The Ford Fiesta was launched in the Philippine market less than three years ago, but last July, Ford Philippines unveiled the totally redesigned 2014 model in (what else?) a festive outdoor setting at Bonifacio Global City. Aside from fresh styling, upgraded smart technologies and an improved interior, the 2014 Fiesta is offered with two thrifty powertrain choices: Ford’s global 1.5-liter Twin independent-Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) 4-cylinder engine and very soon, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine that combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to produce power and torque competitive with a traditional 1.6-liter engine.
I was eager to try the EcoBoost version but was told that the demo units won’t be available until January next year. So, to find out what’s there to like as well as not like about the 1.5-liter 2014 Fiesta, I drove a chili orange 5-door Sport hatchback for a week.
There are 10 things to like about the 2014 Ford Fiesta Sport hatchback:
1. Stunning good looks. Somehow, Ford Motor Co. managed to make the 2014 Fiesta look trendier and more attractive than before. The Fiesta gets Ford’s latest corporate fascia, a trapezoidal front grille, plus a new power-dome hood and squinty laser-cut headlamps, while on the hatchback, new taillights and a new rear spoiler accentuate the fun-to-drive aspect of the car.
2. New safety and driver assistance features. Aside from SRS airbags and ABS with EBD, the new Fiesta has an Electronic Stability Program that helps the driver to maintain control and stability on slippery roads; Hill Hold and Hill Launch Assist that help to prevent the car from rolling backward or forward when moving off up a slope; automatic headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear parking sensors and smart keyless entry with pushbutton start that allows you to unlock the car by simply pulling the door handle as long as the key fob is in your pocket or bag.
3. Ford SYNC with Bluetooth and voice control. The voice-activated SYNC system allows the driver to control certain vehicle functions by talking, or play music, make and receive hands-free calls plus access various apps via a Bluetooth-paired smartphone.
4. Up-to-date audio system. The Fiesta is equipped with six speakers, single in-dash CD, AM/FM radio, MP3, Aux-in and USB connectivity.
5. Powershift 6-speed automatic transmission with Select Shift. This automatic tranny is smooth and responsive and helps to increase fuel efficiency. It shifts snappily and downshifts with more urgency, thanks to all-new software mapping and reduced friction.
6. Classy cabin. The Fiesta may be Ford’s entry-level model, but soft-touch surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Ice Blue lighting to illuminate dials, switches and displays, and a high-gloss detailing finish create an interior ambience that feels a notch above the car’s entry-level status.
7. Electronic power-assisted steering. Nicely weighted and gives decent feedback.
8. Quiet ride. The ride quality is smooth with wind and road noise muted on the highway. Ford re-engineered some of the dashboard sound-deadening materials and added noise-quashing pads around the transmission.
9. Driving dynamics. The steering feel is certain and the Fiesta goes where you point it. The handling is sporty and turn-in is excellent as the Fiesta has always been known for its nimbleness. The rigid body structure made with high-strength steel and boron steel reinforcing of several key points increased the Fiesta’s ability to hug the road.
10. Riding comfort. Ford adjusted shock absorber specs to provide better cushioning over potholes and improve riding comfort. New seat fabrics, interesting textures and additional supportive bolstering of the bucket seats make driving and riding in the Fiesta a pleasant experience in spite of the car’s subcompact size.
There is no such thing as a perfect car, so here are what not to like about the Fiesta:
1. Noisy engine. When you accelerate to overtake other cars on the highway, the Fiesta’s 1.5-liter 112-PS engine gets noisy and whines as if under extreme strain. It makes one wonder why Ford replaced the 1.6-liter Ti-VCT engine of the previous Fiesta with a smaller, less powerful engine.
2. Shrunken touchscreen size. The size of the infotainment system’s touchscreen has been scaled down to 6.5 inches from 8 inches, thus the on-screen graphics and buttons have also been scaled down to fit the smaller screen. The system’s tiny buttons are tightly grouped and slow to respond, and its location requires the driver to stretch his arm, lean forward and concentrate, with eyes away from the road, to tap the correct button.
But as you can see, there’s more to like than not to like about the 2014 Fiesta. The Fiesta Sport hatchback and Titanium sedan with PowerShift are top-of-the-line and retail at P868,000. The Trend and Ambiente hatchback and sedan variants range in price from P698,000 to P798,000.
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