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5 September 2025 (updated) Ford Fiesta Mk6 engines
The Ford Fiesta Mk6 engines, produced from 2008 to 2017, marked a decisive turning point in small car technology. This sixth generation established itself as the benchmark in the B-segment, offering an impressive range of engines from economical 1.25-liter petrols to the powerful 1.6-liter EcoBoost. The technological evolution included the transition from conventional naturally aspirated engines to modern turbo direct injection engines and advanced diesel units.
Ford Fiesta Mk6 engines - technology leap and EcoBoost introduction (2008-2017)
The Ford Fiesta Mk6 generation revolutionized the small car segment by introducing the latest engine technologies. This series typically achieved mileages of between 250,000 and 350,000 kilometers with proper maintenance. Major repairs usually occurred after 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers, with the cylinder head gasket and timing chains being among the most common wear parts. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost established itself as the absolute top engine of this generation and set new standards for efficiency and performance in the small car segment. The technical highlights included the introduction of EcoBoost technology, improved TDCi diesel engines and the integration of start-stop systems. In a market comparison, the Mk6 positioned itself as a technological pioneer against competitors such as the VW Polo and Opel Corsa.
Ford Fiesta Mk6 petrol engines: EcoBoost revolution (2008-2017)
The Ford Fiesta Mk6's petrol engines covered a wide range from efficient naturally aspirated engines to state-of-the-art turbocharged units. The 1.25-liter Duratec (engine code SNJA/SNJB) with 60 hp and 82 hp formed the entry-level segment and proved to be particularly reliable with low maintenance costs. These engines ran smoothly up to 300,000 kilometers, but occasionally showed problems with the ignition coils and the mass air flow sensor after 180,000 kilometers.
The revolutionary 1.0-liter EcoBoost (engine code M1DA/M2DA) with 100 hp and 125 hp represented Ford's technological breakthrough. This three-cylinder turbo combined direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing and achieved a fuel consumption of just 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers. The main weak points were the high-pressure pump after around 120,000 kilometers and occasional problems with the cooling system.
The sporty 1.6-liter EcoBoost (engine code M8DA/M8DB) with 182 hp in the Fiesta ST set new performance standards. This engine developed 240 Nm of torque and accelerated the compact sports car from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Typical problems occurred with the charge air cooling and the injection nozzles after around 100,000 kilometers.
| Engine | Power (PS) | Consumption (l/100km) | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.25 Duratec | 60-82 | 5.8-6.2 | Ignition coils, mass air flow sensor | Good |
| 1.0 EcoBoost | 100-125 | 4.3-4.8 | High pressure pump, cooling system | Very good |
| 1.6 EcoBoost | 182 | 6.8 | Intercooler, injection nozzles | Good |
Ford Fiesta Mk6 TDCi diesel engines: efficiency and long-distance capability (2008-2017)
The TDCi diesel engines of the Ford Fiesta Mk6 established themselves as a particularly long-distance capable and economical drive alternative. The 1.4-liter TDCi (engine code F6JA/F6JB) with 68 hp formed the entry-level segment and impressed with a fuel consumption of just 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. These engines regularly achieved mileages of over 400,000 kilometers, but occasionally exhibited problems with the turbocharger and EGR cooling after around 200,000 kilometers.
The more powerful 1.6-liter TDCi (engine code T1BA/T1BB) with 75 hp, 90 hp and 95 hp represented the heart of the diesel range. These engines combined common-rail injection with variable turbocharger geometry and achieved an optimum compromise between performance and consumption. The 90 hp variant proved to be particularly well-balanced and developed 204 Nm of torque at just 1,750 rpm. Weaknesses were mainly found in the injection nozzles after around 150,000 kilometers and occasional problems with the particulate filter in predominantly urban operation.
A special feature was the 1.5-liter TDCi (engine code UGJC) with 75 hp, which was introduced in 2014 and met the Euro 6 standard thanks to improved emission control. This engine proved to be particularly environmentally friendly and low-maintenance, but was prone to problems with exhaust gas recirculation after around 120,000 kilometers.
| Engine | Power (PS) | Consumption (l/100km) | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 TDCi | 68 | 3.8 | Turbocharger, EGR cooling | Good |
| 1.6 TDCi | 75-95 | 3.9-4.2 | Injectors, particulate filter | Very good |
| 1.5 TDCi | 75 | 3.4 | Exhaust gas recirculation | Good |
Ford Fiesta Mk6 facelift engines: Euro 6 and increased efficiency (2013-2017)
With the 2013 facelift, Ford introduced revised engine variants that complied with the stricter emissions regulations and offered further efficiency improvements. The revised 1.0-litre EcoBoost received an optimized engine management system and achieved a reduced fuel consumption of 4.1 liters per 100 kilometers. At the same time, the power range was extended to include a 140 hp variant, which was used in the Fiesta ST-Line.
The diesel engines were also fundamentally revised and all complied with the Euro 6 standard. The new 1.5-liter TDCi gradually replaced the tried-and-tested 1.6-liter and offered comparable performance values with a smaller displacement. These engines integrated an improved SCR system with AdBlue injection and proved to be particularly clean and efficient.
A technical highlight was the introduction of the Auto-Start-Stop system in all engine variants, which reduced fuel consumption in city traffic by up to 8 percent. The revised gearboxes, in particular the new 6-speed manual gearbox and the optional PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox, also optimized efficiency and driving comfort.
Conclusion: The best Ford Fiesta Mk6 engines of all generations
The Ford Fiesta Mk6 engines represented a technological milestone in the small car segment and established standards that are still valid today. The engine range impressed with innovative EcoBoost technology, efficient TDCi diesel units and a good balance between performance, consumption and reliability. This generation proved impressively that modern small car engines can achieve mileages of over 300,000 kilometers.
- Best Ford Fiesta Mk6 petrol engine:
The 1.0-liter EcoBoost with 125 hp combines optimum power delivery with outstanding efficiency and established itself as the benchmark for modern three-cylinder turbo engines in the small car segment.
- Best Ford Fiesta Mk6 diesel engine:
The 1.6-liter TDCi with 90 hp impresses with exceptional long-distance capability, minimal fuel consumption and high reliability with proper maintenance.
- Sportiest Ford Fiesta Mk6 engine:
The 1.6-liter EcoBoost with 182 hp in the Fiesta ST offers authentic sports car performance in a compact format and sets new standards for driving dynamics in the B-segment.
For all Ford Fiesta Mk6 engines, you will find high-quality spare parts and maintenance components at AUTODOC to ensure the longevity and optimum performance of your vehicle.
