Heroes come in many forms.
The Ford Fiesta 1.0T Ecoboost from 2012-17 may not save you from a speeding train or cover a puddle with its coat, but it can definitely put a smile on your face. When it’s not dealing with issues like a timing belt failure or overheating, it offers a fun driving experience. Plus, when you’re ready to move on from it, you can expect a good portion of your initial investment back.
While many cars can offer similar benefits, the Ford Fiesta stands out for its ease of purchase. There are currently around 2000 1.0T Ecoboosts available for sale on a major website, with prices ranging from £2000 to £15,000. You’ll find these cars being sold by individuals as well as main dealers, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
With such a wide selection, it should be nearly impossible to end up with a poor choice. If you don’t like the service history of one car, you can easily find a better alternative nearby.
What is Ecoboost?
Ecoboost is Ford’s term for its range of turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engines. These engines are designed to deliver power and torque similar to larger engines while offering lower emissions and improved fuel economy on the factory test bench. In this case, we’ll focus on the 1.0-litre three-cylinder version, which comes in 98bhp, 123bhp, and 138bhp outputs.
When it first launched, the Ecoboost engine made quite an impression. Both the media and the public were impressed by its smoothness and responsiveness. However, Ford’s claims about its economy didn’t quite match up. Autocar’s testers preferred the 98bhp version for its balance of performance and value for money.
The introduction of this engine coincided with a major overhaul of the Mk7 Fiesta. The most noticeable changes were the large trapezoidal grille, LED daytime-running lights, and a ‘power dome’ bonnet. Inside, there were updates such as voice-activated in-car connectivity, Active City Stop, and the introduction of MyKey, which allows parents to limit the vehicle’s performance when their child is driving.
The trim levels available included Zetec (the most popular choice with its competitive pricing and standard features like 15in alloys, DAB radio, 4.2in-screen infotainment system, heated front windscreen, air conditioning, and hill start assist). There were also higher trims like Zetec Colour Edition, which focused on more aesthetically pleasing features, the ‘sporty’ ST Line, and the ‘luxurious’ Titanium X.