Engine, Drivetrain, Fuel Efficiency - Ford Fiesta 1.6 S road test

A hundred horses and suspension, chassis and brakes to match make this the best driver's car in its segment.

Engine

Ford's four-pot Duratec engine displaces 1596cc and generates 100bhp@6500rpm and 146Nm@3400rpm. Despite identical max power and torque figures as the other 1.6-litre engines, Ford India says that the ECU has been remapped for better fuel efficiency. This is why the 1.4-litre petrol has been axed from the Fiesta lineup: Ford claims that the remap helps the 1.6 return as many kilometres to the litre as the 1.4 used to. The engine doesn't lack for power anywhere in its rev range - there's an even, smooth surge from right above idle to the 7000rpm redline, where a very pleasing soundtrack accompanies the driver's hooliganism. We'd have liked the engine to have more power; this car deserves it.

Drivetrain

The gear ratios are well matched to the engine. The gear lever was comfortable to hold, but we can't help but wish for a slightly better design that fits the palm better. The throw is slightly vague into third, but you are rewarded with a 'snick-snick' engagement that quickly becomes addictive.

Fuel Efficiency

We achieved an overall efficiency figure of 10kpl, which is laudable when you consider that we were driving with the pedal plastered to the firewall most of the time! Driven with a light foot, the car is capable of achieving nearly 12kpl, and the worst we achieved was 8kpl during our performance testing. Looks like one truly can have his cake and eat it too!