Ford Fiesta MHev review: supermini joins the green party

The Ford Fiesta must have one of the most comprehensive model ranges in the country, which might explain its near-total dominance of the sales charts.

Whether you want a peerless hot hatch with 200bhp or merely a well-equipped warm one, a fully-loaded luxury version with an auto ‘box and leather or a basement spec runaround with wind-up windows, the Fiesta has you covered. There’s even a silly but appealing SUV-inspired one with some cladding and a raised ride height.

From among this vast array we’ve plucked a distinctly middle-of-the-road version to test this week. Mid-spec with a mid-range power output and manual transmission, this mild hybrid is likely to take a substantial share of new Fiesta orders.

The mild hybrid is a new addition to the range and essentially replaces the standard 123bhp 1.0-litre Ecoboost. That engine is still available without the electric motor but only with an auto gearbox. All manual versions now offer the same power output but with the assistance of a 48V starter/generator setup.

Like all mild hybrids the electrical element is there to add torque at low revs and offer a little support to the petrol engine rather than take over but you can still feel its contribution. Pick-up, especially under heavy acceleration and in higher gears, is just a little more immediate as the electric motor does its work while the turbo gets going. It’s hardly a life-changing improvement in performance but it’s an added edge to an already strong engine.

You’re actually far more aware of the hybrid when you’re slowing down. The Fiesta has the most obvious regenerative braking of any mild hybrid I’ve driven. Lift off the throttle and there’s a very obvious drag from the brakes as the system tries to recoup energy. Some drivers may find the level of regen off-putting but you’ll adapt to it, as you will to the nagging dashboard light telling you when to change gear and when to lift off the accelerator.