In the later Mk4.5 (1999-2002 facelift, often called Mk5 in the UK), the 1.6L produces 100-103 bhp. Mated to the IB5, this is the driver’s choice. The shorter final drive (on some versions) makes second and third gear absolutely addictive for B-road blasts.
Shifting this gearbox is an upper-body workout. The diesel vibrates at idle like a washing machine with a brick inside. You row the lever slowly, deliberately, because rushing it will result in grinding synchros. Yet, there is a strange charm. The low-end torque means you can leave it in third for entire town journeys. It’s agricultural, unkillable, and weirdly satisfying. manual ford fiesta mk4