Since 1976, the Ford Fiesta has represented the blue oval brand's ideal of a compact car. Seven generations, seven stories. Today, three years after the launch of the latest edition, its content has been renewed, with a strong boost to the electrified component. This choice aims to make the small one-litre turbocharged petrol EcoBoost engine even more efficient. Just three cylinders for a true concentration of technology, as evidenced by the numerous awards won over the years. The decision to make the electric component unobtrusive yet fully effective in reducing consumption and emissions led to the mild-hybrid model. Thus the new Ford Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid was born, with prices varying by trim level: Connect (€19,550), Titanium (€21,150), ST-Line (€22,150) and Active (€22,150).

Proven for dynamic performance

The term mild-hybrid, which qualifies the technology of the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid, denotes the combination of the internal combustion engine — the three-cylinder turbocharged petrol EcoBoost — and the BISG, or belt-driven integrated starter generator. This is a true electric motor that also acts as an alternator and starter motor, "connected" to the petrol engine by a belt. The device also extends the range of the start&stop system. Indeed, thanks to the electric motor, the small EcoBoost shuts off at speeds as low as 25 km/h. A technical exercise that reduces consumption and emissions, particularly important in urban driving, where braking and pulling away are the norm. The result: the new Fiesta achieves 25 km/l with a reduction in fuel consumption of between 5 and 10 per cent, alongside CO2 emissions of 112 g/km.

Technology rhymes with safety

The changes that gave rise to the new Ford Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid were not limited to the mechanical section, but also involved a large number of driver assistance features. The new Ford model introduces Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking, particularly useful when reversing, as it alerts the driver to approaching vehicles. What's more, should the driver fail to respond to the warnings, it is capable of braking completely autonomously. Meanwhile, on the subject of autonomous manoeuvres, Perpendicular Park Assist is a definite help for those parking perpendicularly to the direction of travel.

Ford Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid: always connected

Given the car's target audience, the standard inclusion of the FordPass Connect package makes the Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid a true smart car. This system, via its dedicated smartphone app (available for both iOS and Android), allows the vehicle to be monitored remotely and a series of operations to be performed from a distance, such as unlocking the doors, checking the fuel level or tyre pressure. As for infotainment, the now well-known Sync 3 — Ford's multimedia platform — uses fifth-generation software, while the user interface is represented by the 8-inch touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard, equipped with a dedicated space for wireless phone charging.