We review the Ford Fiesta Red & Black Edition from price to economy and all its features

AS far as bragging rights go on a car that you can actually afford to buy, this new Ford has the best of the lot.

This is the Fiesta with more horsepower per litre than a BUGATTI VEYRON.

Forcepower ... Ford Fiesta Red & Black Editions

That’s because it has the 1litre EcoBoost International Engine of the Year.

EcoBoost is the brainchild of Perth-born Andrew Fraser, Ford’s European Gasoline Calibration Manager.

He heads the team that developed an engine that has won the IEotY award three years in succession — and that’s a first.

Value for money ... economical Fiesta

With a host of clever tweaks, the 1litre 138bhp delivers 0-62mph in nine seconds and a top speed of 125mph.

In contrast, the Veyron has an 8litre 1001bhp engine and hits 60mph in just 2.5 seconds all the way to 253mph! We had a sneak first drive of the new Fiesta Red and Black special edition at Goodwood before it took its place in the Moving Motor Show last week.

Other than its more horsepower per litre, it has a few other advantages over the Veyron. It can deliver 62mpg compared to the Bugatti’s 9mpg. The Fiesta is also over £810,000 cheaper at £15,995.

The Fiesta wins on value for money!

Special edition ... Fiesta hits the track at Goodwood

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Fiesta is already a good-looking car and that’s underlined by its status as the UK’s biggest-selling model. But, despite still looking so fresh, it’s coming to the end of its current generation — that’s why Ford is giving it a bit of a makeover before its chief rival Vauxhall Corsa arrives later this year.

The lipstick is prominent on the Black version I drove, namely round the front grilles and sill and a red roof. Add in the glossy black alloys and spoiler and it’s a real looker. Also available in red but I prefer the black.

The new black ... Fiesta is also available in red

DRIVE TIME

It might look like a hot hatch, but this special edition is very much on the warm side just as Ford wanted it to be.

The Fiesta ST is far more raw while this edition is based on the Zetec S and sits 10mm lower than the standard Fiesta — but it’s far softer than the ST which makes it a more comfortable drive all round.

It retains all the Fiesta qualities — brilliant ride, handling and cornering. Thanks to the three-cylinder’s power being boosted from 123bhp to 138bhp, performance is brisk not barnstorming.

But you’d expect that from a car that delivers over 60mpg. It’s an excellent drive.

Splash of colour ... bright revamped interior

INSIDE STORY

The Fiesta interior is starting to feel a little dated, but this edition brightens it up substantially. It is spruced up by red stitching on the steering wheel and sports pedals and red trim on the seats.