Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Fiesta 1.0 Mountune review

Tuning expert Mountune works its magic on the Ford Fiesta's three-cylinder EcoBoost engine

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
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

Mountune’s MR165 kit 
makes the Fiesta EcoBoost 
more eager, but at £1,399 it pushes the price of the existing 123bhp Titanium-spec car dangerously close to that of a basic Fiesta ST. Still, if you already own a 1.0-litre Fiesta and want more power, then Mountune is 
the way to go. The MR165 kit makes a good car even better. Just be aware that this Racing kit could invalidate your manufacturer warranty.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Specialist tuner Mountune has 
been fettling fast Fords for years. 
Fiesta and Focus owners wanting more 
from their hatchbacks have long been able to upgrade their cars with performance-enhancing aftermarket add-ons.

The latest tweaks, available in the MR165 kit, benefit owners of the Fiesta EcoBoost, and can be fitted to 123bhp or 138bhp cars for £1,399. Changes include a high-flow induction kit, larger-capacity intercooler 
and a selection of higher-quality pipes and hoses. The result is 163bhp and 245Nm from the tiny 1.0-litre three-cylinder.

Best hot hatchbacks to buy now

It certainly feels quicker than both the standard-output cars on the road. Put your foot down in third gear and the turbo picks up pace at a surprising lick. You still get that characteristic three-pot thrum, but it feels far less pressured than the standard EcoBoost.

It’s still a light car, too, and from a standstill feels suitably sprightly. In a straight-line drag it’ll out-sprint a VW Polo Blue GT, and comes close to the more powerful GTI. The Fiesta takes 7.2 seconds to do 0-60mph 
– that’s 1.3 faster than the 138bhp model and a full 2.2 faster than the 123bhp car.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

i20

2023 Hyundai

i20

13,573 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,085
View i20
e-tron

2023 Audi

e-tron

9,523 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £22,164
View e-tron
e-tron Sportback

2023 Audi

e-tron Sportback

51,524 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,604
View e-tron Sportback
e-tron Sportback

2023 Audi

e-tron Sportback

27,986 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £24,378
View e-tron Sportback

But it’s not all brawn and no brain – Mountune has history and knows what it’s doing. The Fiesta was always a good base for a sporty hatch, but the firm’s engineers have made this car even more playful. 
It’s great fun to drive, and sets a
 new benchmark in its class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Not only is it much quicker than the standard car, but you can throw it around corners with confidence. Grip is good, yet lift off the accelerator mid-corner and you can flick the back end out before the traction control catches you and puts you back on the straight and narrow. However, the 2013 Zetec S-based car we tried had no means of switching this off, resulting in frustrating power cuts on the exit of greasy corners.

In terms of styling, the package’s only changes are subtle bootlid badges. Our car came with extra boy-racer graphics down the side, but these are options. Inside, it’s standard Fiesta – both front and back.

Mountune couldn’t confirm whether the mechanical changes made any difference to economy or emissions, but tweaked cars are likely to cost slightly more to run. There’ll inevitably be a slight drop on the 138bhp car’s 62.8mpg – but if you drive this Fiesta as it’s intended, it’ll fall short of that anyway.

As it’s based on the standard model, both new and existing cars can be upgraded. The set-up can be installed either at Mountune’s HQ in Essex, or at one of the UK’s 13 other approved Mountune PRO Ford dealers. Fitting takes two hours, all the additional parts are 
covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £14,850
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,825 off RRP*Used from £12,170
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,049 off RRP*Used from £15,410
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

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
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

Road tests
11 Sep 2025
Used Cupra Leon (2020-date) buyers’ guide: hot hatch fun with room for the family
Used Cupra Leon - front

Used Cupra Leon (2020-date) buyers’ guide: hot hatch fun with room for the family

Used car tests
10 Sep 2025
New Peugeot E-408 2025 review: Peugeot's best EV yet
New Peugeot E-408 2025 - front tracking

New Peugeot E-408 2025 review: Peugeot's best EV yet

Road tests
28 Aug 2025

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in Mk8.5 form, but it's not as fun as we'd like it to be
Road tests
11 Sep 2025
Farewell Volkswagen ID.4, hello ID. Tiguan
VW ID. Tiguan front 3/4 Avarvarii

Farewell Volkswagen ID.4, hello ID. Tiguan

Heavy update for EV will bring with it a fresh, but familiar, name
News
12 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025