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Ten Second Review

If you find the automotive industry's current obsession with fuel economy, exhaust emissions and generally appearing to be greener than the Amazon rain forest an ideal cure for insomnia, then Ford's frugal diesel Fiesta, the 1.5 TDCi, may not be your kind of car. Efficiency-minded families though will prick up their ears at the thought of 88.3mpg combined cycle and a CO2 return of just 82g/km.

Background

Most people would agree that the moves being made by the automotive industry to clean up its act are important and largely laudable. Whether more could be being done and to what degree the car companies behind this drive to protect the planet are motivated by profit are moot points. Things are moving in a positive direction and cars like the Fiesta 1.5 TDCi claim to be in the vanguard. While we wait for hydrogen fuel cells, solar power, ethanol, chip fat, fermented onions or some other alternative to step convincingly into the breach currently occupied by fossil fuels, cars like the Fiesta 1.5 TDCi diesel are arguably amongst the best options we have. They're small, light and aerodynamic so they can be powered effectively by small, economical engines. The problem is that so many of them are so boring. We all want cars that are affordable and economical but wouldn't it be nice if they were fun too? This desire for some excitement to get our teeth into as a side order with our green vehicles could play into this Fiesta diesel model's hands.

Driving Experience

The 1.5-litre TDCi engine in this Fiesta won't induce goosebumps when you plant the throttle, but it's reasonably punchy (even with just 85PS on tap) and it doesn't sound too gruff. As usual with a Fiesta, the best bit though is the chassis. Ford has a shining reputation for the driving dynamics of its cars and the Fiesta remains pretty near the pick of the back. It feels alive and fast in its responses, cornering with barely a flicker of body roll and more grip than the diesel engine could hope to overcome. Despite the Fiesta's infectious verve through the bends, it still manages to deliver a compliant ride when cruising, the suspension dancing over the lumps and knobbles of the surface. Some rivals are fractionally more comfortable, but there still isn't a supermini that's better to drive in its mainstream form than the Fiesta. There's a deftness to the way this car responds, an agility to the way it nips around the bends that no other small car can quite match. Rest to 62mph occupies 12.5s on the way to 108mph.

Design and Build

If you go by the maxim that if something looks right, it is right, then you'll probably like the look of this seventh generation Fiesta. As before, it's offered in both three and five-door bodystyles and both are tidy pieces of styling with evolutionary styling and a bolder, wider front grille. The side profile is more settled and less wedge-shaped, combining with 71mm of additional body length and 12mm of additional width to give what Ford hopes is a longer and more premium appearance. Inside, it's completely different from what went before. Gone is the previous button-heavy fascia with its cheap plastics. In fact, the number of buttons on the centre console has been reduced by almost half, with many connectivity and entertainment controls relocated to a freshly developed 'SYNC3' 8-inch touchscreen. A semi-translucent piano black insert stretches all the way from the instrument binnacle to the centre console, giving the cabin a touch of class. Rear seat passengers benefit from 16mm more knee room, supported by new slim-back seats that are softer, and offer greater side-to-side support. This Fiesta's tailgate is wider for easier access to the boot, and improved storage for personal belongings is delivered with a 20% larger glovebox and a 1-litre media bin in the centre console.

Market and Model

Expect to pay from around £18,000 for a 85PS 1.5 TDCi diesel Fiesta - so you're looking at a premium of around £1,600 over the 75PS 1.1-litre Ti-VCT petrol model. Some will think that to be money well spent, given the better performance and the extra frugality you'll get. There's a choice of 'Trend', 'Totanium', 'Titanium X', 'ST-Line Edition', 'ST-Line Edition X', 'Active Edition', 'Active Edition X' and Vignale Edition' trim levels for 1.5 TDCi 85PS model buyers. Whatever your choice, you'll be offered some up-scale equipment options, examples including an openable panoramic glass roof. There's sophisticated safety too, including a Pedestrian Detection system that can even prevent collisions at night. And 'Active Park Assist' with brake interventions to prevent low-speed collisions when parking hands-free. As for standard equipment, even base models get features like air conditioning, Bluetooth, an 'Emergency Assistance' system and a 6-speaker stereo.

Cost of Ownership

Modifications designed to enhance this car's efficiency include variable geometry technology for the 120PS version - and sophisticated fuel injection that also enhances refinement. Smart Regenerative Charging enhances fuel efficiency by selectively engaging the alternator and charging the battery when the vehicle is coasting and braking. Plus there's a start stop system that cuts the engine when you don't need it, stuck at the lights or waiting in traffic. These tweaks apart, the driver is otherwise free to get on with enjoying one of the best handling small cars in the business. As for the cost of ownership results, well the 85PS version of this car's 1.5-litre diesel registers 82g/km and a combined economy figure of 88.3mpg; that's for the three-door model. The five-door variant is a fraction less frugal. As for insurance groups, the base 85PS 1.5 TDCi variant is rated at group 8E.

Summary

The push for more efficient cars is important, but it can also be a bit of a turn off. People will always be inspired by models that look good and can excite on the road, even if their heads and bank balances are lobbying for something economical. The Fiesta 1.5 TDCi does a fine job of compromise between these different criteria. It neatly demonstrates that outright pace and power are not essentials in an enjoyable driver's car, while managing to be one of the most fuel efficient superminis in its class into the bargain. Add in all the improvements made to the MK7 model Fiesta design and you've a strong contender.