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Small cars are also popular as used cars. If you leave a good impression with the TÜV like the current Ford Fiesta, all the better.
The Seafood is the endurance runner in the Ford portfolio. Since 1976 the small car to offer. The eighth generation (TYP JHH) has been at the start since mid-2017. The predecessor did not always make the best impression at the TÜV. The question remains whether the little one is doing better with the examiners?
Body and interior
With the current Fiesta, at first glance, apart from the length, not much is reminiscent of a small car. The Cologne looks more like a compact than a small car. This impression is also underlined by the increase in length. Compared to its predecessor, the Fiesta has increased by 7 centimeters in length to 4,04 meters. The space is okay for a small car. Anyone who wants to make getting into the rear easier is looking for a five-door hatchback. The three-door versions are more suitable for people who rarely take passengers with them. The trunk has a capacity of 292 liters, if you fold down the 40:60 split rear seat, the storage space grows to 1.093 liters.
The design of the interior has made a step forward compared to the seventh generation. Everything is clearly structured, the workmanship and the materials appear to be of high quality.
Motors and drive
When it comes to driving fun, no other small car outdoes the Cologne-based car so easily. The chassis tuning is a domain of the Cologne engineers. This is particularly evident in the top model, the ST. The 147-liter three-cylinder turbo provides 200 kW / 1,5 hp. The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h takes 6,5 seconds and top speed is reached at 232 km / h. The little GTI fighter is fed up on the road. The standard consumption of 6 liters can only be approached with a very moderate driving style. Aside from this high-torque turbo (290 Nm), Ford also offers more “civil” engines.
The entry-level engine is the 1,1-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with 52 kW / 70 PS (since 2019 55 kW / 75 PS), which is also available with 63 kW / 85 PS. This engine works without turbo support and is aimed at frugal drivers who cannot be put under time pressure when sprinting to country road speed. The power is transmitted via a manual five-speed gearbox. The standard consumption is between 4,4 and 5,4 liters. The 1,0-liter Ecoboost engine, which comes up with 74 kW / 100 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS, is livelier.
The three-cylinder revs up willingly, but remains acoustically restrained. A six-speed manual transmission is on board from the factory, or a six-speed automatic is available for the 100 hp version. In mid-2020, a mild hybrid system found its way into the 1.0. The hybridized engines produce 92 kW / 125 PS or 114 kW / 155 PS and are coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. Ford shows the average consumption of 4,4 and 4,5 liters.
At the market launch there was a 1,5-liter diesel, which was available in two output levels (63 kW / 85 PS and 88 kW / 120 PS). On average, 4 to 4,4 liters flowed through the lines here. The diesel engine was withdrawn from the range at the end of 2020.
Equipment and safety
As is so often the case, the comfort equipment depends on the equipment line selected by the first owner, including additional options. The basic version “Trend” comes with electric window lifters, electric and heated exterior mirrors, hill start assist and speed limiter, but has no air conditioning on board. This is available as an option or in the "Cool & Connect" version. If you value comfort, you should look for models from the “Titanium” or “Vignale” equipment lines. If the focus is on a sporty look, the "ST-Line" could be the right one. Among other things, there are 17-inch models, sports seats and a sporty chassis. Fans of a more rustic look are looking for the five-door "Active" version. In addition to a good two centimeters more ground clearance, robust paneling, side skirts, chrome inserts and 17-inch wheels are part of the standard equipment.
The option list also offers numerous customization options, from design details such as colored contrasting stitching or two-tone paintwork to extras such as steering wheel heating, panoramic sliding roof and Bang & Olufsen sound system. Those interested in used cars must therefore take a close look at what their dream model has on board. This also applies to the assistance system. They range from emergency braking assistants to automatic parking and distance cruise control to lane keepers and cross traffic warning systems. In the 2017 NCAP crash test, the Fiesta achieved a five-star rating.
Quality of the Ford Fiesta
During his first general inspection by the TÜV, the little Cologne native showed himself to be at his best. Unlike its predecessor, it passed the chassis and environment test points without blame or blame. Like the parade discipline “braking”, everything is in the “green” area. Only the lighting system gives cause for criticism, even in the eighth generation.
Conclusion
The current Fiesta has become a solid small car that fulfills almost all customer requirements from simple to luxurious. The range of engines is also quite extensive. The small car did well on the first TÜV visit. Interested parties must take at least 8.000 euros in hand. As “ST”, around 15.000 euros are due.
