- 2014 Ford Fiesta achieves best-in-class highway fuel economy
- Ford Fiesta becomes only car in subcompact class to return more than 40 mpg on the highway
- Ford Fiesta Super Fuel Economy package combines aerodynamics and a patented PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission
The new 2014 Ford Fiesta has achieved 41 mpg in EPA testing. Fiesta is the only subcompact car to surpass 40 mpg. The fuel economy claim is for Fiesta SE with the Super Fuel Economy package that includes Ford’s 1.6-liter engine and PowerShift automatic transmission. Along with the EPA-certified 41 mpg highway rating, Fiesta achieves 30 mpg in the city and 34 mpg combined. The claim is significant because fuel economy is often cited as the No. 1 reason for purchase consideration in the subcompact class, according to Ford data. The new 2014 Fiesta will be arriving in dealers soon.
“The 2014 model is shaping up to be a game changer for Fiesta,” said Liz Elser, Ford Fiesta marketing manager. “With the addition of Fiesta ST and the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost®, we have fantastic performance and fuel efficiency. But with today’s news, buyers will have a fuel-efficient Fiesta no matter which they choose.”
Two key technologies help Fiesta achieve fuel economy leadership – its advanced aerodynamics and dry, dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission. In terms of aerodynamics, the SFE package adds rear spoiler, side air deflectors, underbody shields, lower grille blockers, low-rolling-resistance tires and cruise control. Together, these features decrease the amount of fuel needed to push the car through the air at speed.
The second enabler is the PowerShift transmission. Unlike regular, hydraulically operated automatic transmissions that use power-sapping torque converters, wet clutches and pumps, Ford’s new dual-clutch PowerShift automatic consists of two manual transmissions – in the same case – working in parallel. Each has its own independent clutch unit controlled by computers, and fast-acting electromechanical actuators that shift the gears. In addition to the leadership claim for highway fuel economy, the new Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that give drivers a connected, yet untethered, driving experience.
A new MyFord Touch® system with 6.5-inch touch screen featuring enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. Fiesta still features SYNC®AppLink™ capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta, which allow drivers to access and control Ford-approved smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls while on the go, helping them keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.
Ford MyKey® is a new feature for Fiesta, which enables parents to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers’ exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.
FORD FIESTA ST PROMPTS PRODUCTION BOOST
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 5 August, 2013 – Ford has received double the expected number of orders for the award-winning Ford Fiesta ST in its first six months on sale, with almost one third of all orders placed across Europe coming from the UK.
More than 3,000 Fiesta ST orders have been placed in the UK since it went on sale at the end of March, a sales rate well ahead of the projected 5,000-per-year target. Europe-wide demand is being led by UK customers, making up 56-per cent of all dealer reservations across the continent. As a result, Fiesta ST production will increase by 15 per cent to 60 vehicles per day to keep up with growing demand.
Fiesta ST’s unique Pearlescent Molten Orange and Spirit Blue metallic paint colours have been requested on 45 per cent of orders and 56 per cent of buyers have opted for higher specification ST2 models.
“The customer and media reaction to the Fiesta ST has been extraordinary – it’s really become an instant classic and orders have been extremely strong,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “We are doing what we can to increase production and try to meet demand.”
Since it was launched in the UK, the Ford Fiesta ST has been highly-commended by the British media. Auto Express crowned it “Hot Hatch of the Year 2013”, while BBC Top Gear named the Fiesta ST as the winner in its competitive set, declaring: “Everything about the Fiesta ST – the steering, the handling, the responsiveness – is peerless”. Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson said: “I honestly haven’t driven a car as surprising or as likeable as this for a very long while.”
The Ford Fiesta ST offers performance-tuned steering, suspension, brakes and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control; as well as Ford MyKey, SYNC with Emergency Assistance and Recaro sports seats. Powered by a 180bhp, 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, the Fiesta ST is capable of 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 139mph.
A Mountune engine upgrade, available for £599, increases output to a maximum of 212bhp.
The success of the new Fiesta ST follows on the heels of the Focus ST, which went on sale in summer 2012. Equipped with a 247bhp, 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the Focus ST was the best-selling hot hatch in Europe during the first six months of 2013, with 4,000 sales.
2014 FORD FIESTA WITH NEW 1.0-LITER ECOBOOST ENGINE SETS NEW BENCHMARK FOR FUEL EFFICIENCY, POWER
- 2014 Ford Fiesta with new 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine achieves fuel efficiency rating of 32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined
- Fiesta is only vehicle in subcompact class to return 45 mpg highway and produce 120-plus horsepower
- 1.0-liter EcoBoost makes U.S. debut in 2014 Ford Fiesta
The new Ford Fiesta equipped with the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine will be America’s most fuel-efficient non-hybrid, gasoline-powered car with a certified 45 mpg rating on the highway, topping Honda Fit by 12 mpg and Toyota Yaris by 8 mpg on the highway.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified the 2014 EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta, arriving at dealers later this year, at 45 mpg highway.
The fuel economy rating not only establishes the Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost as best-in-class, but it also outperforms some competitors’ diesels and hybrids on the highway driving cycle. The 2014 Honda Insight achieves 44 mpg highway, while the 2014 Volkswagen Golf diesel with a manual transmission delivers 42 mpg highway.
This also makes the Fiesta the only car in its class that produces more than 120 horsepower and achieves 45 mpg on the highway. Plus, while the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is officially SAE-certified at 123 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, it features an overboost function that allows it to make more than 145 lb.-ft. for up to 15 seconds.
“With the new Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost we’re pushing into fuel economy numbers only seen on hybrids and diesels,” said Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of the Americas for Ford. “Coupled with the new Fiesta ST, Fiesta covers the performance-efficiency continuum in the subcompact segment better than any other nameplate in the market.”
Fuel economy is often cited as the No. 1 purchase consideration in the subcompact class, according to Ford research.
The EPA rating is for both the four- and five-door five-speed manual-equipped 2014 Ford Fiesta with SE Manual EcoBoost Package, which is also certified at 32 mpg city and 37 mpg combined.
Automotive journalists named the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2014 Ford Fiesta International Engine of the Year in 2012 and 2013. The smallest engine in the growing EcoBoost family is increasingly the choice of Ford customers in Europe, where it is now available on five nameplates, accounting for 32 percent of Focus sales and 26 percent of Fiesta sales this year. Robust demand for the 1.0-liter in Europe prompted Ford to double production capacity at its state-of-the-art Cologne, Germany, plant to more than 1,000 engines a day.
EcoBoost technology combines smaller-displacement engines with turbocharging, direct injection, variable valve timing and proprietary Ford software to bring customers outstanding performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy than larger-displacement gasoline engines.
Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family now includes the 1.0-liter three-cylinder; 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines; and the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine. EcoBoost technology is available in every region Ford serves worldwide, and will be offered on approximately 80 percent of the company’s global nameplates by the end of this year.
Beyond the efficient new EcoBoost powerplant, Fiesta’s aerodynamic design also helps save fuel. Along with cruise control, the Fiesta SE Manual EcoBoost Package package adds a rear spoiler, side air deflectors, underbody shields, lower grille blockers and low-rolling-resistance tires that, together, decrease the amount of fuel needed to push the car through the air at speed.
In addition to the new leadership claim for highway fuel efficiency, the new Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that gives drivers an ideal blend of a connected world and an untethered driving experience.
A new MyFord Touch® system with 6.5-inch touch screen featuring enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. SYNC® AppLink™ capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta continue to allow access and control of Ford-approved smartphone apps through voice commands and other controls for drivers on the go, helping them keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.
Ford MyKey® is a new feature for Fiesta. MyKey enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers’ exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It mutes audio until safety belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.
TOP-SELLING FORD FIESTA DEBUTS FORD POWERSHIFT WITH AWARD-WINNING 1.0-LITRE ECOBOOST
- Ford Fiesta was Europe’s top-selling small car in September and for the first nine months of 2013 according to figures released by JATO Dynamics*
- UK data out this week showed that Fiesta extended its lead in Britain, with 8,572 sales in October and over 104,500 so far this year
- Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is now available with PowerShift automatic transmission in Fiesta
- New powertrain joins Fiesta’s Smart technologies including SYNC with Emergency Assistance, MyKey and Active City Stop
The Ford Fiesta became Europe’s best-selling small car in September and for the first nine months of 2013,according to the latest figures from the provider of automotive data and intelligence, JATO Dynamics.*
Ford sold 33,561 Fiestas in Europe during September and has sold 222,184 in the region during the first nine months of the year, also making the Fiesta Europe’s second best-selling car overall for September and 2013 to date.
The UK remains Europe’s strongest market for Fiesta and during the first 10 months of 2013, with more than 104,619 cars sold, according to latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ figures. This compares with 97,000 Ford Fiesta sales in Britain in the whole of 2012.
The Ford Fiesta range features seven powertrain options which emit less than 100g/km CO2**, and includes the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, “International Engine of the Year” for both 2013 and 2012. Ford now offers a 100PS version of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine with Ford’s advanced, six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission – the first time Ford has combined the two technologies – delivering CO2 emissions of 114g/km and 57.7mpg fuel consumption.
“These latest numbers prove that the efficient new Ford Fiesta, with its exciting design and technology features, has really captured the imagination of European customers,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “The first combination of our award-winning EcoBoost 1.0-litre engine with PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission is a major step forward in this segment and will appeal to many new customers – especially those looking for the latest cutting edge technology.”
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine combines cutting-edge technologies including direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to deliver the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine; from a three-cylinder engine block small enough to fit into the overhead luggage compartment of an aeroplane.
Sales of Ford’s new B-MAX compact MPV equipped with PowerShift automatic transmission grew 10 per cent during the 12 months up to and including September this year. During the same period, Ford Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy all recorded increased demand for automatic transmissions.
The new Fiesta also features dynamic exterior and interior styling with benchmark design, craftsmanship and ergonomics, in addition to optional Active City Stop, which helps drivers avoid low speed collisions.
Also available in Fiesta is Ford’s SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system featuring Emergency Assistance, which can alert local emergency services operators to an accident in 26 languages, spoken in 40 European regions.
TECHNOLOGY HELPS FIESTA OUTSELL COMPETITIVE SUBCOMPACTS AS FORD SEES FASTEST SHARE GROWTH AMONG MILLENNIALS
- The stylish, fuel-efficient and technology-loaded Ford Fiesta outsold the Toyota and Scion brands’ triplet of subcompact vehicles in the first half of 2013, and is drawing a younger audience of 46 percent gen Y and gen X buyers – compared to Toyota’s 36 percent average
- Based on Ford analysis of Polk retail registration data, the Ford brand has grown its retail share of the millennial market faster than any other automotive brand since 2009 – a pace that would soon make Ford the No. 1 choice for young buyers
- Fifty-four percent of Fiesta buyers cite Ford SYNC® technology as a top purchase driver compared to Toyota’s 37 percent average; 2014 Fiesta SE with Super Fuel Economy package is EPA-rated at 41 mpg highway – the only subcompact to achieve more than 40 mpg
- One Ford global product strategy continues delivering innovations more rapidly, as the freshened 2014 Ford Fiesta adds the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine and MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
Fiesta was first of a wave of new global products from Ford that has helped the company turn the tables on imports in the United States, with increasing sales and a pace of millennial market share growth that soon could make Ford the top auto brand for young buyers.
The new Fiesta is significantly freshened, with more style, technology and fuel efficiency – keys to Ford’s sales and young-buyer surges. Fiesta has helped outsell Toyota and Scion’s three subcompact vehicles, 45,831 units to 32,510 units in 2013.
Based on Polk retail registration data, the Ford brand has had the fastest retail share growth of any U.S. brand among shoppers 18 to 34 years old, posting an 80 percent increase from the first half of 2009 to the first half of 2013, compared to a 35 percent increase for the industry overall.
“Fiesta started the momentum we are seeing across our car and crossover lineups, which is helping us attract younger buyers and grow in coastal markets where the imports long have dominated,” says Amy Marentic, marketing manager, large cars and crossovers. “We are adding the EcoBoost engine and MyFord Touch to the new Fiesta because we have younger buyers switching to us for unique features such as SYNC that cannot be found on other small cars.”
The data indicate Ford brand retail share increased with these buyers 3.1 points, from 9.4 percent to 12.5 percent during that time – more than any brand in America. This growth is led by Ford vehicles such as Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, Escape, Fusion and Explorer – which combined account for nearly 70 percent of the increase.
The new Fiesta features MyFord Touch® driver connect technology, and later this year will offer Ford’s acclaimed 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine. Fiesta also offers a rear view camera, leather seats and sunroof – features not available on Toyota Yaris or Scion iQ or xD. Fiesta SE with Super Fuel Economy package is EPA-rated at 41 mpg highway, the only subcompact to achieve more than 40 mpg.
These types of innovations are helping Fiesta draw a younger audience of 46 percent gen Y and gen X buyers compared to Toyota and Scion’s 36 percent subcompact average, according to internal Ford data. Ford SYNC®, Fiesta’s voice-activated technology, is cited as an important purchase reason by 54 percent of buyers compared to Toyota’s 37 percent average.
The subcompact B-segment is a key market for cultivating loyalty, and is the fastest-growing non-premium segment in the United States. Nearly one-third of Fiesta customers are first-time buyers, and 67 percent choose another Ford when it comes time to trade in.
Fiesta is a top Ford vehicle for bringing in buyers on the coasts, with 45 percent of its customers on the east or west coast, compared to the company’s 38 percent average across the lineup.
These younger consumers trend toward smaller vehicles that fit with more urban lifestyles. They are also looking for a car that offers strong fuel economy while not sacrificing the fun-to-drive factor.
“Gone are the days when loading up a B-segment vehicle meant adding power windows, door locks and air conditioning,” says Marentic. “Today’s millennials and gen Xers demand the kinds of technology features that allow them to stay connected while behind the wheel, and to fully integrate the mobile devices they depend on every day.”
One Ford, many innovations
Thanks to One Ford global product strategy and Fiesta’s roots as one of the top-selling vehicles in the world, North American customers benefit from advanced innovations not found on competitors such as Toyota Yaris or Scion xD. Fiesta technologies include standard SYNC and an available 6.5-inch LCD screen with MyFord Touch, AppLink™, rear view camera and sensors, Intelligent Access with push-button start and Sony HD Radio.
Further, Fiesta allows for personalization through touches such as an adaptable ambient lighting system and custom exterior graphics, as well as higher-end options such as leather seats and a sunroof.
For 2014, Fiesta offers new powertrain options, with increased performance from the efficient, 197-horsepower 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the new Fiesta ST, along with the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine.
“Younger buyers are savvy consumers, what we call forensic buyers, with reams of data at their fingertips,” says Marentic. “They can find out nearly instantly if your car has as many bells and whistles as others, and if it is a good value.”
* JATO Dynamics results are based on information provided by JATO Consult, the company’s bespoke consulting service. Figures are based on 30 European countries.
** The stated fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as last amended. Results in MPG also correspond to this European drive cycle and are stated in imperial gallons. The results may differ from fuel economy figures in other regions of the world due to the different drive cycles and regulations used in those markets