2017 Ford Fiesta Sport 1.5 Review

In the B-Segment market in Malaysia, consumers have always had a strong demand for a balance between value for money, practicality, and basic configurations. After all, users in this segment are mostly first-time car buyers or families looking for a daily commute vehicle that needs to be economical and durable without compromising on core functions. The 2017 Ford Fiesta Sport 1.5, as one of the popular options in this segment, emphasizes a balanced dynamic performance and practical features. This time, we got our hands on the actual car to see if its real-world performance can meet market expectations.

From the exterior, the 2017 Fiesta Sport 1.5 maintains the sporty style of the Ford family. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with sharp halogen headlights on both sides, offering good recognizability. The side profile of the car boasts smooth lines, and the 16-inch wheels are perfectly sized, avoiding any sense of being undersized. The rear design is relatively simple, with a practical combination of rear fog lights and parking sensors, without overly flashy elements. The overall design leans towards youthfulness but is not overly aggressive, making it suitable for the aesthetics of most family users.

Sitting inside, the interior design tends toward practicality. The center console layout is clear and the button placements are user-friendly. In terms of materials, most of it is hard plastic, but the seam alignment is well-controlled, avoiding a cheap feel. As for core features, it includes a multi-functional steering wheel, single-zone automatic air conditioning, and keyless entry, which are all very convenient for daily use. The 220V/230V power socket is a pleasant surprise, as it's quite practical for occasionally charging laptops or other devices. The seats are manually adjustable, but they provide good support, ensuring comfort during long drives. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, offering enough flexibility to accommodate larger items when required.

In terms of space performance, the car has a body size of 3982mm×1722mm×1489mm and a wheelbase of 2489mm, placing it at the mid-range level within the B-Segment. There are no problems with front-row space; a 175cm passenger would have ample head and legroom. The rear row can comfortably accommodate two adults, and three would feel slightly cramped, but it’s sufficient for daily family use. The trunk has a capacity of 276L, which can fit two 20-inch suitcases comfortably. By folding down the rear seats, it can accommodate longer items. Regarding storage space, the door pockets, center armrest storage, and other conventional storage areas are all available, and there’s ample space for phones and cups.

For the powertrain, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum horsepower of 112PS, with a peak torque output at 4400rpm, paired with a DCT gearbox. In actual driving, while the car doesn’t excel in initial acceleration, it performs smoothly, and the shift logic of the DCT transmission is clear, providing a seamless driving experience in urban conditions without noticeable jerks. Switching to sport mode makes the throttle more responsive, and as long as you step on the gas, the power is sufficient for overtaking. The official combined fuel consumption is 5.8L/100km. In our actual tests, it consumed around 6.5L/100km in urban traffic and dropped to 5.2L/100km on highways. This performance makes it fuel-efficient for its class.

Handling and suspension are highlights of the Fiesta. The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for a sporty feel, providing precise steering and excellent body roll control during cornering, instilling confidence. On bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations, offering a compromise between stiffness and comfort without being overly soft like some Japanese cars. The braking performance is also commendable, with steady braking power and minimal nosedive. As for noise control, the engine is barely audible at low speeds in urban areas. At high speeds, some wind and tire noise are present but remain within an acceptable range, not interfering with normal conversations.

In terms of safety configuration, it is equipped with standard ABS anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, two airbags, and ISO FIX interface. Although the number of airbags is not high, it has all the basic active safety features, meeting the usual standards of this level. The hill-start assist is very practical for starting in underground parking lots or on slopes, making it easy for new drivers to handle.

In summary, the core strength of the 2017 Ford Fiesta Sport 1.5 lies in its balance—it has adequate power and fuel efficiency, agile handling while maintaining comfort, practical configurations without unnecessary frills, and is priced at RM83,401, which offers cost-effectiveness in its class. Compared to rivals like the Vios or City, it stands out for its superior handling, appealing to users who occasionally want to enjoy driving fun; compared to the Polo, it is more affordable and has more practical features.

This car is clearly targeted at specific groups: family users who value balanced performance, or first-time car buyers looking for a reliable vehicle for daily commuting. It has no significant shortcomings, capable of handling daily commuting and weekend outings, making it a car that "can do everything and does nothing poorly."

Overall, the 2017 Ford Fiesta Sport 1.5 is a practical choice. If you're looking for a car that is easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and sufficiently equipped for family use, it is worth considering.