What’s new for 2016

The 2016 Ford Fiesta takes a break from its party-loving lifestyle to get serious about updates. These include the newly available SYNC® 3 system that incorporates a simplified touchscreen, as well as new SE trim level that is eligible for both a Black package and sport body kit. For added value, the base S trim now comes standard with remote keyless entry and anti-theft alarm. 

A Celebration On Wheels 

The 2016 Ford Fiesta is the type of vehicle that, despite its small stature, supplies heaps of excitement and versatility. Whether you’re looking to own one in sedan or hatchback form, you’ll no doubt be pleased with your purchase.

That’s because the Fiesta has a lot to offer, and it’s considered one of the heavyweights of the subcompact category. A category, mind you, that consists of a number perennial heavy hitters from Japan and Europe.

Thankfully, the Fiesta acquits itself rather well, offering customers a choice between three plucky powertrains; a pleasant blend of high-grade interior materials; and a slew of modern features. Did we mention it comes wrapped in some seriously stylish, European-inspired sheet metal?

Performance

The 2016 Ford Fiesta’s standard mill is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual comes standard, while a six-speed “PowerShift” automatic that simulates the shifting spread of a traditional manual, but that is more efficient than a traditional automatic, is an available option.

The biggest buzzkill to any enjoyable driving experience is poor fuel economy, which is why the 2016 Ford Fiesta keeps the party going with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined (27 city/37 highway) with the automated manual,* and 31 mpg combined (28 city/36 highway) with the five-speed.*

The remaining engine options turn to turbocharging to boost fun and efficiency. The aptly named 1.0-liter Ecoboost engine produces 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is the only transmission available with this model. It, too, puts up some strong numbers, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined (31 city/43 highway) rating.*

Meanwhile, the Fiesta ST sports a turbocharged 1.6-liter that ups the ante by doling out 197 horsepower and an incredible 202 pound-feet of torque. Here, a six-speed manual is the only transmission available.

Most car names make little sense but we find the Fiesta’s name rather apropos. The Fiesta is a feisty little road rocket that refuses to quit. Handling is crisp and sharp with well-weighted steering and a tightly tuned suspension. What’s more, the engine lineup is incredible, with each iteration more impressive than the one before it.

While drivers will mine plenty of miles and smiles out of the standard 1.6-liter, the three-cylinder Ecoboost option is a real gem, delivering excellent fuel economy and acceleration. However, if it’s an all-night rager’s worth of fun you’re after, the Fiesta ST’s turbocharged 1.6-liter is where it’s at. It’s fast, furious, and equally miserly when it comes to fuel economy, earning an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined (26 city/35 highway).*

Features 

The 2016 Ford Fiesta starts at $14,090** and is available in hatchback and sedan form. It comes in S, SE, and Titanium trim levels. The performance-oriented ST, however, is available only as a hatchback.

The Fiesta proves that you don’t have to pay a lot to get a lot. Standard equipment on S models include 15-inch wheels, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a height-adjustable driver seat. For 2016, the S trim now comes standard with remote keyless entry and anti-theft alarm

Tech goodies add even more fun to the Fiesta. Standard gadgetry includes a six-speaker sound system, complete with CD player, auxiliary audio jack, and Ford SYNC® integration. The latter offers a full suite of smartphone connectivity, including USB/iPod integration, Bluetooth® audio streaming, Ford’s advanced voice control technology, and more.

SE models offer even more of what drivers want by adding cruise control, upgraded upholstery, and leather-wrapped steering wheel, to name just a few.

Atop the totem pole sits the Fiesta Titanium trim. Here, drivers get access to additional creature comforts that range from chrome exterior trim, black grille, and rearview camera, to amenities such as heated front seats, SYNC® 3 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and enhanced voice controls, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system.

If it’s all-out performance you seek then the Fiesta ST is definitely worth a gander. In addition to a sportier engine and suspension, the ST sits on 17-inch alloy wheels, possesses quicker steering, and gets access to upgraded brakes. Inside, drivers are treated to automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, a leather-wrapped shift knob, ST-specific cloth sport seats, and much, much more.

Design

Strong design language that’s distinctive without proving overwrought is what you get with the 2016 Ford Fiesta. As a four-door sedan, the Fiesta is smartly dressed, ready to tackle the road and get you to your destination in style. Likewise, the five-door hatchback jazzes things up a little, offering even more utility and a slightly more sporty vibe to what is already a very sharp exterior.

Naturally, the Fiesta ST gets even more aggressive, featuring a number of ST-specific exterior flourishes and design elements such as body-color rocker moldings, dual chrome exhaust tips, and black diffuser—all of which complement its performance nature. If it's flair you’re after, the Fiesta ST is happy to keep the party going on an endless loop.

The festivities continue inside where the Fiesta leads the way in style and comfort. Soft-touch materials abound on the armrest, center console, and steering wheel, while the gauges and dials are all smartly placed and easy to access by eye or hand.  

Nobody wants to party solo, which is why the 2016 Fiesta offers lots of room. Drivers will enjoy plenty of leg, hip, and shoulder room regardless of where they are seated. There is even plenty of space for cargo, with sedan models providing 12.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity and hatchback models affording an impressive 26 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

Safety

Small in stature; big on safety. Every 2016 Ford Fiesta comes standard with antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum for non-ST models; four-wheel discs for the ST), traction and stability control, an integrated blind-spot mirror, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. The newly standard Sync features include a 911 Assist function, which uses your paired smartphone to connect automatically to a 911 operator. The SE adds Ford’s handy MyKey® system that allows you to set speed and volume parameters for other drivers, while the Titanium model features a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.

Bottom Line

With an agreeable price, a slew of features typically found in more expensive models, and spirited driving dynamics, there truly is a lot to love about Ford’s fun-loving subcompact. Its mix of smart interior styling and good looks provide an added incentive to get behind the wheel of this free-spirited Ford. And once you’re there, we can’t see you ever wanting to leave.

For more information on the 2016 Ford Fiesta, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit Gullo Ford of Conroe - The Woodlands at 925 I-45 South, Conroe, TX 77301. 

* EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary.

** Starting MSRP excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Optional equipment not included.

Image: Ford (Vehicle shown with optional equipment)