Ford Fiesta Gets Hybrid Model and Upgraded Tech

The Fiesta hybrid is punchier, more efficient and less polluting!

Ford’s best-selling model in Europe, the Fiesta, is now available as a hybrid!

Taking technologies already developed for the Ford Puma, an ‘EcoBoost Hybrid’ powertrain is now available for the Fiesta. Existing alongside other powertrains, the EcoBoost Hybrid option is excellent for those looking for maximum fuel efficiency, extra tech and an engaging driving experience.

Along with the hybrid engine, Ford are also introducing various new technologies to the Fiesta line-up including adaptive cruise control and speed sign recognition, making the Fiesta even more of a tech-lover’s dream!

So, what kind of hybrid is it? The Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid is not a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) but rather a 48-volt ‘mild hybrid’ just like the Ford Puma. This means the electrical power is very small, yet still significant enough to increase fuel efficiency by ‘almost 5 per cent’ and offer a ‘more powerful and responsive performance’, according to Ford.

Thanks to the 48-volt battery, the Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid’s 1.0-litre engine can have a lower compression ratio and has allowed Ford engineers to add a larger turbocharger by mitigating turbo-lag using torque supplementation that also rotates the engine faster for maintained turbocharger boost response. In simple terms, the battery is used in conjunction with the engine for a more torquey experience!

It certainly is a small step towards achieving more eco-friendly combustion vehicles but this could lead to Ford developing their hybrid tech even further and we will likely be seeing more and more hybrid Fords in the future. The company has said before that they’re committed to offering an electrified version of every passenger vehicle it brings to market in Europe and also aim to have at least 18 ‘electrified’ vehicles on sale before the end of next year!

Although the new hybrid may not be much of a drastic change from the standard 1.0-litre EcoBoost, the new technology is much more interesting. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go means drivers can let the car do the accelerating and decelerating, even in traffic when the car has to come to a complete stop.

Speed Sign Recognition means the car can now read traffic signs and display them clearly to the driver and the Fiesta’s infotainment system has been changed to be more intuitive, along with a new wireless charging pad being added in the centre console.

Lastly, FordPass Connect is now available allowing for owners to control certain car functions from their phones, no matter where they are. As long as their phone has internet, owners can lock and unlock the car, start the car (only if you have the 7-speed auto model), locate where the car is and check the fuel level, tyre pressure, oil life and more. 

This certainly is an exciting time for those looking to own a new Ford Fiesta and with the range of tech available, it’s no wonder why the Fiesta has been the UK’s best-selling car since 2009.

Let us know what you think of the Fiesta’s new hybrid tech in the comments!

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