Ford boosts its Fiesta supermini lineup with the addition of a mild-hybrid tech to some of its gasoline vehicles. With the new feature, the automaker aims to improve the economy of the well-loved model.
It uses the same system as the larger Puma SUV, but a mild-hybrid engine will be added to two versions of the Fiesta—the 123-horsepower and the 153-horsepower—that are also equipped with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine.
The technology makes the mild-hybrid Fiesta different from other hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius. For the Fiesta, no electrical power will be used on its own. Instead, its system will use energy that is normally lost when the vehicle decelerates. This energy will be directed to the combustion engine when pulling away.
According to Ford, this enables the 123-hp Fiesta to improve the economy by “almost five percent.”
The mild-hybrid power will be available to all trims of the Fiesta except for the entry-level Trend as well as the high-performance ST models. The Trend model will get a 1.0-liter EcoBoost Hybrid, which makes 123 horsepower instead.
The addition of the new engine is part of a light revamp Ford is doing for the Fiesta, especially in the absence of styling updates. EcoBoost engines that are less powerful also get cylinder deactivation technology that allows one of the three available cylinders to turn off when it’s not under heavy load. This is also helpful in reducing fuel consumption.
On top of the mild-hybrid engine and EcoBoost engine options, a new seven-speed gearbox is also arriving for the Fiesta. It will be available for trim levels equipped with the 123-hp engine.
Rounding up the list of new updates is the addition of adaptive cruise control and a Sync 3 infotainment system, which, according to Ford, will be “more intuitive and easier to use.” The FordPass Connect will also come as standard technology, as well as door lock status, vehicle location, and fuel level data that can all be accessed remotely.
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