Ford Fiesta 2010 Review - International

Ford Fiesta

What we liked
>> Slick new Powershift dual-clutch transmission
>> Superb chassis and suspension combination
>> User-friendly infotainment interface

Not so much
>> No manual override for automatic transmission
>> Tilt-only adjustment for steering column
>> Boot hinges impede cargo space (sedan)

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 2.5/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
-- More diesel power and a sedan for Thai-sourced Fiesta range
Now sourced exclusively from Thailand, part of Ford's US$450M push to expand its capacity in south-east Asia, the new Fiesta range has grown to include a four-door sedan and second diesel engine, in addition to the popular five-door hatch.

Sadly, for fans of the sporty three-door hatch, this model has gone the way of the Dodo, slow sales and the need to work with AutoAlliance Thailand partner Mazda meaning model consolidation favoured a two-tier mix.

But the good news for Australian buyers is that like the three-door model, the asthmatic 1.4-litre four-cylinder / four-speed automatic combination has also been given the flick, Ford's fabulous new Powershift six-speed dual-clutch transmission mated to the existing 1.6-litre four-cylinder, previously available in manual-only guise.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
-- More kit means even better value... Or so we're told
Although pricing hasn't been announced -- that piece of the puzzle is to come late next month -- Ford says the added equipment in its revamped WT Fiesta series will improve the value proposition for the premium small car when it goes on sale in Australia from Q4 this year.

In addition to the availability of Ford's new Powershift dual-clutch transmission and 1.6-litre DV6 diesel engine (which won't go on sale here until Q1 next year), the three model variants, CL, LX and Zetec, will each score more standard equipment, ensuring Fiesta remains a competitive small car proposition.

For the entry-level Fiesta CL model, this means Bluetooth connectivity and voice control are now offered as standard fit. Electronic stability control, a six-speaker single-CD tuner and under-seat stowage compartment (beneath the front passenger pew) are also included, as is an optional safety pack that brings side curtain airbags to the already impressive mix.

Fiesta CL is available in sedan or hatch body style and is powered exclusively by the petrol 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT four-cylinder engine mated to a choice of five-speed manual or Ford's new six-speed Powershift automatic transmission.

Mid-spec Fiesta LX also scores a minor adjustment in equipment levels gaining all the added equipment of its CL sibling, plus side curtain airbags and redesigned 15-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Also available in hatch and sedan format, the LX is the first model in the Fiesta range to be offered with the choice of petrol or diesel power, the latter offering a five-speed manual transmission as standard, but no automatic.

Meanwhile, at the top of the range, Fiesta Zetec scores new sports seats, stiffer suspension, a remoulded front bumper and new 16-inch alloy wheels. Available in hatch format only, the Zetec is offered with the choice of petrol or diesel engines, as per the Fiesta LX.

Of course the European-sourced Fiesta ECOnetic remains available; the fuel-sipping low emissions diesel hatch priced at $24,990.

As a guide, the current petrol-powered Fiesta five-door range starts at $16,990 and extends through to $22,490. We don't expect the new model's pricing to be too far removed from this range.

 MECHANICAL
-- Double diesel delight
The Fiesta range now offers two diesel and one petrol engine across the range, available with five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions respectively.

Already familiar to the Australian market, the 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT four-cylinder petrol engine has been modified to include twin independent variable camshaft timing (operating both the intake and exhaust camshafts) to increase both power and fuel efficiency.

The lightweight aluminium block is fitted with cast iron liners for added rigidity and features an all-aluminium cylinder head. Maximum power of 89kW is delivered at 6000rpm while peak torque of 151Nm occurs at 4050rpm.

Mated to a choice of five-speed manual or to Ford's new DPS6 six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the multi-point I4 petrol engine is designed to operate on 91RON fuel and is E20 capable. A combined fuel economy figure of 6.1L/100km is achieved on the NEDC index (automatic), a 10 per cent improvement on the previous 1.4-litre, four-speed automatic combo. The Duratec Ti-VCT engine is Euro III emission compliant.

Joining the eco-warrior Fiesta ECOnetic, a second diesel engine will be available in Fiesta from early next year. The 1.6-litre DV6 turbo-diesel four-cylinder delivering 66kW of power and an impressive 200Nm of torque. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the I4 diesel engine offers hybrid-like fuel economy of just 4.4L/100km (combined).

The 1.4-litre Duratec SIGMA four-cylinder petrol engine (70kW/126Nm) is also available in selected markets, but will not be offered in Australia.

As mentioned, the new Fiesta range will be the first in Ford's small car sector to receive the all-new Powershift six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Weighing in at only 73kg, this compact unit can handle up to 250Nm of torque, and is optimised for the petrol engine's new throttle mapping to deliver "rapid and decisive gear shifts" with torque-to-wheels maintained 100 per cent of the time, Ford says.

Although not offered with a manual override (+/-), offering only Drive and Low (first gear) settings, Powershift does feature an intuitive Grade Assist function for less "hunting" and improved engine braking characteristics through hilly terrain, and also offers seamless Neutral Idle technology to save fuel at the lights as well as Hill Launch Assist. Ford say Stop / Start technology is compatible with this transmission, but for now, will not be offered.

Unlike most automatics, the new Powershift transmission uses a dry clutch arrangement that transmits power through manual clutch facings; the setup meaning the unit does away with the heavy torque converter, oil pump, additional fluid and external coolers some automatics require.

The Getrag branded transmission is sourced from Mexico and is a sealed, maintenance-free unit. Ford claim the assembly will offer 10 years of trouble free service under even the harshest of driving conditions.

To assist in keeping fuel economy to a minimum, Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) is fitted as standard on all new Fiesta models. The rack and pinion system is activated only when required, unlike traditional hydraulic units that run continuously, to ensure minimal parasitic losses. The programming of the system also ensures appropriate levels of feedback and assistance are offered depending on road speed, while pull drift compensation assists on-centre feel.

Suspension and braking remains basically unchanged, though Zetec models have received a slightly firmer tune in response to customer demand. Fiesta models use a MacPherson front / Torsion Beam rear suspension arrangement with disc / drum combination brakes.

Wheel sizes vary between 15- and 16-inch depending on model grade.

PACKAGING
-- Impressive amenity and (almost) all the mod-cons
Many of the features found in Fiesta would not have been uncommon in luxury large sedans only a few short years ago.

As mentioned earlier, all models now include Voice Control and Bluetooth connectivity, with higher spec models adding Climate Control and Cruise Control. Remote central locking and a punchy CD tuner are standard on all models, with top spec LX and Zetec scoring a six-CD tuner with iPod (USB) connectivity (CL models offer a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack).

A sporty feel behind the wheel matched to supportive seats make the driver's seat a comfortable and spacious place to be, the seat having a vertical range of 55mm and fore / aft adjustment spanning 286mm for a class-leading 1069mm of legroom. A driver's foot rest is also fitted.

On the steering wheel, which is now tilt adjustable only (another drawback of the consolidated build program with Mazda), controls for audio and cruise control (where fitted) are offered with easy access to the car's trip computer also available. A neat and concise instrument panel offers easy to read functionality within two circular gauge sets.

Obvious thought has been given to Fiesta's visibility which is excellent all-round, even if the new sedan model is a little high in the rear (reverse parking sensors are almost a must-have for shorter drivers).

The centre stack HVAC and audio controls are inspired by "the new wave of personal devices", according to Ford's interior design expert, including mobile phones and MP3 players, and like most popular devices, is easy to use, and "personalisable" for your most-used functions. All infotainment system information is displayed on a central high-mounted 3.5-inch screen.

As with the current model, Fiesta hatch offers 281-litres of cargo capacity which can be increased to 965-litres by folding the 60:40 split-fold rear seats. Sedan models offer 430-litres capacity, though we did find this may be impeded by the large goose neck-style hinges.

In the cabin, an array of storage compartments and oddment trays are featured throughout with drink bottle holders found in the large front door bins. A new under-seat storage container is fitted beneath the front passenger seat while overhead, an elasticised net offers a place to store your sunglasses.

The only thing missing from Fiesta's impressive little package is the option of integrated satellite navigation.

A total of nine paint colours will be offered, depending on model variant, as well as a mix of interior trims and alloy wheel options.

SAFETY
-- Big car safety, small car price tag
With a body featuring more than 55 per cent high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, standard stability control, traction control, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and dual front airbags, the Fiesta is a safe little package, scoring a four-star ANCAP result on even the base model CL.

Fit side curtain airbags, available as part of the optional safety package, and the Fiesta CL jumps to a maximum possible five-star ANCAP safety rating, placing it on par with LX and Zetec models that include the extra airbags as standard equipment (therefore also scoring a five-star result).

All seating positions include anti-whiplash head restraints and three-point inertia reel seatbelts, the front seats adding dual-stage digressive load limiting pretensioners and anti-submarine seat design. 'Beltminder' seatbelt reminder system and a collapsible steering column are also fitted.

As part of Ford's Intelligent Protection System (IPS), all Fiesta models include extensive airbag sensor calibration testing to ensure appropriate airbag deployment is used dependent on collision severity.

COMPETITORS
-- Spoilt for choice?
The small car market is a wide open road when it comes to choice and quality (we counted 15 same-class competitors), and given the close-call packaging on offer between many rivals, a few premium contenders seem to stand out from the pack when placed beneath this motoring critic's microscope.

Vying against Fiesta, Mazda2 and Volkswagen's Polo appear to be the most obvious adversaries, with similar equipment levels, safety features and powertrain offerings the three are certainly placed within a fiduciary stone throw.

For the first time, and Fiesta ECOnetic aside, a regular diesel option really puts Fiesta in the game, with Polo the only oiler option previously available in this category. Dollar-for-dollar (and on the road), Fiesta truly gives Volkswagen's small car icon a run for its money, the want of an automatic option perhaps the only stumbling block in the blue corner's arsenal.

As for petrol power, the Mazda2 comes close (both it and Fiesta sharing the same platform), though from a driver's standpoint, the Fiesta is a little more settled at speed offering better suspension and steering feel to its Japanese-owned rival. Additionally, the new Powershift transmission really gives Fiesta a performance and real-world fuel economy edge over the '2', the lack of manual override also the only drawback when placed against the pricier Polo.

ON THE ROAD
-- Sensible, desirable and driveable
With Fiesta's renowned chassis / suspension combination providing a dynamic and driveable package, the revised five-door and new four-door models feel well sorted and stable on the open road, especially the TDCi (or diesel) model with its slightly heavier, and more rigid, front end.

The inclusion of Continental brand tyres as standard fit and a revised stability control package prove just how well sorted the suspension package is, with even the most enthusiastic driving failing to stir the ESP in to life in dry conditions.

Steering feel is brilliant, easily one of the best of its kind anywhere on the current market; the new electronic arrangement delivering a surprising level of feel and feedback aiding to the car's agile and responsive level of handling. Similarly, ride quality and road noise are both well addressed, neither proving an issue on Phuket's sub-standard coarse chip roads.

Brake pedal feel too is light but tactile and suitably progressive, the disc / drum combination confident and capable in even the most trying conditions.

In fact, the only real let down in Fiesta's driveability comes from the lack of manual override in the new Powershift transmission. The dual clutch transmission, while a vast improvement over the previous four-speed automatic unit, is not as sharp as DCT units found elsewhere in the current Ford line-up (i.e. Focus) and with only the choice of 'D' (Drive) and 'L' (Low, or First), doesn't offer the flexibility it otherwise needs in more trying road conditions, such as through hilly terrain or when overtaking.

On the plus side, the inclusion of 'Grade Logic' (a small button located on the side of the shifter that enables the transmission to 'hold' gears longer), does assist to some degree, though not nearly as well as one could do themselves.

Otherwise Fiesta is a lively package, the 1.6-litre petrol across the board a smarter option for most buyers, especially those who'd like to break free of city traffic on the weekends. But for our money, the highlight of the range is the new TDCi diesel engine, which is easily the pick of the litter. The combination of ample torque (200Nm) and impressive fuel economy (we achieved around 5.0L/100km) make it the ideal package both around town and on the open road.

The new petrol-powered Fiesta hatch and sedan will be in showrooms from Q4 this year with diesel models to follow in Q1, 2011. Ford would not confirm if or when the sporty 2.0-litre XR4 model will become available. We'll be certain to keep you posted.

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