Ford Fiesta hatchback - MPG, running costs & CO2

Low running costs have always been a key part of the Fiesta’s appeal, but Ford clearly hasn’t rested on its laurels for the latest model. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are both competitive, while insurance and servicing are competitively priced. There’s no electric or proper hybrid model, though, so you’ll need to look at the Renault Clio, Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris or Peugeot e-208 for more electrification.

Ford Fiesta MPG & CO2

While the Fiesta’s petrol engines are not quite as economical as the discontinued diesel engine, they are still very capable. We’d recommend going for Ford’s excellent 99bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which returns up to 53.3mpg.

Impressively, both mild-hybrid versions are capable of 56.5mpg, but are slightly costlier to buy. CO2 emissions for both engines range from 113g/km to 122g/km, which is a little lower than the non-hybrid and will therefore be better for company car users.

If you need an automatic gearbox, you’ll only be slightly penalised at the pumps and on your monthly company-car tax bill. Only available with the 123bhp EcoBoost engine, the new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic reduces overall economy to up to 53.3mpg, with CO2 emissions increasing to 119-128g/km for a higher BiK liability. If you’re after an automatic Fiesta, make sure it’s a seven-speed ‘DCT’ or ‘PowerShift’ gearbox; the discontinued six-speed auto could only manage 42.2mpg.

Road tax for non-hybrid Fiesta models costs the standard VED amount annually. The mild-hybrid versions are taxed at the discounted VED rate.

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Insurance

Insurance groups for the new Fiesta start from group seven (out of 50) for Trend models with the 1.1-litre petrol. The mild-hybrid engine occupies groups 17-20, while the 99bhp engine in Titanium spec is in group 13. The most expensive version to insure is the Fiesta ST, which sits in group 28, whichever version or options you choose. Consequently, insurance may be costlier than that of the Fiesta’s rivals - the Volkswagen Polo starts in the lowest possible group 1 - and perhaps its lack of autonomous emergency braking has pushed its groupings up.

Servicing

Ford has the most expansive UK dealer network of any carmaker, so there’s rarely a branch far from home. This means routine servicing should be convenient – if not always the cheapest. Expect the latest Fiesta to require servicing annually, with conditions varying between models – your owner’s handbook will confirm which regime your car and engine belong to. Ford can offer a pre-paid servicing package to cover your first two or three services – ask your dealer to recommend a plan that suits your circumstances.

Warranty

The standard Ford UK warranty is three years or 60,000 miles – the same as provided with the Fiesta’s rivals from Volkswagen, Skoda and SEAT. It’s markedly less generous than the five-year/unlimited-mileage policy provided with the Hyundai i10, though, and nor can it match the seven-year/100,000-mile policy that covers the Kia Rio or the Toyota Yaris’ 10-year cover. Ford does offer you the opportunity to extend your Fiesta’s warranty to four or five years, at extra cost.