By Derek Price
Automotive Writer
American car companies are known for bragging every time they unveil a big, powerful engine.
“Introducing the new Bonecrusher 8000,” they might say, “with more torque than an M1 tank and more horsepower than a fleet of aircraft carriers.”
Considering Dodge just unveiled a 600-horsepower engine called the Hellcat, I’m not exaggerating by much. That’s just what Detroit does best.
The folks at Ford are taking the opposite approach, though, by boasting about the smallest engine in their lineup, a 1.0-liter powerplant that’s now being sold in the Fiesta economy car.
And they have a good reason to boast.
The Ford Fiesta is available with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine that is rated for up to 45 mpg on the highway. It produces 123 horsepower, a surprisingly big number for such a small engine.
The turbocharged 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine not only produces more power than you might expect from something so tiny — 123 horsepower — but it also does so in a surprisingly refined way, all while getting up to 45 mpg on the highway.
Ford even goes so far as comparing this new engine to an exotic Lamborghini, pointing out how it makes more horsepower per liter than the Aventador.
Ridiculous, yes, but it gets the point across: this small engine packs a big punch.
Of course, “big punch” is a relative term. The Fiesta isn’t a fast car with the 1.0-liter, but it is fast enough to live with. Merging into traffic and passing on the highway won’t be too scary, especially if you stick with a manual transmission. It can even be a bit fun thanks to the Fiesta’s taut, enjoyable suspension tuning.
It’s the good gas mileage, though, that makes this car stand out. The 45-mpg rating in the Fiesta SFE is better than some hybrid cars get, yet it still has a quick response on the throttle and smooth power delivery like a bigger engine.
Another thing I like about the Fiesta is how tightly the cabin trim fits together, which is a rare thing in this price class. From soft-touch materials on the dash to the close, precise fit of knobs and buttons, it leaves an impression of quality — which is a huge step up from the Ford economy cars of yesteryear.
Ford’s SYNC system is a standard feature across the Fiesta lineup, letting you connect smartphones and control apps even on the base models. And with a long list of standard safety features, including side curtain airbags and knee airbags for the driver, I just can’t find much to criticize in this car.
If it’s been a few years since you’ve sat inside a Ford economy car, you’ll be amazed at the quality feel inside the Fiesta. Soft-touch materials and tight construction are impressive for this class of car.
Pricing starts at $14,100 for the base model and $15,580 for the SE, which is available with the 1.0-liter engine. If you want a more luxurious ride, you can get the upscale Titanium trim for $18,300.
Then there’s my personal favorite Fiesta, the sporty ST. With lots of power and sparkling handling in corners, it’s one of the best performing hatchbacks you can buy today and is priced at $21,400.
At a Glance
What was tested?
2014 Ford Fiesta SE
Base price: $15,580 ($16,575 with Fuel Economy Package)
Wheelbase: 98.0 in.
Length: 173.5 in.
Width: 67.8 in.
Height: 58 in.
Base Engine: 1.6-liter Ti-VCT I-4 (120 horsepower, 112 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Estimated Mileage: 45 city, 32 highway
RATINGS
Style: 7
Performance: 6
Price: 7
Handling: 8
Ride: 7
Comfort: 7
Quality: 8
Overall: 9
Video Review:
2014 Ford Fiesta
http://bit.ly/fiesta14
Why buy it?
With a three-cylinder engine that makes a lot of power for its size, the Fiesta is amazingly fuel efficient without sacrificing refinement. The smoothness of its turbocharged engine is surprisingly good, and the cabin seems tightly screwed together.