads. Really impressed with these but I need to look in person getting a 2 and 4 year old into the back, otherwise it'll have to be a TX with dress up kit.

Love those pictures in the snow at the start. Looks like it was good fun. You been back much? I know some great roads around there

[df76]

With kids of that age, I'd be getting a 5 door (and visit Mountune to make up the difference!).

[problemchild1976]

can anyone say BRABUS forfour haha

JJ

[GTIAlex]

Lgfst said:

I've been looking at one of these for the wife to replace the Q3 that's gone. Just need something for town and a bit of DC and NSL country roads. Really impressed with these but I need to look in person getting a 2 and 4 year old into the back, otherwise it'll have to be a TX with dress up kit.

Love those pictures in the snow at the start. Looks like it was good fun. You been back much? I know some great roads around there

No, I haven't been back at all but been that way lots in my VW Camper so not quite the same driving experience.

As far as im aware, you can now get a 'normal' Zetec S with the 140bhp unit in it, which you couldn't at the time I ordered this. This opens up a much larger range of less racey colours which compliment the shape much better.

I'm not against firm rides as a rule (own and drove a classic mini daily for four years) as especially wouldn't care in something cheap and daft like a Ignis sport/Yaris T sport/another 1*2 etc but in a brand new car with all the technology available to the manufactures now, I can't see a need for such a hard ride that the FieSTa has ALL the time.

[gweaver]

Lgfst said:

Really impressed with these but I need to look in person getting a 2 and 4 year old into the back, otherwise it'll have to be a TX with dress up kit.

I spent too long looking into specifications of the different 1.0l ecoboost variants, including checking on the Ford ETIS system and reading their press releases.

In summary:

Engines

• 100PS - turbine is made of lower grade alloy
• 125PS - turbine made of Inconel (higher heat tolerances)
• 140PS - uprated head gasket

Gear ratios

• Titanium 125PS - long fifth gear, good for cruising
• Zetec S 125PS - shorter fifth gear vs. Titanium
• Zetec S/Red/Black 140PS - longer 1st, 2nd, possibly 3rd too, to work around the inadequate torque rating of the IB5 gearbox - they couldn't increase the engine torque without lengthening the ratios, hence the measly 0.4 sec improvement in 0-62 time. Marketed as close ratio or somesuch..

Suspension

• Zetec - grandad spec, with 15" wheels - very comfy
• Titanium - grandad spec, with 16" wheels - still pretty good
• Zetec S/Red/Black - 10mm lower, 12% stiffer front, 6% stiffer front, 11% stiffer torsion beam. 16" 45 profile or 17" 40 profile (now standard), ride not as good as Titanium.

Contrary to popular belief, I don't think there are any suspension differences between the Zetec S and the Red/Black. Also contrary to popular belief, the Red/Black does not have shorter ratios than the standard Zetec S (though fifth is shorter than Titanium). Performance wise, I think the differences between the 125PS and 140PS are marginal, and only really evident at the top of each gear because the 140PS has slightly longer legs.

The Titanium is typically available with a bigger discount than the Zetec S, so if you need rear doors just get the Titanium, save the money, and don't worry about the 0.4s. Or get the Mountune, but beware that the MP135 map is still torque/boost limited in first and second. Even MR165 has restricted boost in first and second.

And while I'm on the subject of maps:
100PS - 0-62: 11.2s
125PS - 0-62: 9.4s
140PS - 0-62: 9.0s
MP135 - 0-60: 8.6s
Look carefully and put your hand up if you think the Mountune MP135 is definitely faster than the 140PS.

TL;DR - Ford were too tight to put a decent gearbox in the Zetec S/Red/Black, and dropped some marketing bull to pull the wool over the eyes of journalists and customers.
It's not just a Ford thing. There's a Corsa Red/Black with a 1.4 Turbo (150PS/220NM) and a 0-60 of 8.9s. That might be the slowest 150PS hot hatch ever.