‘It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow’ goes the saying, and if currently there was a need to fill that position, the Ford Fiesta 1.4 LX would be the top-runner to take that spot. Nonetheless, delving into the devilish details, you’ll realise that the car isn’t the orthodox ‘slow’ that we’re accustomed to.
The Fiesta caused a storm when it landed on our shores, with the higher-spec 1.6 Sport with its Powershift dual-clutch transmission being the cheapest dual-clutch equipped car on the market here. Understandably, the sales figures reflected that with almost 70 per cent of the buyers opting for the 1.6 Sport model. However, we shouldn’t immediately dismiss the 1.4 LX as a poor man’s Fiesta. In fact, after some wheel time with both cars, the 1.4 LX actually comes across as the more smile-inspiring variant of the Fiesta due to its fun-to-drive nature.
On first glance, the 1.4 LX does reflect an entry-level silhouette with wheel caps and the fog lights taken out of the equation from the front bumper. Even the passenger airbag is omitted with traction control and ESP a feature reserved for the 1.6 Sport. Don’t be alarmed though as you still get the basic safety stuff like ABS, EBD, ISOFIX, electric-adjustable side view mirrors and even follow-me home lights, very useful and reassuring for lady owners. Still, as we mentioned, get behind the wheel of it and you’ll soon develop an appreciation for the car as well as a little adoration for the nimble hatch.
The exterior might look a little sportier than you imagined but that is due to the body kit that is being test-fitted as a future option for owners. While it isn’t available yet, it will be soon and fitted on the 1.4 LX, it does give the car a meaner façade compared to the better-trimmed 1.6 Sport. Hopefully Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) puts it down on their options list soon.
With or without the body kit though, the Fiesta exerts a very refreshing outlook on the whole. It does appear on the diminutive side from the outside but that probably contributes to the cute-factor is undeniably exudes. The rear bumper of the body kit has a diffuser integrated that although is purely for aesthetic purposes, does lend it an air of ferocity, albeit in an adorable manner.
The only downside to the exterior would be the wheel caps. We highly recommend forking out some of the RM13,000 saved over the 1.6 Sport for a decent set of rollers.
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by an interior that, while could be viewed as spartan, is laid out in an exciting and refreshing way. The dash has a very funky layout to it that is highlighted by the handphone-inspired audio and menu controls. Sitting right at the top is the display screen for the audio unit and menu functions.
The funky layout of the dash is let down by the lack of audio connectivity such as USB and iPod integration. You’ll also be de disappointed if you’re expecting steering-mounted audio controls too. Bear in mind though that all this shouldn’t come as a surprise for the entry-level model. If it’s any consolation, the audio unit does have an impressive sound quality and the fun layout of the buttons would rub off some of the disappointment of not being able to hook up your MP3 player to the car.
Seats are fabric wrapped and the door panels are matched to it. The quality of the plastics used are slightly below par of what we expected, feeling slightly cheap and hollow but again, the hip layout of the dash does make up for it.
Interior space is also very commendable. Don’t let the exterior dimensions fool you; the interior is actually very roomy for its size, with the rear legroom ample enough for even the vertically-gifted ones. We won’t go so far as to say that its spaciousness will overwhelm you but you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the interior room.
Luggage area is pretty small but sufficient for a getaway for two. Though it’s not wide, the luggage area is deep and can swallow some bags easily. The rear seats are foldable in a 60:40 split for more cargo area if the need arises.
Motivation for the car comes from the 1.4-liter Duratec mill mated to a five-speed manual. This little combo is the largest contributor to the fun-factor that the hatch emancipates. Although it only pumps out 94hp and 128Nm of torque compared to the 118hp and 152Nm of torque in the 1.6 Sport, the manual cog-swapper allows you to fully extract the maximum potential from the engine.
Getting into the driver’s seat, it’s highly likely that you’ll be egressing with a wide smirk grafted across your face. Before going any further, we’ll once again remind you that the 1.4 Duratec mill isn’t the most mind-blowing lump around, but that’s where the charm lays.
The handling of the Fiesta more than compensates for this. One of the biggest let downs with the Powershift transmission in the 1.6 Sport is the omission of a manual-override function. Though the manual gearbox doesn’t allow for lightning-quick shifts, it does allow you full control of the gears.
The engine is smooth throughout the rev-range with some barely-noticeable lack of breath at the top end. Shifting is smooth and rewarding, but isn’t as meaty as we would hope for, which isn’t always a bad thing as it does make for easier city driving. The clutch is soft too to the touch but still has enough feel for smooth transition.
The handling is where the fun really comes in. Even though it lacks the sports-tuned suspension of the 1.6 Sport, we doubt that it makes much of a difference. The car’s lightweight makes it very obedient and complying to steering input. Feedback isn’t as satisfying due to the electric-assisted power-steering but you can still clearly gauge for yourself the necessary input and get a feel for what the front wheels are up to.
Around the bends, the car does have more to it than you would imagine with an almost neutral take through the curve with a pinch of understeer if you enter too hot. If you do find yourself in that situation, a quick jab of corrective lock towards the inside of the corner should get it back on course. Furthermore, the lightweight makes it very responsive to steering input.
Acceleration is brisk and even at high speeds, the car remains stable and rather planted for something that light.
Ride and comfort is actually slightly better than the 1.6 Sport due to the higher profile 15-inch tyres as opposed to the larger 16-inch wheels on the Sport.
The Fiesta 1.4 LX proposes a very irresistible offer of value for money. It may lack many of the extras in the 1.6 Sport such as the high-tech features and Powershift gearbox but with a price difference of RM13,000 it does actually give you a lot of car for the money you put out.
Priced at RM69,888 (OTR w/insurance), the Fiesta 1.4 LX is as its name suggests, quite a carnival to drive. If you’re in the market for a compact hatch with no frills and some fun handling, the Fiesta 1.4 LX will have an answer for all your questions. If you’re thinking of getting the 1.6 Sport, just have a go in the 1.4 LX before you actually put pen-to-paper. The car actually got a motoring media friend that had already put a down payment on the 1.6 Sport thinking twice about his decision.
