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!