After the VW Polo and the Opel Corsa, the Ford Fiesta is the best-selling small car in Germany. So, since the customer is king, Ford must be doing some things right with its classic small car, which now numbers a proud seven generations. We tested the Fiesta, which was retreaded in January 2013, with the 95-hp 1.6 TDCi combined and we went in search of the recipe for success in the test.
Turbo diesel – more elastic and quieter
The number one ingredient in the Fiesta's recipe for success is undoubtedly the well-stocked engine range, which has been equipped with new powertrains in the course of the model update from B to D. Among the gasoline engines are not only the much-vaunted downsized EcoBoost turbocharged engines with three and four cylinders, but also two one-liter naturally aspirated with 3 cylinders. In the case of diesel units, a 1.5 TDCi with 75 hp is the start; the 1.6 TDCi is the top diesel with its 95 hp and 200 Nm of peak torque. It does not let the small city runabout become a sprinting wonder a la Usain Bolt, but it allows the trip on the highway without the big tremor.
With the top turbo diesel the Fiesta needs bspw. 11.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, whereby it causes far less noise than its predecessor. It does even better in our intermediate sprint tests in the 5. Gear of the well-tuned and crisply shifting five-speed transmission. In 11 seconds, it can double its speed from 60 to 120 km/h, but stops at 181 km/h. Consumption also improved: the 1.6 TDCi before the model update still averaged around 6 liters from the tank, it is now 5.3 liters on average.
Carrier economy engine, lively chassis
But the turbo diesel can be even more economical – in conjunction with Ford's "ECOnetic" fuel-saving technology, which increases efficiency with the help of improved aerodynamics, reduced rolling resistance and various engine modifications. Average fuel consumption is reduced by a further 0.3 liters, but the diesel loses considerable momentum and versatility, since it is only available as a fuel-saving master in the Trend trim level.
The loss of drive is to be regretted above all because the small Fiesta is a decidedly lively and agile car. Fords suspension engineers once again prove to be masters of their craft here, creating the always sought-after but so rarely found compromise of firm tuning and comfortable suspension. Thanks to the successful compromise and the communicative rudder, the Fiesta can also be steered playfully through narrow lanes and winding country roads. This means that ingredient number two of the Fiesta's recipe for success has been established.
Much space, much confusion & strong perseverance
Good looks are another quality that usually does not detract from popularity. The model update has given the Fiesta some visible upgrades in this regard: at the front now shines a chrome-decorated, trapezoidal radiator grille, the hood has more profile and the headlights have a perky cut. All in all, the Fiesta has become more streamlined, more youthful. However, since we spend far more time driving than looking at our cars, what matters in the end is how the car is set up.
The first impression with the Fiesta is that it is very generously furnished for a small car, so generously that even adult passengers can fit comfortably in the back seat. The Renault Clio, which is a few centimeters longer, offers a lot less space here, as does the Citroen C3 of roughly the same length. Where this space advantage in the Fiesta comes from then becomes clear when the suitcases are put away. Ford has apparently decided to offer the available space to passengers rather than luggage. So the Fiesta comes with a comparatively small trunk volume of 290 to 947 liters. Similarly stingy is here with 280 to 959 liters the VW Polo, clearly more generously the C3 with 300 to 1.000 and the Clio with even 300 to 1.146 liters.
The fact that Ford puts the focus in the Fiesta on drivers and passengers is underlined by the well formed and well upholstered seating furniture – and the higher quality materials used. However, in the attempt to operate the Fiesta quickly and smoothly, the theory of the driver focus receives a crack. The control confusion with multiple occupied and partly unlabeled buttons continues in the model-maintained Fiesta. On the other hand, this transformation resistance has a positive effect on the stability, because here the new Fiesta also sets the standard in the small car class.
Conclusion: The ingredients for the Ford Fiesta's recipe for success are many and varied, ranging from the powerful, economical diesel to the generous amount of space and agile handling. Small shortcomings such as the confusing operation can apparently not harm the success, probably also because of the low price. In the top equipment Titanium there is the five-door Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi on MeinAuto.de about already from 18.445 euros and 23.25% discount. The basic version Ambiente even costs only 8.853 euros. (nau)
On MyCar.de you find at present thereby excluding German new vehicles, EU vehicles do not give it – for it many inexpensive alternatives to the Fiesta such as the Renault Clio starting from 10.349 euros and 23.8%, the Citroen C3 from 9.552 euros; or the new VW Polo from 10.275 euros and 20.3% discount.
In addition to cash purchase, we can offer you several attractive car financing, from flexible car loans to car leasing, which is particularly interesting for business customers.