Coming to the part where "S" stands for "Superlative" The drive - A look at the specs reveal that the Fiesta's Duratec should make it a fast car with unmatched driveability -
Its a 1596 CC 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC motor 101 PS @ 6500 rpm and even more impressive 146 NM of torque @ 3400 rpm, while the ANHC's i-Vtec Motor has 118 PS @ 6600 rpm and 146 NM @ 4800 rpm, so the 'S' makes the same pulling power at 1400 rpm less than the NHC, making it more sprightly and driveable. The Linea's 1.4 FIRE does not stand a chance with these two around.
It does not matter what gear you are in, a dab of the right foot is enough to give you a firm shove in the back and the Fiesta starts moving really quickly. However, I must add that it lacks the initial urgency of the S10's 1.6 motor. Around 3K rpm the Duratec enters its peak torque range and takes on a wild character. Its very addictive and pulls harder from thereon. What an engine, probably the most driveable of all the 1.6 engines around.
The Duratec is a supremely refined motor and it remains so throughout its powerband, giving you the impression that it never feels strained at any point of time. NVH levels too are best in class, with very little road or outside noise filtering in the cabin, followed by the Linea and then the ANHC.
Steering feel/Handling/ Gearbox -
The steering feel is instantly recognisable, its very similar to the Palio, heavy and communicative, giving you sufficient information about the road below. Its fun to hold with both hands and is never vague. Though I have to mention that the Linea petrol betters it, but not by much.
The handling could'nt be tested much frankly due to city limits except for this fast left hander on the Worli sea face done at a 100 kph, but it was a cake walk with almost zero body roll and the car not even hinting for a loss of traction. But then, what else would you expect from the fantastic 195/55 R15 tyre/wheel combo? Fantastic body control there.
The only negative would be the hard shifting gearbox. It slots positively, but takes some effort and is not intuitive. It is of good quality however. The best steering wheel/gearbox combo of the three is the Linea's IMO, followed by Fiesta and then ANHC. The Fiesta wins hands down in handling/body control.
Suspension - With such low profile tyre set up, you'd expect the 'S' to thud and crash at low speeds and allow a lot of road noise, especially on the cement roads to filter in the cabin. But it just does'nt. The ride is firm but not at all unsettling and the set up is much better than my stiff riding Palio at low speeds. The Linea's set up is better and is a perfect compromise between ride and handling, while the Fiesta is a corner carver with a ride only slightly below the Linea. Its the ANHC however, which has the worst body roll even at 80, thanks to its soft suspension for city speeds and there is excess road noise filtering in. The handling is decent though and improved over the NHC.
Just after finishing my drive, a driver stepped in and pareked the car. Thats when I realised standing behind the car, the exhaust sounds gorgeous. The chrome tipped muffler at work, just the way it does in my S10.
Its been hours in front of the PC now and I really need to end this here. I do not intend to buy the car now since the Palio is giving me good service (touchwood), but I will upgrade next year and the Fiesta 1.6 S will be on top of the list,unless Fiat gets better engines for the Linea/GP.
For someone needing a VFM car that can move you around in style and comfort with a lot of features, it has the be the Linea. For those who prefer a scintillating drive at not so big price , look no further than the Ford Fiesta 1.6S.
Last edited by roms : 3rd March 2009 at 03:23.
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