The 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost has been a mythical creature in United States until this week. People have seen it on a stage at an auto show, heard rumors about it, or read a first drive review. This week, EPA and Ford released specifications on this eagerly anticipated car.
The Fiesta equipped with the 1.0-liter three cylinder will be labeled as SFE model. It stands for “Super Fuel Economy” as confirmed by the EPA at 32 city / 45 highway and 37 MPG combined. The 45 MPG highway number is certainly very impressive and it is a whole step above most of the competition. All compact segment cars have been chasing the magic 40 MPG highway number, and most have reached the goal with 40 or 41 on the highway. The Fiesta leaps over the goal on the highway, but shows a relatively low 32 MPG in the city. Nonetheless, these are some impressive numbers.
This engine is no slouch. It is SAE-certified at 123 hp and 125 lb-ft with an overboost function that brings a whopping 145 lb-ft of torque for up to 15 seconds. Considering that the Fiesta does not carry around much weight, this little car should be pretty quick. There is some concern that the three cylinder engine is not as smooth as a four banger, so we need to review this car before we issue a judgement.
The final piece of the puzzle: the 2014 Fiesta SFE sedan and hatchback will start at $16,445 and $17,045 respectively before destination charges. This makes it a big value proposition, and a warning call to other manufacturers that are selling hybrids or diesels in this segment.
Check out this video where a new Chevy Sonic Turbo goes up against a normally aspirated 2014 Ford Fiesta up the Ike Gauntlet high altitude test:
