Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

92kW from a little hatch is crazy, but 92kW from a 1.0-litre hatch is just vulgar. That’s the deal with the new Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost. Ford certainly got the formula right in terms of getting this nippy little car to deliver top hair raising performance. This model, which replaces the outgoing 1.6, despite its diminutive size, puts out enough power and torque to help Eskom power Modupi – a hyperbole, yes, but you catch my drift.

And if you think that’s the only punch this sexy hatchback is packing, think again. Ford has jam-packed it with enough techy stuff for it to be right at home in Silicon Valley. Most notably the MyKey and SYNC™ features.

The main features of the Ford-exclusive MyKey technology include enabling owners to program their key to do a few cool things like restricting the top speed, reducing the maximum volume of audio system, or disable the audio system altogether if driver and passengers are not using their seat belts.

By now you’ve figured out the target market that will gladly welcome this. And no, it’s not your Generation Y consumers who will be doing the driving.

It can also prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies such as ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), so you “zesty” youngsters can forget about resurfacing the roads with tire rubber.

SYNC, powered by Microsoft – now this feature excited me the most about the technology packed in the Fiesta. This basically turns the Fiesta into an “infotainment” system, by allowing you to connect almost any mobile phone or digital media player to the Fiesta via Bluetooth® or USB connection all controlled by voice command. This is sure to be popular with Generation Y, or as Ford put it; “those who have grown up online”.

“SYNC has been a transformational technology not only for Ford, but for the entire industry,” said Kumar Galhotra, vice president, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific.

“SYNC has been integral to keeping pace with the consumer, delivering value through smart and convenient features that helps keep them connected to their digital lives in a safer, simpler and smarter way.”

Now to the actual performance of the car. The drive is smooth, and the take-off almost feels like you’ll be air borne before it reaches 100km/h. Cornering was nippy and precise. What you’d expect from a car that size. I liked that I could put my foot down and really drive the car without having the indicator lights come on every time I pass a petrol station.

It’s no wonder the engine has already been selected for both the Popular Mechanics 2012 Breakthrough Award and Engine Technology International’s “International Engine of the Year” Award in Europe. Accolades reserved for the most fuel-efficient cars and reduced CO2 emissions, amongst other criteria.

As much as the 1.0-litre EcoBoost is the star of the show, Ford offers the Fiesta in its other engine derivatives, including the 1.4-litre petrol 71kW and 125Nm and 1.6-litre TDCi 70kW and 200Nm engines.

The model I’m looking out for is the new Fiesta ST, confirmed for launch in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013. What to expect from this car you ask?  0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and 220 km/h top speed from a 1.6-litre turbocharged Twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing EcoBoost petrol engine offering 132kW and 240 Nm of torque.

David Abbey