Wednesday 5th September 2012

Ford Fiesta to get EcoBoost engine

Formula Ford racer yesterday, supermini today - the new Ecoboost engine is everywhere!

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Mid-life facelifts are not typical PH fodder. New grilles and bumpers to accompany some additional equipment and a revised interior are not usually headline news. The updated Ford Fiesta would appear to be a case in point. Sure, it's a very worthy and capable supermini, but the fact it's now available with a Focus-aping grille and Ford SYNC in-car connectivity are hardly the sort of alterations that would make us rush out and buy one.

There is a mechanical change that might, however. Fresh from that 7:22 'ring lap, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is now available in the Fiesta. Of course, it doesn't have that particular car's 205hp but the more sedate 100hp variant should still make for an entertaining supermini. A 120hp version will also be available - what future for the 120hp 1.6 Zetec S in that case? - and, as has already been proved, the little motor is receptive to a bit of chip tuning too. Which is promising.

The facelifted Fiesta will be another Paris debutant, where more details on pricing and availability will emerge.

[BigTom85]

Still the best looking car in its class, imho. I really do love the new front end treatment on this, and with the little Ecoboost it should be a hoot.

9/10 from me!

[Prof Prolapse]

So how much are Ford paying you guys nowadays then?

[DoctorX]

Preferred the original front end to this. Shame they didn't ditch the hideous dash while they were at it. Nice enough car though, certainly better looking than the Clio or 208 IMHO.

[matt3001]

Great looking car! Are the plans still on course for an RS version of the fiesta? Or has that got canned now?

[jbforce10]

Let me lead the predictable comments with.... "it looks like a 5 door Aston Cygnet".

[HeMightBeBanned]

The interior is pretty horrid though. The dash looks like an early '90s Matsui stereo, right down to the proliferation of buttons and dreadful low quality plastics.

[moanthebairns]

crap story but its an excuse for me to get a picture of my wee fiesta out.

I personally think the new fiesta looks minging. The interior is ok but not my cup of tea.

The engine range is crap. I see no need to change my shopping trolley any time soon for a new one.

Mind you it could be quite a nippy first car for a 17 year old with not to bad insurance.

[Dr Interceptor]

HeMightBeBanned said:

The interior is pretty horrid though. The dash looks like an early '90s Matsui stereo, right down to the proliferation of buttons and dreadful low quality plastics.

Depends on the spec of the car... I've got a Titanium model (April 2011) with the upgraded Sony stereo, Climate Control etc - nothing horrible about the dash plastics whatsoever.

[iggysport]

Nice update, usually facelifts mess it up and make it look fussy in my opinion.

Still think the Kia Rio looks slightly better in top spec trim anyway

[Frimley111R]

The facelift looks very much like the new Mondeo.

[Fire99]

Reliability once the power is hiked and real world mpg are my only real concerns. Current fiesta looks pretty good in black with black wheels.

[JuniorJet]

Oh look a new Aston Martin... wait, what?

[Fraser Z4]

moanthebairns said:

I personally think the new fiesta looks minging. The interior is ok but not my cup of tea.

The engine range is crap. I see no need to change my shopping trolley any time soon for a new one.

I think the Mk7 was one of the best looking superminis.

This was my Zetec S...





If you just mean the facelift Mk7 then I agree, I think they've ruined it.

The engine in mine was pretty sweet, 120bhp free revving n/a petrol, but the chassis could definitely have coped with plenty more!

[Hellbound]

Prof Prolapse said:

So how much are Ford paying you guys nowadays then?

PH have learnt that posting press releases are the quickest way to win favor with manufacturers when it comes to the more meaty stuff like access to press cars for road tests and whatnot.


Part of the industry really.

[moanthebairns]

i mean the face lift.

I didnt mind the fiesta before I thought it was a decent looking motor especially in white with the blue decals.

i just dont like new cars with the heavy a pillar and tiny rear window.

who really buys a car on safety! make them look nice first

[Scuffers]

Hellbound said:

Prof Prolapse said:

So how much are Ford paying you guys nowadays then?

PH have learnt that posting press releases are the quickest way to win favor with manufacturers when it comes to the more meaty stuff like access to press cars for road tests and whatnot.


Part of the industry really.

is this what Pistonheads is reduced to though?

it's not like there are not plenty of outlets for (boring) run of the mill car reviews etc.

This used to be the place for the 'odd' or out for the ordinary stories etc.

[Chrisw666]

Facelifted Ford KA announced too:



And a 5 door Aston Martin Cygnet:











I do think the fiesta will be a cracker with the Ecoboost motor but the grille is nasty

[gazchap]

How would the detune have been accomplished? Just by lowering the level of boost? Could a remap see it back up to near the higher power level of the Focus EcoBoost?

[Si_man306]

Oh please. News that a 1.0 ford engine laps the ring in record time and then the next day the news is that its 'In the new fiesta' Hate to be cynical but that really isn't going to make me buy one!

All new superminis are too high, and too mini-peoplecarrier looking for my tastes. No idea why they have to look so top heavy (oh yes I do, it's for safety, which is good as back when I was 17 everyone regularly had horrific accidents in their 306's. Or not.)

[moanthebairns]

currybum said:

Si_man306 said:

Oh please. News that a 1.0 ford engine laps the ring in record time and then the next day the news is that its 'In the new fiesta' Hate to be cynical but that really isn't going to make me buy one!

All new superminis are too high, and too mini-peoplecarrier looking for my tastes. No idea why they have to look so top heavy (oh yes I do, it's for safety, which is good as back when I was 17 everyone regularly had horrific accidents in their 306's. Or not.)

According to Parkers

Old fiesta
1.6 TDCi Zetec 5d - 1464 mm / 1161 kg

New Fiesta
1.6 TDCi (95bhp) Zetec ECOnetic 5d - 1467 mm / 1100kg

Is the extra 3mm really so offensive?

he has a point look at my old fiesta then the new one its all doors and bonnet. They dont look in proportion to the motor.

it makes the wheels look like bottle tops if you dont have the right alloys.

the black one looks good with the sort of focus st wheels but ive seen others that just look stupid.