Ford claims up to 20 percent better fuel economy with the EcoBoost engines, and the 1-liter version indeed makes the 2014 Ford Fiesta the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline car in the US, if you don't count the Mitsubishi Mirage.
Ford's claim that the Fiesta is the most fuel efficient non-hybrid gasoline car in the US is true when you look at cars with a manual transmission. But the Mitsubishi Mirage with a CVT ekes out 40 MPG combined. And how could Ford forget the Mirage?!
With a rating of 32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined, the Fiesta beats the Honda Fit by 12 mpg and Toyota Yaris by 8 mpg on the highway in both body styles. It has to be equipped with a manual and the EcoBoost Package, which adds a rear spoiler, side air deflectors, underbody shields, lower grille blockers and low-rolling-resistance tires.
Ford also likes to brag about beating the Golf TDI by 3 mpg, but last time I checked, the Golf was a much bigger car. Still, it's amazing how turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing can get 123 horsepower out of a 1-liter three-cylinder engine.
Put a larger turbo on it, and things get even better:
So, polar bears are happy, but does this make the Fiesta sexier?
Hat Tip to Justin Hyde on the Mirage's numbers!
The 2014 Ford Fiesta Gets 45 MPG Highway And 123 Horsepower