In the seemingly never-ending race to make the car with the highest fuel economy, Ford just took the crown in the subcompact space with the refreshed and EcoBoost-powered Fiesta. But it’s not just any Fiesta that’s become the fuel economy champion; rather, it’s the one powered by Ford’s award-winning 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine — which delivers an EPA-certified 45 MPG on the highway (32 MPG city, 37 MPG combined). Given that Ford research has found that fuel economy is cited as the top purchase consideration in the subcompact vehicle category, we imagine that the rating comes as incredible news for FoMoCo.
The 2014 Fiesta’s 45 MPG rating makes the vehicle the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid, gasoline-powered car in the United States, beating class rivals Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris by 12 MPG and 8 MPG on the highway, respectively. The impressive highway fuel economy is also better than some hybrids, such as the Honda Insight (44 MPG), and even higher than diesel-sipping models, such as the Volkswagen Golf TDI (42 MPG when equipped with a manual transmission).
And let’s not forget that accompanying the stellar fuel economy of the Fiesta’s 1.0 liter EcoBoost three-banger — currently the smallest EcoBoost engine available — are 123 lively ponies and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, which becomes 145 lb.-ft. for up to 15 seconds thanks to an overboost feature.
To note, the 32/37/45 MPG figures apply to both the four- and five-door Fiesta models equipped with the five-speed manual gearbox and the SE Manual EcoBoost Package. Contributing to the impressive fuel economy beyond the new EcoBoost powerplant is the aerodynamic design of the 1.0L EcoBoost Fiesta that sports such slippery features as a rear spoiler, side air deflectors, underbody shields, lower grille blockers, and low-rolling-resistance tires. Together, the components decrease the amount of fuel needed to push the car through the air at speed.
But the list of impressive qualities found on the 2014 Fiesta doesn’t end there: the subcompact range also boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that make the driving experience more connected and safer thanks to equipment such as the MyFord Touch infotainment system that is operated via a 6.5-inch touch screen and voice commands. The system features SYNC AppLink functionality as well as SYNC Services with Turn-by-turn navigation. Moreover, the 2014 Fiesta also offers Ford’s MyKey solution that allows parents to limit certain vehicle features such as the maximum speed and sound system volume, which can be useful for young drivers.
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