Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi

Does the diesel-powered version of the facelifted Ford Fiesta match the EcoBoost model's mix of performance and economy? We find out...

Find your Ford Fiesta
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The upgraded Fiesta is a case of the best getting better, with an upmarket new look combined with some interesting technology features that are set to become a common sight on all new Ford models from now on. The EcoBoost engine remains the star, but the diesel unit - although giving a stereotypical clatter under the bonnet - still delivers with decent torque and economy, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The facelifted Ford Fiesta will be available with seven different engine options when it arrives in showrooms in January. But while the excellent, smooth 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is the headline act, do the updates throw a harsh light on the fact that Ford has simply carried over its 1.6-litre TDCi diesel unchanged?

Whether you order your Fiesta as a base-model Studio or newly introduced range-topping Titanium X, your car will feature the gaping five-bar chrome trapezoidal grille. It dominates the car’s nose, which also gets a more obviously creased bonnet and narrower, more technical-looking headlights that have daytime running lights along their lower edges.

The new design is inspired by the sleek Ford Evos concept, and gives the Fiesta a wider, more planted look, while the extra chrome makes it look like a bigger car, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

T-Roc

2022 Volkswagen

T-Roc

53,706 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,600
View T-Roc
HS

2023 MG

HS

13,775 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000
View HS
HS

2023 MG

HS

15,994 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000
View HS
Grandland X

2019 Vauxhall

Grandland X

39,865 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £9,964
View Grandland X

Tweaks are minimal on the inside, with comfy new seats being added, along with some improved gloss black trim around the air-conditioning controls and slightly better-placed door handles.

The interior does get Ford’s pretty effective SYNC system, which allows you to control music playback or make calls from your smartphone by issuing simple voice commands. All Fiesta models also get MyKey, which allows the car’s owner to programme a second smart key for a novice driver, which limits speed, whether the traction control can be switched off, and the stereo’s volume.

Our car featured keyless go, so a press of the start button to the right of the steering wheel is all it takes to get the diesel unit to bark into life. The engine is a little gruff, particularly when cold, but has no trouble whatsoever in getting the Fiesta up and going. There’s plenty of low-down torque available, making driving in the cut and thrust of city traffic easy.

The slick manual gearbox is superb, too, although a six-speed gearbox would be a benefit, as the five-speed ‘box features a relatively high top gear, adding to the noise when driving at the motorway speed limit.

Driving the diesel car back-to-back with the petrol EcoBoost model, the torque advantage is clear, although the payoff is a much more gruff engine note and the feeling of a little extra weight being transported between the front wheels.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,956 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,295
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,679 off RRP*Used from £12,299
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

New DS No.4 2025 review: forget sporty, this hatch is pure comfort
DS No4 E-Tense - front

New DS No.4 2025 review: forget sporty, this hatch is pure comfort

Road tests
9 Oct 2025
Volkswagen Golf review
Volkswagen Golf - main image

Volkswagen Golf review

In-depth reviews
18 Sep 2025
Used DS 4 (Mk2, 2021-date) buyer's guide: a great blend of value and style
Used DS4 Mk2 - front

Used DS 4 (Mk2, 2021-date) buyer's guide: a great blend of value and style

Used car tests
13 Sep 2025

Most Popular

Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers
Opinion - EV sales

Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers

Editor Paul Barker explains why serious EV discounts are now starting to appear on the market
Opinion
9 Oct 2025
Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help
Number plates

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help

Cross-party committee is asking motorists to help solve the issue of illegal number plates
News
8 Oct 2025
New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025