What is the best petrol engine for the Ford Fiesta?
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost is the best all-round petrol engine for the Fiesta, delivering a strong mix of efficiency and usable performance. If you’re after peak performance, the Fiesta ST’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost is the standout petrol option. In budget or older-car scenarios, the 1.25- or 1.4-litre engines remain viable but lag behind in efficiency and refinement. Note that Fiesta production in Europe has wound down, so most buyers will be shopping used examples.
All-round choice: the 1.0 EcoBoost
Reasons this engine is favored for daily driving and practicality:
- turbocharged three-cylinder design keeps weight down and provides lively throttle response
- strong low- to mid-range torque helps with easy city and motorway driving
- good real-world fuel economy when paired with a manual or compact automatic
- wide availability in the used Fiesta market and relatively affordable maintenance
- robust engineering for daily use when properly serviced
Overall, the 1.0 EcoBoost offers the best balance of economy, usability and driving appeal for most Fiesta owners.
Performance option: Fiesta ST and the 1.6 EcoBoost
For buyers who want genuine hot-hatch excitement, the ST line is the clear petrol highlight.
- turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with substantial power outputs in each ST variant
- engaging six-speed manual and responsive handling tuned for a sporty experience
- strong on-road and track performance, delivering a noticeably sharper drive than other Fiesta engines
- higher running costs, insurance premiums and maintenance compared with the 1.0 EcoBoost
For enthusiasts, the Fiesta ST represents the pinnacle of petrol performance in the Fiesta lineup, albeit with added running costs and practicality trade-offs.
Other petrol options: 1.25/1.4 and older engines
These engines appear in older or lower-trim Fiests and can be attractive on a budget, though they lag behind EcoBoost units in efficiency and refinement.
- 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre petrols offer simple, proven reliability and lower purchase costs
- less sophisticated emissions control and infotainment layouts compared with EcoBoost cars
- generally slower performance and poorer real-world economy compared with EcoBoost variants
They can be practical choices if you’re buying a cheap, used Fiesta and don’t need the latest efficiency or performance benchmarks.
Maintenance and ownership tips
Proper care helps any Fiesta petrol engine perform well over time. Following manufacturer recommendations and staying on top of routine maintenance is important, especially for turbocharged engines.
- stick to the official service schedule and use the oil grade recommended by Ford
- keep the air intake and intercooler clean to maintain turbo efficiency
- monitor cooling system health and coolant levels to prevent heat-related issues
- for the ST, plan for timely brake fluid changes and appropriate tyre choices to sustain performance
By adhering to these care guidelines, you’ll maximize reliability and enjoyment no matter which Fiesta petrol engine you choose.
Summary
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost stands out as the best all-round Fiesta engine, offering a compelling blend of efficiency and practical performance. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost in the Fiesta ST is the top petrol option for those seeking performance and a sportier driving experience. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget or seeking simplicity, the older 1.25/1.4 petrols remain workable but are less efficient and refined. Keep in mind that Fiesta production in Europe has ended, so most new-car buyers will be looking at used examples when choosing a petrol engine.
What petrol should I use for a Ford Fiesta?
unleaded gasoline
Use minimum 95 octane unleaded gasoline that meets the specification defined by EN 228 or the equivalent national specification, or regular unleaded gasoline blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Which Ford Fiesta has the best engine?
What's the best Ford Fiesta engine to get? This is an easy one. The best engine for the Ford Fiesta is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – the more affordable 1.1-litre petrol that's also offered feels wheezy and old-fashioned by comparison.
Which 1.0 EcoBoost to avoid?
Models from around 2011 to 2014 were more frequently reported to have issues where coolant would leak due to cylinder head cracks or failures in the seals. Ford has said the coolant hose on the 1.0 Ecoboost engines of cars built between October 2011 and October 2013 can potentially fail at high temperatures.
Is the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost any good?
The Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125PS comes incredibly close to a Green-Car-Guide rating of 10 out of 10, but as we're always looking for the most economical cars in class, in terms of real-life economy it can't quite match a new rival that will appear in these pages in the next few weeks, and so it's awarded a ...
