Test: Ford Fiesta still drives like the best after rejuvenation | Car

Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid (125 hp/92 kW), from €24,825

The facelift of the Ford Fiesta is not a revolution: only in detail the design has been sharpened. But a welcome addition to the option list are the LED headlights (better visibility and less maintenance) and digital instruments.

Very smart: the keyless entry, or the radiographic ignition key, is equipped with a motion sensor. If the key does not move for 40 seconds, it will no longer automatically transmit a radio signal. This prevents thieves from intercepting the signal, as is so often the case these days. Equally useful is the smart tank closure of this Ford: no loose cap (because it is integrated in the valve) and the filler opening prevents you from accidentally filling up with diesel.

The Fiesta is on sale from €24,825. Then you get the Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid (125 hp/92 kW) with the pretty rich Titanium equipment. Ford limits the choice of only two engine variants. It is either this 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid or the ST-X 1.5 EcoBoost with 200 hp (147 kW). But with the latter you immediately lose €36,420.

The facelift has not been able to change the limited seating space in the rear seat. And the content of the luggage compartment still lags somewhat behind the competition. The sparkling powertrain makes up for a lot: it gives the Fiesta the necessary pulling power at the right time. This turns out to be a spirited driving car, while the fuel consumption remains within limits (test consumption 1 in 17.8).

The tested ST Line version has a sports suspension. That is tuned slightly more firmly, but the suspension comfort remains good. Thanks in part to the unsurpassed direct steering of the Fiesta, this Ford is still one of the best driving cars in its class.

Plus
+ Drives like the best.
+ Fine drivetrain makes the Fiesta smooth and economical.
+ Smart key against theft.

min
– Limited seating space in the back.
– Competitors offer more luggage space.
– Limited choice of engine variants.

Conclusion
The updated Fiesta still lives up to its name: driving this car is a joy. Unfortunately, many competitors are wider. Wise that Ford has opted for something useful as LED headlights in the renewal. But it remains a pity that there is so little choice of engine variants.

Contrary to what its name Hybrid suggests, this Fiesta is just a mild hybrid. It does have some power on board for a powerful overtaking maneuver, for example, but you can never drive it fully electrically. You can also not order the current Fiesta as a plug-in hybrid, self-charging hybrid or fully electric.

A typical Ford option, because very handy, are the door protectors: rubber bumpers that appear as soon as you open the door. They can prevent you from hitting another car when getting out.

The manual transmission shifts very fine. You can also order a vending machine.

Wireless charging is now also part of one of the option packages.

The Fiesta betrays its age with the screwed antenna on the roof. You have to pick it up at the car wash. A modern shark fin antenna is much more convenient.

The climate can still be controlled with buttons. It is less convenient that the buttons in a control panel are at the bottom, while the temperature display can be seen in the main screen.

The infotainment works well, but more advanced versions can be found at the competition.

Tested is the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid with ST-Line X equipment and it costs €27,350. This version offers the best value for money, because it has a lot of extras for the money as standard: reversing camera, interior lighting, FordPass Connectivity, a height-adjustable passenger seat, rear map reading light, keyless entry, LED headlights and taillights, navigation, privacy glass, a rain sensor, auto-dimming rearview mirror and rear floor mats.

In our extensive file Autotest you will find all previously published tests.