Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Fiesta hatchback (2008-2017) - Engines, drive & performance

No other small hatchback can match the Ford Fiesta for driving fun and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is thrilling

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Engines, drive & performance Rating

4.7 out of 5

You don't have to be a wannabe racing driver to appreciate the way the Ford Fiesta drives. Its steering provides a direct, connected feel with the road, making it nimble and fun to drive, bearing comparison with the original MINI.

Easy-to-use controls and good visibility make the Fiesta a confidence-inspiring partner around town, while a smooth ride and a quiet interior mean it never feels out of its depth on the motorway – although it's not quite as quiet or composed here as the VW Polo.

Ford Fiesta petrol engines

The 1.25 and 1.6-litre petrol engines show their age and sound a little strained on the move. The 1.25-litre engine comes with 80bhp and takes a pedestrian 13.3 seconds to go from 0-62mph. The 1.6-litre, which is only available with an automatic gearbox, goes from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds. All three get noisy at motorway speeds.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We'd ignore these in favour of the hugely impressive 98 and 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrols, which are both quiet and eager. Despite their tiny size, both of these engines use clever technology to produce the power of a much larger engine. You can expect 0-62mph times of 11.2 and 9.4 seconds for the 98 and 123bhp models respectively. They're very refined and make overtaking easy and safe.

A third EcoBoost model boasts 138bhp and is the quickest of the standard Fiestas – only the sporty Ford Fiesta ST is faster. It features in the ST-Line model as well as the Fiesta Red and Fiesta Black editions and comes with slightly firmer sports suspension. It emits a nice sound under quick acceleration, but settles down to a hushed hum on the motorway.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The fourth and final 1.0-litre engine is the entry-level 79bhp version. With no turbocharger, it takes a lengthy 14.9 seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill and you need to work the manual gearbox hard to achieve that.

You can boost the power of either the 123 and 138bhp EcoBoost engines to 163bhp with a Mountune MR165 aftermarket upgrade. Priced at just under £1,400, the kit includes several upgraded engine parts and boosts the 0-62mph time to 7.2 seconds. It also makes the EcoBoost engine feel less strained and more refined than it does as standard.

Diesel engines

There’s now only one diesel engine in the Fiesta range: a 1.5-litre TDCi. However, it's available in two power outputs. We’d recommend the most powerful 93bhp version. It can do 0-62mph in a reasonable 10.9 seconds, compared with the the 73bhp version's 13.5 seconds.

All versions get a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, which feels light and easy to use, while the Ford Fiesta ST gets a slick six-speed manual. There's also the option of a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic – although it’s only available with the 98bhp EcoBoost and ageing 1.6-litre petrol.

Whatever version of the Ford Fiesta you choose, you'll benefit from the same excellent driving position, which gives a wide range of seat and steering-wheel adjustment, plus excellent visibility.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024
The best first cars 2023
Best cars
17 Apr 2024

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: what are they and should you buy one?
Ford Puma SUV front tracking
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: what are they and should you buy one?

Top 10 best used small cars 2024
The best used small cars hero 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best used small cars 2024

Ford Fiesta review (2017-2023)
Facelifted Ford Fiesta driving
In-depth reviews
16 Oct 2023

Ford Fiesta review (2017-2023)

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024