Ford Fiesta Zetec S Red and Black Editions (2014) unveiled

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

18 June 2014 10:07

Ford has a bold claim for its newly invigorated Fiesta Zetec S Red and Black Editions: they have a greater specific power output than a Bugatti Veyron!

The downsizing trend continues apace and the new warm-hatch Fiestas are first to get a higher-output version of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost engine, tweaked to 138bhp thanks to variable cam timing, higher turbo boost and direct injection.

Ford claims the new Fiesta specials are the most powerful 1.0-litre cars in the world. The extra fizz means 0-62mph in 9.0sec and a top speed of 125mph, while averaging 63mpg and emitting a lowly 104g/km of CO2.

The Ford Fiesta Zetec S Red and Black Editions cost £15,995 and can be specced in contrasting - you guessed it - red and black colour combinations. The roof, door mirrors caps and bodywork detailing are set in a contrasting Race Red and Panther Black, making these special editions more visible than more humdrum versions of Britain's best-selling car.

Ford is quick to point out that it uses paint, not a wrap, to achieve the contrasting colour scheme. Front and rear spoilers and sidesills complete the sports makeover.

The special editions benefit from minor chassis changes to spice up the driving experience (always a Fiesta strong suit). Sports suspension, retuned steering, 17-inch black wheels and tweaked gearing on the five-speed manual 'box are designed to make the Zetec S Red and Black Editions handle with more verve.

We've always liked the way the regular Fiesta drive, so the addition of new damper and spring settings and new programme in the electric power steering should sharpen the responses further.

Expect the new Ford Fiesta models in showrooms in September 2014.

Ford says that nearly 30% of Fiesta customers pick the 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine, which is now available in three states of tune: 99bhp, 124bhp and 138bhp.

'This new 138bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine now delivers more than twice the power on a litre-for-litre basis than its predecessor – the 99bhp 1.6-litre engine that powered the sporty Fiesta S just 10 years ago,' said Andrew Fraser, Ford’s European gasoline calibration manager. 'I believe this engine sets a new benchmark for power combined with fuel efficiency from a small petrol engine.'

By Tim Pollard