2016 Ford Fiesta Road Test & Review

2016 Ford Fiesta ST ・ Photo by Ford

Nicely trimmed, with outstanding build quality and a broad array of features, the 2016 Ford Fiesta proves you can economize without being ostracized. Available in both hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, versatility can also be numbered among the attributes of the model. Fiesta can also claim an award winning engine with its optional innovative 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder ultra-efficient powerplant.

But wait, there’s more. Ford’s engineering team also endowed the little runabout with engaging dynamics, making it one of the most fun to drive models in its class. Further, if you’re really into driving, there’s the Fiesta ST package, calibrated specifically to extract the most driving pleasure possible from Ford’s little party on wheels, the car they call—appropriately enough—Fiesta.

Models & Pricing

As previously mentioned, the 2016 Ford Fiesta is offered in two body styles—four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Fiesta Sedan starts at $14,090, while Fiesta Hatchback starts at $14,390. A total of three trim levels are offered for the Sedan, while the Hatchback is offered in four (when you count the Fiesta ST, which is reviewed separately). Fiesta’s trim designations are S, SE, and Titanium.

Standard features for Fiesta S includes 15-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler for the hatchback, power door locks and power adjustable mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, Bluetooth, and voice activated secondary control functions.

Starting at $15,320 for the sedan and $15,620 for the Hatchback, Fiesta SE standard features add 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, power windows, cruise control, a trip computer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the Ford MyKey parental controls suite.

The $995 SE Appearance Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels, the Sync 3 infotainment system with satellite radio and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, fog lights, a leather–wrapped shift knob, and a rear spoiler for the sedan.

The Titanium Sedan starts at $18,040, while the Titanium Hatchback starts at (you guessed it) $18,340. Features include all of the above plus, a rearview camera, a rear proximity sensor array, keyless entry and push-button start, automatic climate control, leather, heated front seats, and an eight-speaker Sony audio system.

Exterior Styling

If the Fiesta’s design strikes you as being somewhat worldly, it’s because the car is one of Ford’s ‘world car” models—sold in pretty much identical form all over the globe. Thus, if the 2016 Ford Fiesta comes across as a bit more sophisticated when compared to its domestically badged peers, it’s because the Ford is really an undercover European.

Its delightfully ovoid shape endows the Fiesta with outstanding aerodynamics and remarkable spaciousness. A few years ago, Ford “borrowed” the grille design from Aston Martin, to serve as the face of most of its passenger cars. On the diminutive Fiesta it looks quite good, while also embellishing the model with an upscale air.  

Meanwhile, the overall wedge-shaped profile adds a sense of motion to the design, giving the Fiesta an “active” appearance. In other words, the car looks like it’s always ready to go.

The 2016 Ford Fiesta’s optional SE Black Package adds 16-inch eight-spoke machined aluminum wheels, a black grille, black housings for the power adjustable and heated exterior rearview mirrors, and fog lamps with carbon black painted bezels.

Photo by Ford

Interior Design

The 2016 Ford Fiesta’s interior layout and design, as well as the craftsmanship on display, belie the exceptionally reasonable price of the sporty little Ford.

In addition to the precisely fitting components, the Fiesta has chic touches like multicolored ambient lighting, metallic trim, and if you go with the Sync 3 system, an extraordinarily crisp touchscreen display. Further, the display is outstanding in both its intuitiveness and the speed with which it responds to inputs.

A circular theme dominates the décor with round HVAC outlets, round dials in the instrument panel, a round controller for the audio system, and a circular button array for the climate control functions—all of which is echoed by the shape of the cupholders in the center console.

Comfort & Cargo Capacity

As is fairly common in this segment, the rear seat is a bit on the conservative side in terms of the space it affords passengers. If you really have to, you can sit adults back there for very short trips, providing front seat passengers can be coerced into giving up half the legroom available to them.

On the other hand, the ride up front is way better than in the back, and that’s a fact. The seats are firm and reasonably well bolstered, although the bottom cushion is a bit on the short side. If your legs are long, you’ll want for more thigh support. Legroom is more than generous though (assuming the back seat is empty).

Headroom is good from front to rear, even though the roof tapers slightly to the rear in the hatchback. Further, ingress and egress are accomplished quite easily, without auditioning to be a Cirque Du Soleil acrobat to get into the back seat.

Cargo capacity measures 12.8 cubic feet in the trunk of Fiesta Sedan, while Fiesta Hatchback claims 14.9 cubic feet with its rear seats deployed, and 26 cubic feet with them folded.

Safety Features & Crash Test Results

NHTSA says the 2016 Ford Fiesta is a four star car in overall crashworthiness. However, the IIHS ranks the Fiesta as “Good” (its top rating) in everything except the small overlap frontal offset testing. There, the Fiesta scored “Marginal,” which is one step above the Institute’s worst ranking. You’d best be keeping the Fiesta from straying over the line.

Frankly though, even if it had scored “Good,” this is still a good idea.

Standard safety gear includes ABS (although it should be noted Fiesta uses rear drum brakes on all models except the ST). Also standard are traction control, stability control, a full complement of airbags, and a 911 Assist function, which automatically “phones home” in an accident. (Note the 911 Assist function only works when Sync is paired to a compatible cell phone.)

Optional safety features include Ford’s MyKey system, which allows the car’s administrator (or owner) to establish specific parameters within which the Fiesta must be operated.

Engine(s) & Fuel Economy

Ford offers three engines for the front-wheel drive 2016 Ford Fiesta.

The 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline-four is good for 112 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but a six-speed automatic can be ordered to go with it, too. Fuel economy is rated at 31 miles per gallon in combined driving with the automatic, and 31 with the manual.

The fuel-economy oriented Fiesta SFE uses a 123-horsepower turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder with 125 ft-lbs of torque and a five-speed manual transmission to return 36 mpg combined. (Yes, the more economical engine is also more powerful—go figure.)

While we’re not covering it here, the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST’s 197-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged four with 202 ft-lbs of torque and a six-speed manual transmission garners Fiesta ST the title of the quickest car in its class. Fuel economy is rated at 29 miles per gallon in combined city/highway operation.

Performance

Ford has a knack for making inexpensive cars feel considerably more costly than they actually are. This is highly evident in the way the Fiesta goes down the road. Easy to drive around town and park, exceptionally stable at highway speeds, delightfully agile on twisty roads, and brilliantly competent in traffic, the Ford Fiesta is one of the best subcompacts currently on offer.

You’ll revel in the 2016 Ford Fiesta’s maneuverability, while being duly impressed with its quiet composure. Rough roads are shrugged off with ease, and conversations can be carried out at normal voice levels.

On the negative side of the ledger, the automated manual transmission could be a bit more composed in heavy traffic. Further, the base engines are configured more for economy than ultimate output. That said, they also like to be wound—so if you find driving a slower car fast a lot of fun, the Fiesta is definitely your ally in that regard.

Of course, if you’re truly looking to go screaming down the highway, there’s always Fiesta ST.

Final Thoughts

The appearance of the 2016 Ford Fiesta immediately telegraphs what it’s all about—reasonably priced transportation with a fun quotient.

To reiterate, standard features across the board include power locks and mirrors, air conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Ford’s Sync voice activation system (which includes Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming), plus smartphone apps based services.

Options include keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, and a touchscreen interface along with a rearview camera system and a rear parking sensor array. Fiesta ST adds a sport-tuned suspension system, quicker steering, and upgraded brakes.

In other words, if you’re been looking to both economize and enjoy a good time, go ahead, have yourself a Fiesta.

Photo by Ford

Pros & Cons

The 2016 Ford Fiesta offers delightful handling, a well-finished interior, a strong equipment list, and handsome exterior styling. On the other hand, the automated manual transmission could be more co-operative in heavy traffic, and the engines could be more powerful. Cargo capacity is a tad on the stingy side, too, when compared to competitors.