Fiesta embraces the spirit of adventure
UV-inspired supermini makes more sense on the road than you’d think, writes Matt Allan
Ford recently announced that it was launching a new simplified model structure across its range.
That’s welcome news for anyone who has pored over a Ford brochure in recent years and got lost in the maze-like arrangement of trim lines.
From now on Ford is keeping it simple and the good news is that our test car is among those to survive the trim level cull, bringing “versatility and adventure” to the supermini segment.
When Ford says versatility and adventure, don’t think that this is a jacked-up all-terrain Fiesta ready to take on the Dakar rally.
It i s j ac ke d up but by a meagre 18mm, meaning this is more suited to a Forestry Commission car park than the South America dunes.
And there’s no all-wheeldrive or underbody protection.
There is an additional traction control mode for bumpy “trail” conditions, plus some roof rails and black plastic cladding.
It’s hardly a massive transformation but it’s enough to make the Active stand out from the rest of the Fiesta range. If you’re feeling particularly bold you can opt for Luxe Yellow or Race Red paint, otherwise it’s largely the same palette as other trims.
The X model tested sits above the standard Active and does away with the bright yellow interior highlights in favour of plusher but dull partleather seats and a more sobre dashboard finish.
The X trim also adds 18-inch alloys, keyless entry, a B&O sound system, auto climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen, and additional driver assistance.
It’s a decent spec but you could save some money by going for a similarly-equipped Fiesta without the Active’s rugged additions.
And that’s the thing about the Fiesta Active. Underneath the cosmetic embellishments, it’s still a Fiesta, which is a very good thing.
It isn’t the most spacious car in its class but as long as you’re not regularly travelling four-up it’s big and comfortable enough and the 311-litre boot is big enough for the weekly shop.
The driving position and visibility are good and although the interior isn’t cutting edge, it’s user-friendly.
On the road, if anything, the Active’s differently tuned suspension is a benefit. There’s a smidge less body control but a perceptible improvement in ride comfort.
Our test car left the factory just before Ford changed engine line-up. So if you want the tested 124bhp 1.0-litre petrol you’ll have to have a sevenspeed DCT auto gearbox.
Having tested th a tarrangement in another Fiesta, it works well.
The three-cylinder EcoBoost is willing and plenty powerful enough and doesn’t feel held back by the transmission.
If you want a manual, you’ve got a choice of two petro l-electric hybrid powertrains with a 1.0- litre petrol engine in 129bhp or 153bhp tune. Both offer around 52mpg and CO2 emissions of 123g/ km.
It’s easy to laugh at the idea of an SUV-inspired supermini but the Fiesta Active carries its peculiar position off fairly well, thanks largely to the quality of the basic car.
If you really fancy the body cladding and taller suspension then go for it but remember that for £1,000 less you can have a similarly equipped Titanium X, which is every bit as good.