Automatic transmissions and small cars seldom make good bedfellows, often proving sluggish, prone too hunting between gears and generally sapping the last bit of automotive passion from your veins. That was my general perception, until I drove this little gem from Ford.
The engine
The 1,0-litre petrol engine (featuring turbocharging and direct injection), which scooped the International engine of the Year gong in both 2012 and 2013, is an excellent example of powerplant downsizing as it hits that elusive sweet spot that combines spirited performance with frugality. In the Powershift application it has been de-tuned from 92 kW to 74 kW but still delivers the same 170 N.m (from a low 1 400 r/min to 4 000 r/min). According to Ford the lower power rating is owing to our specific altitude and climatic conditions.
For the technically minded, the engine features the following efficiency enabling technologies: three-cylinder layout to minimise engine friction, a Bosch 150-bar fuel injection system injecting through six-hole injectors, a low inertia turbocharger that can spin up to 248 000 r/min and extreme valve overlap to remove any residual gases from the combustion chamber, to name a few.
The gearbox
PowerShift is Ford’s term for its dual-clutch-transmission technology, similar to VW’s DSG application. In the Fiesta, though, you will not find paddles behind the steering wheel and only a conventional automatic shift lever. However, there is a gearshift button mounted on the lever that allows you to change gears manually using your thumb. A sport mode is also provided but the latter two functions discussed are largely irrelevant in day-to-day driving.
The driving experience
Jump in the car, start the engine and slot the gear lever into “D” – job done. Now you can relax and concentrate on the road while listening to your favourite music. What makes this engine/transmission combination so effective is that it does exactly what you expect of it. Step on the go-faster pedal and the little Fiesta responds with enthusiasm, pulling away with haste and holding on to gears until the redline prompts a quick shift upward. Drive in a relaxed manner and the gearbox keeps the engine in the meaty part of the torque range without hunting. Whenever you lean on the throttle, there is always enough forward thrust available without excessive cog swapping. The main reason for this proficiency is the fact that the engine produces a flat torque curve that starts a low 1 400 r/min. Combined with brilliant transmission calibration, there is no need for sport mode or manual shifting, as the PowerShift transmission almost seems to read your mind.
The car
The Fiesta is a known entity on our roads but still appears stylish. The recent facelift adds the “Aston Martin-like grille and headlamps” to give the car a sporty visage. These sporty styling touches are very much apt as the well-balanced chassis has always been a key attribute. Push the Fiesta through a few bends and you’s be forgiven for thinking you are piloting an “ST-lite”. Grip is impressive and the steering feedback excellent.
Despite the eye-catching exterior treatment, the Fiesta’s interior has dated somewhat. Although the fit and finish are still good, the facia looks fussy and the infotainment screen is too small and difficult to read. This model’s Trend specification includes such features as Ford SYNC with Bluetooth and voice control, climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controsl, trip computer and electric windows. Cruise control and leather seats are only part of the range-topping Titanium package.
Summary
The PowerShift-equipped Fiesta genuinely impressed on an all-round basis. It is the perfect car for easy commuting or city driving but also revels in attacking twisty roads and even long distance cruising. At R236 600 it is rather pricey, but you do feel that it is a quality product. If you are sceptical about small automatics – do yourself a favour and go test drive the Fiesta.
FAST FACTS*
Model: Ford Fiesta 1,0 Ecoboost PowerShift
Price: R236 600
Engine: 1,0-litre, three-cylinder petrol, turbocharged
Power: 74 kW at 6 000 r/min
Torque: 170 N.m, 1 400 – 4 000 r/min
Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch
0-100 km/h: 10,8 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Fuel consumption: 4,90 L/100 km
CO2: 114 g/km
*manufacturer claimed figures
Test results:
0-60 km/h: 5,01 seconds
0-100 km/h: 11,52 seconds
40-80 km/h: 5,06 seconds
80-120 km/h: 9,16 seconds
100-0 km/h: 2,99 seconds (average of 10 braking tests)
CAR fuel index: 5,88 L/100 km
CAR fuel run: 6,2 L/100 km
