I recently attended the launch of the new Ford Fiesta. Often you are told that a car is different from the previous generation, when the changes are miniscule. But when Ford invited me to the launch of the new Fiesta I had a feeling I was in for a surprise. And boy was I right.
Exterior
Starting from the Body, the new fiesta is bolder, sportier and generally just more sexier than the older model. I have never really been a massive fan of the Fiesta but the 2018 Fiesta has my attention. The front grille is much wider and more defined with sleek wrap around headlamps. New horizontal rear lights enhance the widened stance adding to the sporty look. The new fiesta is now 71 mm longer and 13 mm wider giving it a much more premium appearance and stance.
To keep the Fiesta looking fresh, there are two new metallic colour options, Chrome Copper and Blue wave as well as many colours seen before on the previous Fiesta. You get either 16 inch alloy wheels, on the Trend or 17 inch alloy wheels, on the Titanium, both in the same design.
Interior
The new Fiestas interior is bold, sporty and user centred. There was one thing I did not like about the 2017 Fiesta, which was its cluttered and outdated radio and controls. With the new Fiesta, this is no longer a problem for me. The Fiesta finally has a touch screen display which has replaced more than half of the controls.
You get a 6.5 inch touchscreen display in the trend models or an 8 inch touchscreen display in the Titanium models. The infotainment system in the Titanium model has Sync 3 for seamless smartphone integration. With Sync 3 you can control calls, messages, music as well as navigation all via voice commands. Sync 3 also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You will also find 2 USB ports, perfect for playing music from a flash drive! On the dashboard there is a new instrument cluster with a 4.2 inch multi function TFT display that provides important info such as fuel availability and distance traveled.
There is a high-end seven-speaker sound system in the Titanium models and a six-speaker set-up in the Trend models. Both provide good bass, acoustics and sound quality for those summer road trips.
The interior features lots of soft to the touch materials. The seats which come in a range of materials are super comfy and keep you in place. Ford spent a lot of time making sure the seats are comfortable, and boy they are. You will find contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel and floor mats. There are chrome accents across the instrument panel, centre console and interior door handles which complements the exterior body colours.
Now that the Fiesta is slightly longer, there is 16mm more space at the rear, perfect for tall passengers like myself. There is also lots of storage space such as a large glove box, 1 litre storage bin and centre console storage. With 303L of luggage capacity as well as the ability to fold down the rear seats, the Fiesta has far more space than you may think.
The new Fiesta has the highest safety rating a Fiesta has ever recieved. The body now has 36% more boron steel for greater strength in key areas. Redesigned door cross sections further protect occupants against side impact intrusion, and the doors also now contain pressure sensors that enable restraint systems to be activated several milliseconds sooner. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard fitment across the range. With 6 airbags, you now have 360 degree protection for all passengers!
All models boast an extensive list of driving aids, including ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA) Electronic Stability and Traction Control (ESC).
Engine, Performance and Fuel Efficiency:
The Fiesta comes with either a 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine or a 1.5 TDCi turbo diesel engine. Ford’s six-time International Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, is offered in either a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed torque converter automatic transmission. This allows you to change gears manually without needing a clutch. Paddle shifts are available.
The 1.0 EcoBoost produces 74kW of power and 170Nm of torque from 1 500 to 4 000 r/min. The Fiesta Titanium with a six-speed manual transmission uses the 92kW version of this engine, to deliver even more exhilarating driving dynamics.
The 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel is exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox, producing 63kW and a torque peak of 175Nm.
The 1.0 EcoBoost has a fuel efficiency of 4.3L (For manual) or 5.3L (For Auto) per 100km. The 1.5 TDCi has a listed fuel efficiency of 3.3L per 100km. Fuel efficiency is further enhanced with Auto‑Start‑Stop technology on all engines, and a new Eco button for manual transmissions adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel. Underbody aero shielding further reduces aero drag.
The Drive:
The Fiesta has always been a fun car to drive and it is safe to say that the new Fiesta is still as fun. With agile handling, nippy acceleration and very little road noise, the new Fiesta is very pleasant for long or short drives. This is all thanks to a stiffer body structure, reduced powertrain noise vibration and harshness, enhanced powertrain isolation and an acoustic windshield.
Pricing:
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT R261 900
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT R277 300
Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Trend 6MT R292 500
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT R295 900
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT R310 600
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
Verdict:
The new Ford Fiesta has received some major improvements. The body has a much sportier and agile look. The interior of the Fiesta has finally caught up with the times and features a touch screen display. The vehicle is super fun to drive with great performance, handling and fuel efficiency. The Fiesta is finally ready to compete against the VW Polo and you know what, she might just win!
