2022 Ford Fiesta public Review

In recent years, competition in Malaysia's small hatchback market has grown increasingly intense. Consumer demand for such vehicles has gradually shifted from being merely "means of transportation" to seeking a combination of "practicality and driving pleasure." The 2022 Ford Fiesta public is a standout contender in this segment. As Ford’s key model in this category, it emphasizes sporty design, agile handling, and well-balanced configurations as its core selling points. Many young families and driving enthusiasts are curious about its performance. The core objective of this test drive is to thoroughly examine how it performs in daily commuting and weekend short trips, and to see whether it can meet the diverse needs of local consumers for small cars.

From the exterior, the overall style of the 2022 Fiesta public leans towards sportiness. The front face adopts Ford's signature large-sized blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED headlight clusters on both sides, giving it a highly recognizable look. The body side features smooth lines, and the waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear enhances its muscular feel. The 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels add to its sporty character. At the rear, the blacked-out tail light cluster echoes the design of the front, while the black diffuser-style trim piece below further elevates the overall sporty atmosphere. As for the lighting system, all models come standard with LED daytime running lights and automatic headlights. When illuminated at night, the lighting effect is clear and provides good practicality.

Stepping inside, the interior adopts a symmetrical layout with a predominantly black color scheme, complemented by silver trim accents, creating a simple and functional overall style. The upper part of the dashboard is made of hard plastic material, but the texture is refined. The inner side of the door panels and the seats are wrapped in fabric, which is above average material quality for its class. The center control area features an 8-inch touchscreen display supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The operation runs smoothly, and physical buttons are retained below the screen, enabling easier use during driving. As for the seats, the front seats offer moderate support with decent lumbar and thigh support. The rear seatback is relatively upright, but it can still remain comfortable for short trips.

In terms of space performance, the 2022 Fiesta public has body dimensions of 4,040mm in length, 1,735mm in width, and 1,476mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,493mm, classifying it as a typical small hatchback. The front seating area is spacious, and a passenger with a height of 175cm still has a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear space feels slightly cramped for adults, with a legroom allowance of about two fingers for a passenger of the same height, though it's adequate for short trips. It is particularly suitable for family outings with children. In terms of storage capacity, the trunk has a standard volume of 292L, expandable to 1,093L by folding down the rear seats, which suffices for daily shopping or luggage needs for short trips. Additionally, there are multiple storage compartments inside the car, including a central armrest box, door panel storage slots, and front cupholders, offering high practicality.

Regarding performance, the test model is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, producing a maximum power of 88kW (120PS) and a peak torque of 153N·m, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the engine delivers smooth power at low RPM ranges, and there’s no noticeable lag during initial acceleration, making it suitable for urban commutes. When switched to sport mode, the transmission becomes more proactive in gear shifting, and the throttle response quickens. It offers sufficient power reserves for overtaking on highways. However, when the car is fully loaded, the engine noise at high RPMs becomes noticeable, and the power output feels slightly strained.

Driving performance has always been a traditional strength of the Fiesta, and the 2022 model continues this characteristic. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal play and clear directional accuracy, providing a strong sense of confidence during driving. The suspension system consists of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned towards sportiness. When passing over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension quickly absorbs vibrations, maintaining good body stability. While driving on curves, body roll is well-controlled, and the tires provide adequate grip. Overall, the handling experience stands out among vehicles in the same segment.

In terms of fuel consumption, after comprehensive testing on urban roads and highways, the car has an average fuel consumption of about 6.5L per 100 kilometers, which is relatively economical among small cars and suitable for daily commuting. The braking performance is stable, with a moderate brake pedal travel, linear braking force output, and stable body posture during emergency braking without noticeable nose-diving.

For ride comfort, the vehicle's noise control performance is average. Wind and tire noise are somewhat noticeable at high speeds but within an acceptable range. The seat comfort is good, making long drives less fatiguing. The air conditioning system cools quickly, and rear air vents are provided, enhancing the riding experience for rear passengers.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Ford Fiesta public are its sporty driving performance, balanced configuration, and economical fuel consumption. Compared to similarly priced Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz models, it stands out with better handling performance and offers a certain value-for-money advantage. However, its limited rear space is a notable drawback, making it more suitable for young drivers focused on a great driving experience or small families.

If you are a young employee seeking driving fun or need an economical and practical daily commuter, the 2022 Ford Fiesta public is a good choice. Its sporty design and agile handling can satisfy driving demands, and its balanced configuration and fuel efficiency also cater to practicality. But if your primary need is rear space and family utility, you might want to consider a compact car with a longer wheelbase.

In summary, the 2022 Ford Fiesta public is a versatile subcompact hatchback that strikes a balance between driving enjoyment and practicality. While its tight rear space is a drawback, it remains highly competitive in its class and is an excellent choice for users prioritizing handling and fuel efficiency.