NEW FOR 2016:
- Sync 3 infotainment replaces MyFord Touch
- SE Black Pack adds exterior black trim plus 16-inch wheels
- S receives standard keyless entry plus alarm
- New colours: Electric Spice, White Platinum, Kona Blue, Shadow Black.
There are only a handful of minor changes in store for the 2016 Ford Fiesta but are notable enough for entry-level buyers to consider. Remote keyless entry joins the standard equipment list, as does an alarm. Meanwhile, buyers of the SE can option their cars out with the Black Pack that adds black mirror caps, black grille, black fog light bezels, and 16-inch machined aluminum wheels.
Perhaps most important, though, is the addition of the latest generation of Sync dubbed Sync 3. It replaces the MyFord Touch system, and offers new menus that users can use common tablet and smartphone actions like pinching to zoom and swiping. It also offers apps and integration with Siri.
Although the Fiesta is Ford’s smallest model, it doesn’t feel like a cut-price effort. You’ll find plenty of premium touches to the cabin including ambient lighting, available push-button start, touchscreen navigation and even heated leather seats. The sharp looking hatchback and stylish sedan are both enjoyable to drive with keen handling and a well-damped ride.
Most Fiestas come powered by a 120-hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder, paired to either a five-speed manual or a somewhat clunky six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Fuel misers can opt for the turbocharged 1.0 inline-three EcoBoost – despite its small size it generates 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, though it is only available with a stick-shift.
The Fiesta ST uses a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that develops a scorching 197 hp and 202 lb-ft of torque – it outpaces all of its rivals, including the mighty Mini Cooper S. It’s the wild child of the range, and in some ways, it’s even more of a hoot to drive than its bigger brother, the Focus ST.
In S trim, features include 15-inch steel wheels, black grille with chrome surround, body colour door handles, body colour power exterior mirrors with integrated blindspot mirrors, manual windows, remote keyless entry, power door locks, tilt and telescoping steering column, manual air conditioning, Sync voice control, 12-volt power outlet, six way manual driver’s seat, four-way manual front passenger seat, cloth upholstery, six-speaker AM/FM/CD player, USB port, steering wheel mounted audio controls, multifunction digital display for centre stack, aux-in jack, front floor mats, rear air vents, 60-40 split folding rear seat, capless fuel filler, and an alarm.
Hatchback models add a rear spoiler and a rear wiper with washer.
Key options include audio upgrade package (Sedan only), cargo net and cargo organizer, engine block heater, splash guards (Hatchback only), bumper protector, stripe graphics, and a keyless entry pad.
SE adds 15-inch aluminum wheels, automatic headlamps, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, MyKey, upgraded cloth upholstery, ambient interior lighting, 12-volt rear power outlet, chrome interior door handles, console armrest, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer with message centre, overhead console, power windows with one-touch driver’s side, rear dome light.
Equipment Group 201A (SE Appearance Package) adds Sync 3 with 6.5-inch LCD display, dual USB ports, SD card reader, satellite radio, Sport cloth seats, driver seat manual lumbar support, leather-wrapped shift knob, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights with chrome bezels, rear decklid spoiler (sedan only), and compact aluminum spare wheel.
SE Manual EcoBoost Package adds 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, 15-inch wheels with wheel covers, and decklid spoiler (sedan only).
Other options include navigation, Black Pack body-colour body kit, remote start, power moonroof, keyless entry keypad, all-weather floor mats, exterior graphics package, automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, upgrade audio package, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Titanium adds 16-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, adjustable lumbar support for driver’s seat, eight-speaker Sony audio system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, chrome interior trim, automatic climate control, proximity key with push-button start, exterior temperature, reverse camera, satellite radio, Sync 3 with 6.5-inch LCD display, dual USB ports, SD card reader, chrome exterior trim, fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, Piano Black lower grille with chrome surround, and reverse sensors.
Options include navigation, remote start system, power moonroof, all-weather floor mats, exterior graphics package, engine block heater, upgrade audio system, and body-colour body kit.
ST builds on SE and adds 17-inch wheels, performance 1.6 EcoBoost engine, three-mode performance stability control, engine block heater, full-size spare, ST sport suspension, performance brakes, black headlamp bezels, dual chrome exhaust, fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, exterior body kit with high-mount spoiler, four-way manual Recaro seats with cloth inserts, aluminum sport pedals, eight-speaker Sony audio system, carpeted floor mats, electronic climate control, proximity key with push-button start, leather-wrapped shift knob with chrome insert, satellite radio, engine sound amplifier, ST floor mats, Sync 3 with 6.5-inch LCD display, dual USB ports, SD card reader, ST door sill scuff plates, and ST leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Options include grey-painted wheels with red brake calipers, hood and roof stripes, power moonroof, all-weather floor mats, car cover, and navigation.