Engine and Performance
With the 2014 version of the car, Ford has spruced up the engine lineup and the new Fiesta is available only with the trusty, torquey 1.5 liter TDCi engine. The power and torque output of the engine remains unchanged. Peak power is rated at 89 bhp @ 3750 RPM, while maximum torque of 204 Nm is produced at2000 RPM. The ARAI certified fuel efficiency for the car is an impressive 25.01 kmpl. The engine is mated with a crisp shifting five speed manual unit.
As has always been the case with this engine, the low end torque is impressive, with the mid range performance being even more impressive. The linear and tractable characteristic of the engine along with ample torque at hand makes the Fiesta a punchy car to drive in the everyday world. In-gear acceleration is strong, and overtaking is a breeze with the engine delivering good response even at relatively low rpm. The punchy character of the engine, ever so enjoyable in the real world driving conditions, begins waning at the upper extreme of revs. But that isn’t a matter of concern as the car delivers above average performance for a meaty and useable rev range.
The steering wheel on the car is well contoured and is a joy to hold even after not being too thick. It’s responsive and sensitive across its range. There is no play whatsoever and the driven wheels respond to the minutest input at the steering, even at dead center. Typically European ride quality, with firm damping and a planted feel inspires confidence to push the car around bends. The feedback from the steering wheel at the palms only eggs you on to push the car a bit faster with every passing bend. Body roll is extremely well contained and you’ll feel the cabin tilting unnervingly to one side only once you have decided to push the car and your luck beyond the realms of sanity. In a nutshell, no complaints on the ride and handling front – the Fiesta remains one of our favorite cars to drive this side of Rs 10 lakh.
Verdict
With the petrol variants totally taken off the shelf, the new Fiesta is available only with the 1.5 Duratorq diesel engine. Ford is offering the Fiesta in three variants – entry level trim Ambiente, mid-spec Trend and top of the line Titanium. The prices for the three variants are Rs 7.69 lakh, Rs 8.55 lakh and Rs 9.29 lakh respectively. With the new version, the prices for the Fiesta have been brought down and the car is now making more sense than ever for a buyer in the segment. It’s cheaper by about Rs 50-70k as compared to the other two leading models – Hyundai Verna and Honda City in the segment.
For a discerning customer, who appreciates good engineering and a dynamic drive, the Fiesta does make a lot of sense. It’s loads of fun behind the wheel, very fuel efficient and boasts great kit levels too. We absolutely love its audio system. What it doesn’t quite have, however, is the City’s expansive cabin (but it offers a much smoother engine), or the Verna’s jazz. The Fiesta, however, is guaranteed to bring a bigger smile on your face when shown a road leading up a hill though. Go ahead, buy this one, if a wider grin equates to more happiness to you.
Technical Specifications and variant wise features are provided below
Next page for Image Gallery>>>