FIESTA 1.0 ECOBOOST
Maybe the cheapest and easiest way into fast Ford ownership for young drivers, now is a great time to buy the 1.0-litre Fiesta Mk7...
“Ford’s finest hour is surely the three-cylinder Fiesta 1.0, packing huge potential from a puny 999cc powerplant”
Small is beautiful – and on the scale of diminutive hatchbacks, Ford’s finest hour is surely the threecylinder Fiesta 1.0, packing huge potential from a puny 999cc powerplant.
The EcoBoost engine was introduced into the Fiesta range for its November 2012 facelift (on sale from January 2013), when all Mk7s received a new grille, headlamps, tail lights and a revamped interior. Initially the 1.0 was offered in 100PS (98bhp) form as a Zetec, Titanium or high-spec Titanium X. A 125PS (123bhp) equivalent was also available in the Titaniums, plus a funky Zetec S threedoor, which boasted stiffer suspension, 16in alloy wheels, deeper bumpers, black mesh grille, side skirts, rear spoiler and a racy interior with contoured seats. In August 2014 a pair of hotter models appeared, known as the Red Edition and Black Edition thanks to contrasting paintwork (Red with Panther Black roof and door mirror caps, or Black with Race Red bits) and black-painted 17in alloys. Revised ECU software gave 138bhp, 155lb.ft torque, 125mph and 0-to-60mph in 8.7 seconds.
The 140PS tune became available in the regular Zetec S from May 2015.
October 2015 brought Zetec Black and White Editions, running the 100PS engine plus Panther Black or Frozen White paintwork with contrasting roof and mirrors. Similar Colour Editions repeated the formula in March 2016, but this time in blue or white.
June 2016 saw the Zetec S give way to the ST-Line, including the 1.0 EcoBoost in 100, 125 and 140PS varieties, and also offering a five-door bodystyle. Black and Red Editions remained in 140PS form.
The Fiesta Mk7 was replaced by the Mk8 in April 2017, leaving a second-hand market saturated with fun Fiestas being traded in.
Should you buy one? With an amazing chassis, minimal running costs and massive tunability, only the much-hyped media coverage of catastrophic so-called EcoBoom engine failures could put you off.
Here’s why it shouldn’t...