Ford Fiesta 1.0 Zetec first drive

This is Ford’s accolade-accumulating supermini, here in five-door form and mid-level Zetec trim and, most notably, powered by a non-turbocharged version of the Blue Oval’s headline-stealing 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

Thus, devoid of a turbocharger, the engine loses the EcoBoost tag and the T suffix after the 1.0 in the car’s model name.

This naturally aspirated 1.0 three-pot produces a claimed 79bhp and 77lb ft – 20bhp and a not-insignificant 48lb ft down on the less-powerful of the two turbocharged 1.0T EcoBoost engines available in the Fiesta. 

Interestingly, it is claimed to match the 99bhp 1.0T engine for claimed economy and CO2 emissions, recording 65.7mpg and 99g/km respectively. Expect closer to low-50s economy with restrained day-to-day use.

Well, it’s a step down in refinement from the EcoBoost-equipped Fiesta. If you’re familiar with Ford’s turbocharged three-pot, then this non-boosted version may at first come as something of a disappointment. 

Without the muffling effect of a turbocharger, quite a bit more engine noise finds its way into the cabin, especially on the wide throttle openings you often find yourself using. With the full 79bhp not appearing until 6300rpm, and with peak torque arriving at 4100rpm, this feels like a relatively peaky engine.

As such, the engine needs to be revved hard to keep pace with anything other than sedately moving traffic. To put the performance into some context, Ford quotes a 0-62mph sprint time of 14.9sec, a full 3.7sec behind the 99bhp 1.0T

In isolation, however, and avoiding direct comparison with the near-otherworldly refinement and zest of the turbocharged three-pot, this version isn’t without appeal.

It’s a willing enough performer around town, and you soon get used to the background soundtrack of that offbeat thrum. It doesn’t feel wholly out of its depth on the motorway either, although you may find yourself changing down a gear to keep pace on long, uphill stretches.

Otherwise, this Ford Fiesta is business as usual. As-tested Zetec trim brings a fair amount of kit in a neatly executed and contemporary-feeling cabin with a great driving position.

More to the point from an enthusiast’s point of view, you get a fantastically well resolved ride (particularly on the otherwise unfashionable standard 15-inch wheels), fine steering and a wonderfully composed and agile chassis.So composed, in fact, that in this guise you’re often reminded just how much more power it could handle than the 79bhp available here.

Well, possibly. This non-turbo version is offered as the cheapest way into three-cylinder Ford Fiesta ownership, but it’s only available with mid-level Zetec and the posher Titanium trims.

If petrol power is your thing, the cheaper Style and entry-level Studio trims have to make do with the similarly powerful and slightly torquier but older and thirstier (at least on paper) 1.25-litre four-cylinder engine.

As it is, you’ll pay £13,995 for this car in Zetec trim and five-door guise, or £13,395 as a three-door. That price splits the difference between the £500 cheaper 1.25 Zetec four-pot and the £500 more expensive 1.0T EcoBoost triple.