The Ford Fiesta Mk6, produced from 2001 to 2005, represented a significant step forward for Ford’s supermini. The 1.4 Duratec variant, equipped with the Durashift EST automatic transmission, occupied an important position in the lineup, aimed at buyers prioritizing ease of use and affordability. This five-door hatchback offered a practical and economical option within the broader Mk6 Fiesta range, which also included sportier trims and diesel engine options. It was primarily marketed towards European and Asian markets, where smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles were highly sought after, though limited numbers were also available in North America as grey market imports.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta |
| Generation | Fiesta VI (Mk6) 5 door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 Duratec (80 Hp) Durashift EST |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 166 km/h (103.15 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm, 120.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 80 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 124 Nm @ 3500 rpm (91.46 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | FXJA |
| Engine displacement | 1388 cm3 (84.7 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1030 kg (2270.76 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1530 kg (3373.07 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 284 l (10.03 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 947 l (33.44 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3917 mm (154.21 in.) |
| Width | 1683 mm (66.26 in.) |
| Height | 1417 mm (55.79 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2487 mm (97.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1477 mm (58.15 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1444 mm (56.85 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Fiesta variant is the 1.4-liter Duratec engine, specifically the FXJA code. This engine is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder unit featuring a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-point fuel injection. The Duratec series was designed to be a modular engine family, offering a balance of efficiency and reliability. The 1.4L produced 80 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 91.46 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. The Durashift EST automatic transmission is a four-speed unit. It was designed to provide smooth shifts and enhance the driving experience, particularly in urban environments. While not known for its sportiness, the transmission was reliable and well-suited to the engine’s power characteristics.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4L Duratec with the Durashift EST automatic transmission delivered a comfortable, if not particularly exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 13.1 seconds, and top speed was approximately 103 mph. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy and smooth cruising rather than rapid acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission version of the 1.4, the automatic offered less driver engagement but greater convenience. Higher-spec Fiesta models, such as those equipped with the 1.6L or even the 2.0L Duratec engines, provided significantly more performance, but at a higher price point. The 1.4 automatic was geared towards drivers who prioritized ease of use over outright speed.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 Duratec automatic typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included central locking, power steering, front airbags, and an AM/FM radio. Higher trim levels, such as the Style or Zetec, added features like alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included a sunroof, metallic paint, and a CD player.
Chassis & Braking
The Fiesta Mk6 utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were drums. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety. The suspension was tuned for comfort, making it well-suited to everyday driving conditions. The relatively lightweight nature of the 1.4L variant helped to minimize body roll and maintain reasonable handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.4 Duratec automatic Fiesta was generally well-received as a practical and affordable supermini. Critics praised its fuel economy (around 38.6 US mpg combined) and ease of driving. However, it was often criticized for its lack of performance compared to other Fiesta models. The 1.6L variant offered a noticeable performance improvement, while the diesel models provided even better fuel economy. In terms of reliability, the 1.4 Duratec engine proved to be generally robust, although regular maintenance was essential. The Durashift EST transmission was also considered reliable, but some owners reported occasional issues with harsh shifting.
Legacy
The Ford Fiesta Mk6 1.4 Duratec automatic remains a relatively common sight on used car markets today. Its affordability and reputation for reliability make it a popular choice for first-time drivers or those seeking a cheap and cheerful runabout. While not a performance car, it offers a comfortable and economical driving experience. The Duratec engine is known for its longevity, and with proper maintenance, these Fiestas can continue to provide reliable transportation for many years to come. Parts availability is generally good, making maintenance relatively straightforward and inexpensive.
