Who's actually driven one? I'm on the save up some dough path to buy one but I'm not convinced. The engine really interests me.
I'm also torn on the Sonic LT with the 1.4T and 6-speed.
Price point is the same. Found lots of threads that say "I want one" but little info on driving experiences.
Paging singleslammer...he just bought one IIRC.
One thing to bear in mind- the 1.0l engine is supposed to be the gas mileage powertrain. So even though it has a turbo, it's not intended to be a performance vehicle. I used to read a lot of posts on the fiesta boards demanding performance options. While I totally get the want of more performance, the market this car is being sold to would rather have better fuel economy- so you won't find many parts for it.
I have one. the 5 speed in the fiesta is geared to economy rather than fun. The 6 speed in the focus 1.0 is a much better transmission. Pumaspeed has a 170hp/200ftlb 1.0 fiesta and it still only goes 15.7 in the 1/4.
I average 42mpg here in the mountains of NC with my 60 mile commute.
The sonic with the 1.4 gains 40hp and 70 ftlbs on a tune
the sonic is better for performance oriented stuff(speed based) while the fiesta is the better in economy though you can make a fiesta handle since all fiesta st stuff fits.
Other than the economy gearing, I haven't seen any complaints on the Fiesta columns.
I really like mine. It takes a bit to get up to speed but like tdi VW, it feels faster than it is. Once you are at speed it handles well and it "appears" the fiesta handling kit bolts on and that is as low as 250 shipped for shocks/struts and stiffer springs. I didn't cross shop the Chevy. I drove one with the 1.8l when they were new and I think the fiesta has better interior.
MrChaos wrote: The sonic with the 1.4 gains 40hp and 70 ftlbs on a tune
I thought people were getting Fiesta ST levels of power now.
iceracer wrote: Other than the economy gearing, I haven't seen any complaints on the Fiesta columns.
raises hand
I haven't driven a 40k+ mile Fiesta that didn't have a wracked column. Not quite loose, but the steering just felt low-rent, worn, and geary. Like something you'd expect from a golf cart rather than a road vehicle.
GM sure has figured EPAS out at least. Even a 200k mile commercial vehicle HHR has great steering in comparison.
How many 40K mile Fiestas have you driven ?
In reply to Knurled:
I've driven a number of rally school Fiestas and didn't experience what you describe. They weren't spring chickens either.
The economy gearing is yet another thing that makes me dream a out a 1.0L ecoboost swap into my Mini. I bet the gearing would be ok with my tiny 165/70R10 tires.
The gearing isn't bad for anything other than performance driving. It has plenty of low speed pull, does well on the highway. I plan on investigating a focus 6 speed swap when it is time for a clutch. Whenever that is.
I wanted to love the fiesta so bad. But I don't fit.
Still looking for one. Really interested in one.
In reply to Scottah :
test drive both the fiesta and focus 1.0 though thats hard since the 1.0 is hard to find on lots
I just did a little sleuthing and it "appears" that the 1.0L and the 1.6L share a bell patterning. This means that a FiST manual, a Focus 1.0L manual, and a Fusion manual should all work to gain better ratios in the Fiesta. Not saying I am planning on swapping any time soon but good to know. I need to investigate what sort of electronic issues this might cause.
Possibly going to look at a new '16 Ecoboost 1.0 Fiesta this weekend. Any reliability anecdotes?
20k miles with zero issues other than the occasional transmission grind going into reverse, not too bad though. For what it is, I find it quiet, comfy, and a great commuter. I am still averaging between 38 and 39 mpg but I drive 75 mph on hilly interstate. If I were to slow down to 65, I would likely gain 5 mpg pretty quick.
The 1.0/6spd Focus is rated at 42mpg hwy. If the 6spd is that much more fun to drive and the highway mileage is similar, it may be a better combination for driving pleasure even if it isn't any faster, or even if it's slower.
28k miles and zero issues. mine will pop out of reverse occasionally and grind but it has been solid. I had to replace the factory tires at 25k they just dont last. I had to go with a 195/55r15 to get a decent tire. Here is my fuelly http://www.fuelly.com/car/ford/fiesta/2015/fordmexicanparty/407625
I commute about 75 miles round trip daily. 40mpg average.
Is gas mileage the only thing that you require as a used FiST can be found really really cheap.
I am going to need tires soon and I am not even to 21k yet.
I bought mine for $14.8k. These things get serious discounts because I think that they are unknown.
In reply to singleslammer:
How many miles now? Any problems?
My A.A.D.D. has led me back to the 1.0 EcoBoost.
Vigo wrote: The 1.0/6spd Focus is rated at 42mpg hwy. If the 6spd is that much more fun to drive and the highway mileage is similar, it may be a better combination for driving pleasure even if it isn't any faster, or even if it's slower.
I drove the 1.0 Focus. Obviously a focus is heavier than a Fiesta. The 1.0 simply isn't enough engine for a car that's heavier than a Fiesta.
Just my $0.02
In reply to The_Jed:
27k if I remember correctly. No problems other than the original tires wearing out fast. Not a huge deal there since tires are cheap for this car.
Managing 38 mpgs on my crappy commute. Remember this commute made a first gen Insight only get 45 mpgs at times.
The 1.0l is plenty good for the fiesta but I doubt it is enough for a focus. We had a '12 Focus auto for a bit and the standard engine is marginal. 40 less hp is going to be a problem in the US.
It is fun to drive and comfy.
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