I’ve owned a very thirsty Datsun 260Z for a number of years now and I finally got sick and tired of having to fill up the tank every 160-170 miles or so. And of course, I have to use premium fuel which can get pricey, especially here in Vancouver. So as of this morning, I am the owner of a 2013 Ford Fiesta SE. The entry-level economy car features a few bells and whistles with my favorites being the heated seats, power moon roof, and six-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 Fiesta SE features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and Ford has now released details about the 2014 Ford Fiesta which features a 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine! This makes the Ford Fiesta the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline engine vehicle on the market in North America with a fuel economy rating of 5.22L/100 km (45mpg) on the highway.
The tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is officially SAE certified at 123hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. The new 2014 Ford Fiesta however has an overboost function allowing the vehicle to produce an additional 20 lb-ft of torque for up to 15 seconds when the power is needed for a total of 145 lb-ft torque.
The Fiesta SE Manual EcoBoost Package also plays a role in its fuel efficiency with things such as the rear spoiler, side air deflectors, lower grill blockers, under body shields, and low rolling resistance tires. In terms of interior features, the 2014 Fiesta will get the new MyFord Touch system featuring a 6.5-inch touch screen and an improved voice control. The Ford MyKey is also enhanced allowing users to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. The MyKey system will mute audio until seat belts are fastened and it also ensures that driver aids, important safety systems, and alerts cannot be turned off.
A 1.0-liter engine is a very non-American thing to do but I’m certain many manufacturers will be offering smaller displacement engines in the next few years. Who knows, maybe I’ll have to trade in my 2013 Fiesta for a new one sometime soon.
