2017 Ford Fiesta Sedan Titanium 1.5 Review

In Malaysia's B-segment sedan market, value for money and daily practicality have always been the core demands of consumers. With a budget of around RM100,000, most models tend to compromise on either features or performance. As a veteran player in this segment, the 2017 Ford Fiesta Sedan Titanium 1.5 emphasizes balanced features and Ford's signature handling tuning as its selling points. The core purpose of our test drive this time is to verify whether it can still meet the daily needs of family users in today's market and whether its highlighted features are genuinely practical.

The exterior design of the Fiesta Sedan Titanium leans towards being stable and elegant, without overly flashy lines. The front adopts Ford's signature trapezoidal chrome grille, paired with sharply-styled halogen headlights on both sides. The automatic lighting function responds promptly in tunnels or on cloudy days, which is quite practical. The side profile of the car features smooth lines, with a clean and concise waistline extending from the front fender to the rear. The 16-inch rims paired with 195/50 R16 tires create a balanced visual proportion. At the rear, the horizontal layout of the taillights, along with the body-colored rear bumper featuring a chrome trim at the bottom, provides moderate recognizability, aligning with the positioning of a family sedan.

Inside the car, the interior is primarily black, with the center console made of hard plastic material, yet the details are processed fairly neatly. The multifunctional steering wheel is moderately sized and feels comfortable to hold. The left-side buttons can control the audio system and Bluetooth calls, making operation intuitive. The central control area is equipped with a multimedia display screen, which, while not particularly large, offers smooth system response and supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic audio functions. The front row is equipped with single-zone automatic air conditioning, and the adjustment knobs have moderate resistance, making them easy to operate. The inclusion of a 220V/230V power outlet is very practical for users who need to connect external devices. As for the seats, the driver's seat supports manual adjustment, with good cushion and backrest support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding function to expand trunk space, making it more flexible for placing large items in daily use.

In terms of body dimensions, the Fiesta Sedan Titanium has a length of 4,323mm, a width of 1,722mm, and a height of 1,489mm, with a wheelbase of 2,489mm. The front-row space is average; a passenger with a height of 175cm finds sufficient room for both head and leg movements. The rear-row space is generally adequate for family users, as a passenger of the same height in the back row has approximately a fist of legroom and four fingers of headroom. It’s comfortable for short trips, though slightly cramped for longer journeys. The trunk has a capacity of 471 liters, which can accommodate three 20-inch suitcases in its standard state, meeting the needs of family weekend getaways.

For the powertrain, this model is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 112PS and peak torque at 4,400rpm, paired with a DCT transmission. During daily driving, the initial response is brisk, and power output in the low RPM range is smooth, making it well-suited for urban commuting. However, after accelerating to 80km/h, the power reserve becomes somewhat insufficient, requiring a deep press on the accelerator for overtaking. While the transmission’s downshift response is decent, it isn't as smooth as an AT transmission. In terms of driving modes, there aren't many options, with the standard mode being tuned for comfort, making it suitable for family use.

The handling performance continues Ford's usual style, with precise steering, minimal dead zones, and stable body posture during cornering. The front MacPherson independent suspension handles bumpy road surfaces well, filtering out most small vibrations, and rebounds quickly over speed bumps or uneven road sections without extra shaking, offering good comfort. In terms of braking, the front vented disc brakes provide linear braking force output, with a moderate braking distance, giving drivers confidence during daily use. Fuel consumption meets expectations, with an average fuel consumption of about 7.5L per 100 kilometers in urban driving, reducing to around 6L on highways. With a fuel tank capacity of 43L, the full tank range is about 600 kilometers, which basically meets daily usage needs.

In terms of driving comfort, the Fiesta Sedan Titanium has good noise control, with wind and tire noise being minimal below 80km/h; after exceeding 100km/h, wind noise slightly increases but does not affect conversation inside the car. The seats strike a balance between support and comfort. Although there is no rear air vent, the single-zone air conditioning provides sufficient cooling, allowing rear passengers to also feel comfortable. The addition of rain-sensing wipers automatically adjusts the wiper frequency in rainy conditions, reducing distractions while driving.

Overall, the 2017 Ford Fiesta Sedan Titanium 1.5's core strengths lie in its balanced features and solid handling calibration. Compared to competitors like the Honda City or Toyota Vios in the same segment, it has better handling performance. Practical features like the multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, and rain-sensing wipers are also noteworthy. Priced at RM 88,388, it falls within the mid-range level in the B-segment sedan market, offering decent value for money.

This car is suitable for families emphasizing handling and practicality, capable of handling daily commutes and weekend outings with ease. It's also a good option for young buyers with limited budgets looking for a well-balanced car. Overall, the Fiesta Sedan Titanium 1.5 is a family sedan without significant shortcomings. While not outstanding in terms of power and rear space, its solid build quality and practical features are enough to meet the daily needs of most families.