2018 Ford Fiesta Interior: A Detailed Look

by Alex Braham 43 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the interior of the 2018 Ford Fiesta. This compact car offers a surprising amount of features and comfort for its size. Whether you're considering buying one or just curious, this detailed look will give you all the insights you need.

Overview of the 2018 Ford Fiesta Interior

The 2018 Ford Fiesta's interior is designed with practicality and user-friendliness in mind. The cabin is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact car, offering comfortable seating for both the driver and passengers. The dashboard layout is clean and straightforward, with controls that are easy to reach and understand. Ford has also made an effort to use decent-quality materials, giving the interior a more refined feel than you might expect in this class.

Key Features and Design Elements

  • Dashboard Layout: The dashboard is well-organized, with a clear separation of the infotainment system and climate controls. The buttons and knobs are tactile and responsive, making it easy to adjust settings while driving.
  • Seating: The seats are designed to provide adequate support for both short commutes and longer trips. The front seats offer good adjustability, allowing drivers of different sizes to find a comfortable position. The rear seats, while a bit tight for adults on long journeys, are suitable for children and smaller passengers.
  • Materials: Ford has used a combination of soft-touch plastics and durable fabrics to create an inviting and comfortable interior. While it's not a luxury car, the materials feel better than some competitors in the subcompact segment.
  • Infotainment System: The Fiesta comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system. Higher trim levels feature a touchscreen display with Ford's SYNC 3 interface, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This makes it easy to integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, navigation, and music.
  • Storage: The Fiesta offers decent storage options, including door pockets, a glove compartment, and a center console. The trunk is also reasonably sized for a subcompact car, providing enough space for groceries or luggage for a weekend getaway.

How it Compares to Other Subcompact Cars

Compared to other subcompact cars like the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Nissan Versa, the 2018 Ford Fiesta holds its own. While the Fit might offer more cargo space and the Versa is known for its affordability, the Fiesta stands out with its more engaging driving dynamics and user-friendly technology. The interior design is also generally considered to be more stylish than some of its rivals.

Detailed Analysis of Interior Features

Let's break down the interior features of the 2018 Ford Fiesta to give you a comprehensive understanding of what this car offers. From the seating and dashboard to the infotainment system and safety features, we'll cover every aspect to help you make an informed decision.

Seating and Comfort

The seating in the 2018 Ford Fiesta is designed to provide a balance of comfort and support. The front seats are well-bolstered, offering good lateral support during cornering. The driver's seat is typically height-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. Cloth upholstery is standard, but higher trim levels offer leather or upgraded fabric options.

Front Seats:

  • Comfort: The front seats are generally comfortable for most body types, with adequate cushioning and support.
  • Adjustability: Most models come with a height-adjustable driver's seat, and some offer lumbar support.
  • Materials: Standard cloth upholstery is durable and easy to clean. Leather options provide a more luxurious feel.

Rear Seats:

  • Space: The rear seats are a bit cramped, especially for adults on longer trips. Legroom and headroom are limited compared to larger cars.
  • Comfort: The rear seats are best suited for children or smaller adults. The seatbacks are relatively upright, which can become uncomfortable on long journeys.
  • Features: Some models offer a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, allowing you to expand the cargo area when needed.

Dashboard and Controls

The dashboard of the 2018 Ford Fiesta is logically laid out, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The design is clean and modern, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The instrument cluster is easy to read, providing essential information at a glance.

Key Elements:

  • Layout: The dashboard is divided into distinct zones for the infotainment system, climate controls, and instrument cluster.
  • Materials: The use of soft-touch plastics adds a touch of refinement to the interior.
  • Ergonomics: The controls are well-placed and easy to operate, even while driving.

Specific Controls:

  • Infotainment System: The touchscreen display is responsive and intuitive, with clear graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.
  • Climate Controls: The climate control knobs and buttons are tactile and easy to adjust.
  • Steering Wheel: The steering wheel features controls for the audio system, cruise control, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Infotainment and Technology

The 2018 Ford Fiesta offers a range of infotainment and technology features, depending on the trim level. The base model comes with a basic audio system, while higher trims offer more advanced features like a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and satellite radio.

Key Features:

  • SYNC 3: Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system is available on higher trim levels. It features a user-friendly interface, fast response times, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Touchscreen Display: The touchscreen display is available in various sizes, depending on the trim level. It provides access to navigation, audio, and other vehicle settings.
  • Connectivity: The Fiesta offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and an auxiliary input jack for connecting your devices.
  • Audio System: The standard audio system provides decent sound quality, but higher trim levels offer upgraded systems with more speakers and better sound reproduction.

How to Use the Infotainment System

The infotainment system is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive interface and responsive touchscreen. Here's a quick guide to get you started:

  1. Pairing Your Phone: Connect your smartphone via Bluetooth to make hands-free calls and stream music.
  2. Using Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Connect your iPhone or Android phone via USB to access your favorite apps, navigation, and music.
  3. Navigating the Menus: Use the touchscreen to navigate through the various menus and settings.
  4. Adjusting Audio Settings: Customize the audio settings to your liking, including bass, treble, and balance.

Storage and Cargo Space

The 2018 Ford Fiesta offers decent storage options for a subcompact car. The trunk is reasonably sized, and there are several storage compartments throughout the cabin.

Storage Compartments:

  • Door Pockets: The door pockets provide storage for small items like water bottles and maps.
  • Glove Compartment: The glove compartment offers secure storage for important documents and personal items.
  • Center Console: The center console includes cupholders and a small storage bin for phones and other small items.

Cargo Space:

  • Trunk: The trunk offers enough space for groceries or luggage for a weekend getaway. The rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area.
  • Rear Seats Folded: With the rear seats folded down, the Fiesta offers significantly more cargo space, making it easier to transport larger items.

Safety Features

The 2018 Ford Fiesta comes with a range of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. These features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

Standard Safety Features:

  • Airbags: The Fiesta comes with front, side, and curtain airbags to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
  • Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS): ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent skidding and loss of control by applying the brakes to individual wheels.
  • Traction Control: Traction control helps prevent wheelspin during acceleration, improving traction on slippery surfaces.

Advanced Safety Features (Optional):

  • Rearview Camera: A rearview camera is available on some trim levels, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
  • Rear Parking Sensors: Rear parking sensors alert you to obstacles behind the vehicle, helping you avoid collisions.

User Experience and Comfort

The overall user experience and comfort of the 2018 Ford Fiesta's interior are generally positive. The cabin is well-designed, with comfortable seats and easy-to-use controls. However, there are a few areas where the Fiesta could be improved.

Pros and Cons of the Interior

Pros:

  • User-Friendly Design: The dashboard and controls are logically laid out and easy to use.
  • Comfortable Seats: The front seats provide good support and cushioning.
  • Decent Storage: The Fiesta offers adequate storage space for a subcompact car.
  • Infotainment System: The SYNC 3 system is intuitive and responsive.

Cons:

  • Limited Rear Seat Space: The rear seats are cramped, especially for adults.
  • Basic Materials: While the materials are decent, they are not as luxurious as some competitors.
  • Road Noise: The cabin can be noisy at highway speeds.

Real-World Driving Experience

In real-world driving, the 2018 Ford Fiesta's interior holds up well. The seats remain comfortable even on longer trips, and the controls are easy to access while driving. The infotainment system is responsive and user-friendly, making it easy to stay connected on the road.

Daily Commute:

  • The Fiesta is well-suited for daily commutes, thanks to its comfortable seats and easy-to-use controls.
  • The infotainment system makes it easy to listen to music or podcasts while driving.
  • The compact size makes it easy to navigate through traffic and park in tight spaces.

Long Road Trips:

  • The Fiesta can handle long road trips, but the limited rear seat space may be an issue for some passengers.
  • The seats remain comfortable even after several hours of driving.
  • The infotainment system provides entertainment and navigation options for long journeys.

Comparing Trim Levels and Interior Options

The 2018 Ford Fiesta is available in several trim levels, each offering different interior features and options. Here's a quick overview of the key differences between the trims:

  • S: The base S trim comes with a basic interior, including cloth upholstery, a basic audio system, and manual climate control.
  • SE: The SE trim adds features like upgraded cloth upholstery, a touchscreen display, and Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system.
  • SES: the trim sesese doesn't exist. However, ST is the top trim available. It includes sport seats, unique interior trim, and a performance-oriented design.

Interior Options:

  • Leather Upholstery: Available on higher trim levels, leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury to the interior.
  • Heated Seats: Heated front seats are available on some models, providing added comfort in cold weather.
  • Sunroof: A sunroof is available as an option, allowing you to let in more natural light and fresh air.

Maintenance and Care Tips for the Interior

To keep your 2018 Ford Fiesta's interior looking its best, it's important to follow a few simple maintenance and care tips.

  • Regular Cleaning: Vacuum the interior regularly to remove dirt and debris. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime.
  • Stain Removal: Treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to blot the stain.
  • Leather Care: If your Fiesta has leather upholstery, use a leather cleaner and conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple.
  • Protection from the Sun: Park in the shade or use a sunshade to protect the interior from the harmful effects of the sun.

Conclusion

The 2018 Ford Fiesta offers a well-designed and functional interior that provides a comfortable driving experience. While it may not be the most spacious or luxurious car in its class, it offers a good balance of features, comfort, and value. Whether you're looking for a daily commuter or a fun weekend car, the Fiesta's interior is sure to impress.

So, there you have it – a comprehensive look at the interior of the 2018 Ford Fiesta! I hope this has been helpful. Happy driving, guys!