New 2014 Ford Fiesta

The New Ford Fiesta is a far cry the range’s initial conception, the latest instalment to Ford’s subcompact series has few flaws, many positives and is a sign of continuing commitment to improvement.

On the outside, the relative aggression and flair of the latest Ford Fiesta body style looks good, especially with the vibrant choice in colours and sport packages to further enhance the sleek subtlety that is the design profile of this vehicle. Available in both hatchback and sedan, Ford appear to be aiming to please all pallets and largely succeeding, it must be said that the sedan shape still has a little tweak-work that needs doing.

Interior design is generally well received, with the soft touch materials and sharp styling to go with the exterior. Welcomed features are the intuitive touch display, moonroof and the push-to-start and keyless access and plenty of storage space to go around, especially in the hatchback.

The drive quality is good in terms of being outright pleasant to drive. The base model 1.6 litre 4 cylinder engine cranks out 120HP in 5-speed transmission (manual) or 6-speed (automatic). It’s sturdy and generally handles well with a good absorption system for bumps and other imperfections.

Economy on the new 2014 Ford Fiesta is good, at 10.5 litres/100km (27mpg) and 7.4 litres/100km (38mpg), but it gets even better at 9.4 litres/100km (30mpg) and 6.9 litres/100km (41mpg) if you opt for the EcoBoost option. EcoBoost is a smaller engine with a turbocharger, capable of the same output as a few of the bigger ones, albeit with less fuel consumption.

New Ford Fiesta Model Selections:

Ford Fiesta Sedan

• S  - 1.6L 4 cylinder 5-Speed manual
• SE - 1.6L 4 cylinder 5-Speed manual
• Titanium - 1.6L 4 cylinder 5-Speed manual

Ford Fiesta Hatchback

• S  - 1.6L 4 cylinder 5-Speed manual
• SE - 1.6L 4 cylinder 5-Speed manual
• Titanium - 1.6L 4 cylinder 5-Speed manual

Ford Fiesta ST

• ST - 1.6L 4 cylinder Turbo 6-Speed manual

Safety Features:

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Ventilated front disc/rear drum brakes
• Engine immobilizer
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Electronic brake force distribution
• Post-collision safety system
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Airbag Deployment Notification

At the end of the day, the new 2014 Ford Fiesta is a solid choice not only because of its positives, but because of its determination by design to stay away from imperfections that have plagued many other competitors in its range. In flamboyance, aesthetically and playing it safe in terms of performance, this Fiesta is the latest instalment of constant improvement.