What's the news?
Ford has added two new Fiesta models to its line-up in the form of the Zetec S Red and Black Editions. Both sit at the intersection of performance and economy thanks to a new version of Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which means that, even if the styling doesn't win you over, the impressive power output should. No matter which colour you decide to go for, the new Fiesta Zetec S editions is priced from £15,995.
Exterior
It seems that the two-tone look is in. Ford is offering two choices depending on how much black or red you like on your car. Contrasting red or black upper and lower grille surrounds, front bumper aerofoil, door mirror caps along with the roof, rear spoiler and side skirts serve to highlight the sportier features of the Fiesta. Both cars also come with gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Interior
Things are toned down a little bit more on the inside, where Ford has fitted a black leather steering wheel with contrasting red stitching, and has applied the same treatment to the gear shift gaiter and floor mats. Similarly, the charcoal black sports seats receive flashes of red in their sides and stitching.
Mechanicals
Ford's ability to continue to extract more power and performance from its 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is impressive. In this latest guise, and thanks to some tweaking of the turbocharger boost control, valve timings and throttle management, power output has risen to 140hp whilst emitting just 104g/km of CO2. The increase in power also has had an impact on driving performance, with the Fiesta now covering the 0-62mph dash in nine seconds flat on the way to a top speed of 125mph. Ford's official figures suggest that the latest EcoBoost engine can still return 62.8mpg.
Anything else?
Commenting on it, Ford's European Gasoline Calibration Manager, Andrew Fraser, said, "This new 140PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine now delivers more than twice the power on a litre-for-litre basis than its predecessor - the 1.6-litre 100PS engine that powered the sporty Fiesta S just 10 years ago."
Paranjay Dutt - 20 Jun 2014