Fiesta Ecoboost 1.0 125bhp Zetec S - Thoughts?
Discussion
I have been looking at super mini's to replace my dying Astra G, and have stumbled upon a little gem. A Fiesta Ecoboost 125 Zetec S.
It has fantastic reviews and seems it would suit me better than an old Mini (2005~). I've also seen Pumaspeed offer a 145 bhp upgrade! That must be fun in a car which weighs the same as the old Escort RS Turbo!
Has anyone bought one and can give me some feedback? I will be swapping my E92 for a Z4M, so it needs to be practical and enjoyable as I would use it a lot more than I use the Astra currently.
I think the most cost effective route would be to put it under a company car scheme and lease it, I have seen deals from 3+35/£110 per month + VAT (10k per annum), which is a steal. It has 99g Co2, so no car tax either. Being a new car, no need for an MOT for 3 years and cheap as chips servicing.
Can't see a downside?!
It has fantastic reviews and seems it would suit me better than an old Mini (2005~). I've also seen Pumaspeed offer a 145 bhp upgrade! That must be fun in a car which weighs the same as the old Escort RS Turbo!
Has anyone bought one and can give me some feedback? I will be swapping my E92 for a Z4M, so it needs to be practical and enjoyable as I would use it a lot more than I use the Astra currently.
I think the most cost effective route would be to put it under a company car scheme and lease it, I have seen deals from 3+35/£110 per month + VAT (10k per annum), which is a steal. It has 99g Co2, so no car tax either. Being a new car, no need for an MOT for 3 years and cheap as chips servicing.
Can't see a downside?!
Hve driven a Focus with that engine and was very impressed, so much better than the conventional 4 cyl 1.6, though no as economical as you would expect if you use the performance, but very good if you are more restrained.
I am no Ford Fanboy but they make some excellent cars, couple of the guys at work have company Fiestas and Audi A1s and the consensus is the Ford is more fun.
I am no Ford Fanboy but they make some excellent cars, couple of the guys at work have company Fiestas and Audi A1s and the consensus is the Ford is more fun.
J4CKO said:
Hve driven a Focus with that engine and was very impressed, so much better than the conventional 4 cyl 1.6, though no as economical as you would expect if you use the performance, but very good if you are more restrained.
I am no Ford Fanboy but they make some excellent cars, couple of the guys at work have company Fiestas and Audi A1s and the consensus is the Ford is more fun.
I get about 25 mpg on a good day from the Astra, as it's nackered and 80's engine technology (1.6 8v), so anything above 40 is a bonus as far as I'm concerned.I am no Ford Fanboy but they make some excellent cars, couple of the guys at work have company Fiestas and Audi A1s and the consensus is the Ford is more fun.
I had a Fiesta as my first car years ago, 1989 1.1 in red. Upgraded carb etc, was a real rocket for what it was
very fond memories. Ford do make great cars.The chassis is top draw - ride and handling are very good indeed. The 125bhp will be plenty of power for the Fiesta (although a bit weak in a Focus). It's a small turbo so not very exciting to drive and doesn't really rev out in a satisfying way, but its a very effective engine under 90 per cent of driving conditions.
It will, of course, get absolutely nowhere near the quoted mpg figures. It's s very good car, though.
Incidentally, it is one of the best looking small cars around!
It will, of course, get absolutely nowhere near the quoted mpg figures. It's s very good car, though.
Incidentally, it is one of the best looking small cars around!
Hi
I have had one for over a year now.
The ride and handling are very good and the car is surprisingly refined. I like the engine: it makes a pleasant sound under load and responds well, within reason. Certainly, you can cover ground at a good pace on an average B road and the car easily holds its own on the motorway. Overtaking is also perfectly possible and I do it often where conditions permit.
As to fuel consumption, I do a lot of short trips (6 mile commute) mixed with the odd longer run on faster roads. My average is 41mpg over 5,500 miles, according to the computer. Fine for me, but a diesel might do better on that front.
Some say that the interior build quality is poor. Of course, it's no Bentley. However, I have had no squeaks or rattles whatsoever and nothing has worked loose. I could not say that about the 135i that preceded it. There are no marks inside, either. Autocar praised the interior quality of their long term ST, which is essentially the same inside bar the seats.
I have had a glitch with the Synch system, which crashed from time to time. Pulling the fuse sorted it and at the recent service Ford updated the software, since which it has been fine.
I have had some much swifter and more expensive cars in my time, but it's a testament to the Fiesta that it's been one of my favourites. For your needs as you describe them, I'd recommend it. But note that the Zetec S is a three door only.
Happy to answer any questions you might have.
Andy
I have had one for over a year now.
The ride and handling are very good and the car is surprisingly refined. I like the engine: it makes a pleasant sound under load and responds well, within reason. Certainly, you can cover ground at a good pace on an average B road and the car easily holds its own on the motorway. Overtaking is also perfectly possible and I do it often where conditions permit.
As to fuel consumption, I do a lot of short trips (6 mile commute) mixed with the odd longer run on faster roads. My average is 41mpg over 5,500 miles, according to the computer. Fine for me, but a diesel might do better on that front.
Some say that the interior build quality is poor. Of course, it's no Bentley. However, I have had no squeaks or rattles whatsoever and nothing has worked loose. I could not say that about the 135i that preceded it. There are no marks inside, either. Autocar praised the interior quality of their long term ST, which is essentially the same inside bar the seats.
I have had a glitch with the Synch system, which crashed from time to time. Pulling the fuse sorted it and at the recent service Ford updated the software, since which it has been fine.
I have had some much swifter and more expensive cars in my time, but it's a testament to the Fiesta that it's been one of my favourites. For your needs as you describe them, I'd recommend it. But note that the Zetec S is a three door only.
Happy to answer any questions you might have.
Andy
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