You have no control over some things. Like the subtle sense of joy that takes hold when you drive a Ford Fiesta. That sounds exaggerated, but even after decades there is still the valid question or clincher: can you name a better driving, more entertaining steering car in this class? Well, exactly.
Ford has given the Fiesta a makeover and the news consists mainly of, well, more. More standard equipment, more safety systems, more distinction between the different versions. It goes without saying that this also translates into a ‘more’ price. But competition is also getting more expensive, so everything is relative.
The Fiesta starts in the Netherlands from now on at just under 21 mille with a turboless 75-hp 1.1’tje. The mild-hybrid EcoBoost engines with 125 hp (in Belgium 155 hp is still an option, and you absolutely want that) are now also available in combination with a new seven-speed DCT automatic transmission; previously you had to rely on a transmission with a torque converter. But DCT or not, we still prefer the manual gearbox in this class, always.
New options for the updated Ford Fiesta
Fiestas now all get full-LED headlamps, with on the more expensive versions built-in fog lights or matrix models with changing light pattern. The rest of the front was also modified, with the most striking change being the Ford logo that moved from the hood to the grille. It looks a bit more mature, although we don’t know whether we really appreciate that with this fun pony. Nice addition for the loafers: new steel wheels in the shape of the hubcaps. You don’t see anything.
In addition to the basic Connected, which is not available as a mild hybrid, you can order the Fiesta as Titanium, ST-Line or Active with X or Vignale extras on top. Today we drive the (breathing in) Ford Fiesta Active X 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 125 hp to get our inner empty-nester to satisfy. At least, that’s what we joke in our minds when we get in, but the chuckling wears off quickly.
The Ford Fiesta Active X is good in the corners
We are in the Ardennes, south of Namur, on a cool sunny day. Apparently all Walloons have decided to sit on the terrace with a beer, because the roads open up for us like the path to the toilet for a gagging corps ball. Although that could also be because we drive with a Dutch license plate – we don’t really know what our reputation is here.
Anyway: despite its jacked-up chassis, this Ford Fiesta Active X turns out to be almost as enthusiastic in corners as its lower relatives. Seating position, steering, shifting, brakes, suspension and damping, the balance in his body… Everything is Fiesta, so everything is a party.
The 125 hp Ford Fiesta Active X is fast enough
Its 125 horsepower willingly flows from the front wheels and leaves the digital needle on the new
counter screen dancing. The regeneration of the mild hybrid package varies with driving modes (Sport decelerates more strongly when off the gas) and the 48-volt start/stop system is effective, as it works quickly and even when the car is still in gear. The dust on the seats is worthy of the name Active, because it looks like you can wipe the craziest mess off it. And it always surprises us, but we can actually sit in the back.
From us, Ford should have just continued to build the Fiesta as it was. But if you do have to change the recipe, do it on details and equipment and keep the good foundation. They did, and so the Fiesta is still cool, thoughtful and fun every day.
Specifications Ford Fiesta Active X 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 125 hp (2022)
engine
999 cc
three-cylinder turbo
125 hp @ 6,000 rpm
210 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
Drive
front wheels
6v manual gearbox
Performance
0-100 km/h in 9.4 sec
top 200 km/h
Consumption (average)
5.0 l/100 km
116 g/km CO2, B label
Dimensions
4,068 x 1,756 x 1,509mm (lxwxh)
2,493mm (wheelbase)
1,211 kg
42 l (petrol)
311 / 1.093 l (luggage)
Prices
€ 26,330 (NL)
nb (B)
#Ford #Fiesta #Active #emptynesters #mistake