Test Drive of the New Fiesta, Making Its Return to Japan | Ford

Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost | Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

Ford's Small but Mighty Performer

Test Drive the New Fiesta, Back in Japan

The Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost, an entry-level model from Ford, has been available in Japan since February 1st. As its name suggests, it's a front-wheel-drive model equipped with the "1.0 EcoBoost," a 1-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. However, don't underestimate this entry-level car; it's a capable European compact that balances driving performance with refinement.

Text by SAKURAI KenichiPhotographs by ABE Masaya

A Global Product Sold Worldwide

The "Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost" from Ford Japan is a B-segment compact car that follows in the footsteps of Ford's new generation of global products, including the "Focus" and "Kuga" introduced last year.

Ford calls this global product strategy "One Ford." Previously, Ford developed and sold models tailored to specific regions worldwide. However, going forward, they will develop vehicles of global quality and sell them across the globe.

The "Fiesta" introduced in Japan is produced at Ford's Cologne plant in Germany. While the "Focus" was produced at the state-of-the-art Rayong plant in Thailand, which opened in 2012, the "Kuga" that later arrived in Japan was manufactured at the Valencia plant in Spain. These examples alone demonstrate how extensively Ford operates globally and how it leverages its international facilities for its global strategy.

While the American brand Ford often evokes images of large SUVs or sports models like the "Mustang", the Fiesta actually has a long history, with its first generation debuting in Europe in 1976. With cumulative sales exceeding 15 million units, it has been a popular model that has supported European users' mobility for many years.

Sold in over 140 countries worldwide, it sold over 723,130 units in 2012. In Japan, rivals include the Volkswagen "
Polo" and the Peugeot "208", but the Fiesta is actually the record holder for the highest sales volume in the B-segment.

Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost | Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

Ford's Small but Mighty Performer

Test Drive the New Fiesta, Back in Japan (2)

Performance Beyond Its Displacement

The "Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost" introduced in Japan, as its name suggests, is powered by Ford's smallest engine in its gasoline lineup: a 997cc, 3-cylinder turbocharged unit. This engine, combined with the latest direct injection turbo technology, variable intake and exhaust valve timing, and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, has won the "International Engine of the Year" award for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013, making it a highly acclaimed global powertrain.

Despite its modest 1-liter displacement, the "1.0 EcoBoost" engine delivers a maximum output of 74 kW (100 ps) and a peak torque of 170 Nm (17.3 kgm), while achieving a fuel economy of 17.7 km/ℓ under the JC08 mode. Its strong initial torque and sporty acceleration, allowing it to keep pace with traffic, make it hard to believe it's only a 1-liter engine.

If you were to drive the Fiesta without knowing its specifications, you likely wouldn't guess it's a 1-liter car.

The responsiveness and powerful acceleration are truly impressive. Even when merging onto a highway, a scenario where typical B-segment cars might struggle, the 6-speed DCT shifts quickly, and there's absolutely no sense of lacking power.

Previously, you might have heard the engine working hard, but the effortless acceleration feels more akin to a 1.6-liter, or even a 2-liter class vehicle. This isn't an exaggeration; anyone driving in such situations will surely appreciate its potential.

In S mode, manual shifting can be done via a switch next to the shift lever (SelectShift Mode). Given how smooth and sporty the shifts are with minimal friction loss, one might even wish for paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost | Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

Ford's Small but Mighty Performer

Test Drive the New Fiesta, Back in Japan (3)

Wearing Ford's Latest Design Language

The body design features a new identity emphasizing the front grille. While not available in Japan, models like the "Taurus," which is close to an E-segment size and sold in North America, and the smaller "Fusion" already adopt this front-end styling.At the Geneva Motor Show,the "Focus" also received a minor update, evolving to feature the same front-end design.

While the large grille and sleek headlights are eye-catching, the solid body design is quite sporty and dynamic. The standard 16-inch wheels contribute to an impression of excellent driving dynamics.

The upward-sloping character line along the body side towards the rear, the narrowed side window shape, and the voluminous fender design that emphasizes the wheels likely contribute to this sporty image. While many B-segment models feature softer designs to appeal to female drivers, the Fiesta's design can be considered quite assertive depending on your perspective.

The interior design follows the established Ford aesthetic, echoing the recently introduced Focus. The dashboard, with its multi-dimensional layout and array of switches, might seem a bit busy at first glance. However, the comprehensive equipment, including automatic climate control and an 8-speaker premium sound system integrated with SYNC (Ford's proprietary driver connectivity technology for voice-controlled music playback and hands-free calling via Bluetooth), and the overall quality surpass the standards typically expected of an entry-level model.

The controls, designed with ergonomics in mind, are easy to see and operate intuitively. They possess a distinctiveness that far surpasses the often generic interiors of Japanese cars, where it's sometimes hard to even identify the manufacturer. Additionally, ambient lighting subtly illuminates the door pockets, cup holders, and the area above the glove box with a soft red glow, enhancing the nighttime driving experience. Personally, I would prefer a blue hue that coordinates with the meter illumination, if customization were an option.

Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost | Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

Ford's Small but Mighty Performer

Test Drive the New Fiesta, Back in Japan (4)

All-Around Quality That Rivals Higher-Class Models

The Fiesta incorporates safety technologies also found in the Focus, such as the "Active City Stop" low-speed automatic braking system to prevent forward collision risks and seven airbags, ensuring safety that exceeds its class. Furthermore, as previously reported, it has received high international acclaim, including the prestigious 2013 "Women's World Car of the Year (WWCOTY)" award.

The Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost offers advantages in urban environments with its sub-4-meter length and provides a sporty driving experience on highways that belies its class. It can be recommended as a B-segment model that earns high marks for brand appeal, quality, and performance, not only as an entry-level option for younger buyers but also as a potential choice for middle-aged and older drivers considering downsizing.

As a side note, Ford plans to introduce the "EcoSport", a crossover model based on the Fiesta, into Japan by the end of the year. While the EcoSport is certainly worth watching, this year's B-segment market is quite competitive with the arrival of models like the Peugeot "2008", the Renault "Captur", and thenew "MINI".