2014 Ford Fiesta gets an estimated 41 mpg on highway cycle

The new 2014 Ford Fiesta has achieved 41 mpg in EPA testing. Fiesta is the only subcompact car to surpass 40 mpg. The fuel economy claim is for Fiesta SE with the Super Fuel Economy package that includes Ford’s 1.6-liter engine and PowerShift automatic transmission. Along with the EPA-certified 41 mpg highway rating, Fiesta achieves 30 mpg in the city and 34 mpg combined.

The claim is significant because fuel economy is often cited as the No. 1 reason for purchase consideration in the subcompact class, according to Ford data. The new 2014 Fiesta will be arriving in dealers soon.

Two key technologies help Fiesta achieve fuel economy leadership – its advanced aerodynamics and dry, dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission. In terms of aerodynamics, the SFE package adds rear spoiler, side air deflectors, underbody shields, lower grille blockers, low-rolling-resistance tires and cruise control.

The second enabler is the PowerShift transmission. Unlike regular, hydraulically operated automatic transmissions that use power-sapping torque converters, wet clutches and pumps, Ford’s new dual-clutch PowerShift automatic consists of two manual transmissions – in the same case – working in parallel. Each has its own independent clutch unit controlled by computers, and fast-acting electromechanical actuators that shift the gears.