Ford Fiesta Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
Petrol buyers can choose from 59bhp and 80bhp 1.25-litre units, a 95bhp 1.4 and a 118bhp 1.6, while the diesel line-up consists of a 67bhp 1.4 and an 89bhp 1.6 that’s available in standard and ultra-efficient Econetic form. The higher-powered 1.25 is our pick – it's pokey enough and reasonably priced. The optional four-speed automatic gearbox (available with only the 1.4 petrol engine) does hamper acceleration.
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Ride & Handling
Effectively, there are two types of Fiesta – a standard set-up with more compliant suspension and speed-sensitive steering, and the firmer set-up on the Zetec S, which has consistently weightier steering. Both set-ups are superb, but our preference is for the standard car. The suspension is soft enough to smooth out lumpy roads – even the worst bumps in town can do nothing to upset it – yet the car is still wonderfully agile and involving.
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Refinement
The Fiesta is one of the quietest cars in the supermini class. The engines are extremely smooth, and there’s only a hint of wind noise down the side of the car at the national limit. As for road and suspension noise, they’re so well contained that you’d swear you were in a much larger car
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Buying & Owning
The Fiesta is easy on fuel, cheap to insure and should hold its value reasonably well. The Econetic model has impressively low CO2 emissions of 98g/km, so you'll pay no road tax and a lower rate of ‘benefit in kind’ tax if it's a company car. The optional automatic gearbox makes the Fiesta pricier to run, and it puts a big dent in fuel economy.
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Quality & Reliability
Ford has put plenty of effort into making the Fiesta’s interior as distinctive as its exterior, but you can’t help feeling that a few corners have been cut. Most models get black plastic door pulls that look and feel cheap, while the plastics lower down the dash, and on the rear door panels, have a decidedly low-rent feel. Ford has a good record in our reliability surveys, though.
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Safety & Security
All Fiestas come with five airbags, including a driver's knee ’bag, but it’s disappointing that curtain airbags and stability control aren’t fitted as well – they’re cost options across the range. Deadlocks and a visible VIN make life difficult for thieves.
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Behind The Wheel
The big-car refinement of the Fiesta is matched by big-car comforts in the front of the cabin. There's loads of seat travel, plenty of support for your back, and two-way steering adjustment so that most people can find the ideal driving position. The funky, mobile phone-inspired dash works pretty well, too, although the on-screen menus that need scrolling through to access minor functions could be more intuitive.
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Space & Practicality
Rear knee space is a little limited, but most passengers should be fine. There’s a decent boot, albeit with a high lip, but when you want to enlarge it the backrests merely flop onto the bases, leaving an untidy split-level floor.
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Equipment
Ford offers six main trims, plus the Econetic (high economy) and Zetec S (sporty) models. Studio cars are pretty spartan, but Edge adds air-con, remote locking and front electric windows. Zetec cars feature sporty styling and alloys, while the two Titanium models give a luxury feel, with climate control, plus Bluetooth and leather upholstery on the range-topping Titanium Individual. The 1.4 petrol is the only version that can be specced with an automatic gearbox – and it isn't a cheap option.
Fiesta rivals
Fiesta used car reviews
Ford Fiesta Hatchback 1.25i 82 Edge 5dr
More power underlines how good the Fiesta is to drive and it handles with a nimbleness its rivals can only envy. With this trim, this is our favourite version of the car.
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