One area where the Fiesta has not been living up to the high standards set by the rest of the car is in its fuel habits.
For the first few months of its time with us it was getting nowhere near the manufacturer’s claim of 47.9mpg. In fact, three of the first five fill-ups saw economy figures below 30mpg. As these tanks took the Fiesta past the 1000-mile mark, I hoped this might be the point at where economy improved. However, it wasn’t until the odometer scrolled past 2500 that things started to pick up.
This could be down to a variety of factors. Firstly, the engine has clearly loosened up and become the unit the manufacturer intended it to be, although it just took a little longer than it might have done.
The second key factor is the type of journeys the Fiesta is making at the moment. Rather than being used solely in town, the little Ford and I have been venturing out on the motorway more and more. Recent trips to Cornwall, Warwickshire, Goodwood and Somerset have seen figures more around the 37-39mpg level.
Thirdly, and just as important as the other two factors, I have taken sole control of the Fiesta’s keys. The finger injury I suffered a couple of months back has healed to the extent that I am driving again and I alone am responsible for the Fiesta’s fuel consumption. Rather than making me play dangerous sports and breaking fingers, my competitive nature will now be put to better use – teasing as many miles from a tank of fuel as possible.
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