Electrified Ford Fiesta to deliver more efficient performance

MANILA: For the first time, Ford announced last June 8 that its Ford Fiesta compact hatchback now comes with an electrified powertrain.

Ford EcoBoost hybrid powertrains will bring improved fuel efficiency for drivers while integrating the brand's “fun to drive” experience with more responsive and powerful performance. This hybrid technology was first launched in late 2019 for passenger vehicle customers in the new Ford Puma crossover.

The Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid, which is available with 123hp and 153hp power outputs, includes a belt-driven incorporated starter/generator (BISG) instead of the standard alternator. This allows storage and recovery of energy that is generally lost during coasting and braking to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.

The advanced, self-regulating mild-hybrid system continually tracks how the vehicle is being utilized to know when and how rigorously the battery needs to be charged for maximum benefit. It is also monitored continuously to use the stored battery charge using two approaches, namely, torque supplementation and torque substitution.

Torque substitution involves the deployment of the electric motor functionality of the BISG to produce up to 24Nm of torque, decreasing the amount of work needed from the petrol engine. Through the torque substitution, the 123hp EcoBoost Hybrid brings a fuel efficiency enhancement of almost five percent, in comparison with the conventional petrol 123hp 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine (NEDC).

Torque supplementation, on the other hand, refers to the deployment of the electric motor functionality of the BISG to enhance the peak torque that is available from the powertrain up to 20Nm above the level from the petrol engine. This delivers 240Nm for the 153hp powertrain and up to 50% more torque.

The 123hp 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine of the Ford Fiesta can be currently specified with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that provides smooth gear modifications for maximum refinement, lower CO2 emissions, and fuel efficiency enhancements up to 15%. This is compared to the outgoing 99hp 1.0-liter EcoBoost six-speed automatic configuration (NEDC). An 84 hp 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine is also offered for high-range drivers.

The 48-volt mild-hybrid technology is presented along with exceptional new driver assistance technologies such as the speed sign recognition and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. These two technologies were designed to bring a hassle-free and more relaxed driving experience on roads and highways.

Moreover, the upgraded Fiesta is more dynamically connected after the inclusion of a FordPass Connect modem. This permits a series of functions, making the ownership experience more worthwhile and convenient through the FordPass mobile app.

Standard FordPass Connect modern technology enables customers to remotely regulate a range of vehicle features from any place using a mobile data signal.

Aside from assisting drivers for faster planning, hassle-free journeys with Live Traffic updates for the accessible navigation system, customers can take advantage of the FordPass mobile app to control the vehicle locator, alarm status, oil life, tire pressures, vehicle status for monitoring fuel levels, door lock unlock, and Remote Start for Fiesta models with seven-speed automatic transmission, among others.

The SYNC3 communications and entertainment system of the Ford Fiesta has been upgraded as well to be more convenient and intuitive to use. The updated system includes a new user interface that consists of large buttons seen on the eight-inch color touchscreen.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are still included free of charge. A new wireless charging pad is also provided, which aids passengers in charging their mobile phones efficiently while the vehicle is moving.

The Ford Fiesta lineup includes the Fiesta Titanium and Fiesta Trend and Titanium X, SUV-inspired Fiesta Active Edition and Active X Edition crossover, sporty Fiesta ST-Line Edition and ST-Line X Edition and upscale Fiesta Vignale Edition in both three- and five-door body styles based on the variant.

Unfortunately, Ford Philippines doesn't include the Fiesta in its portfolio anymore. Still, the undeniable benefits of the compact hatch deserve a look, and might in the future prove too tempting not to carry here. 

Photos from Ford

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