FORD FIESTA HATCHBACK REVIEW

My car

I am only sorry to read Tom Wainwright's experience. Should have bought from Birchwood Ford, Eastbourne my friend: excellent dealership (very supportive, give me discounts all the time on accessories, advice, etc.), and the car feels as solid as a rock. What a car: as much fun as a go-kart to drive, so refined and quiet on the road, accelerates and performs eagerly with this 1.4 litre duratec power plant. I have to disagree with those slating quality: I challenge you to find a better quality supermini at this price, with equipment levels (climate control, bluetooth/phone, MP3, electric windows, airbags everywhere, lovely interior pack 2 set, starter button, ambient lighting, lovely 15-spoke alloys, parking sensors, super stereo, etc.) and - actually - in spite of some plastics not being great - there is so much to this car to make you turn a blind eye to that! What else: best in class handling, drop dead looks, superb security. What do you expect? Cashmere roof lining and leather stitched door inserts?! I tested, viewed and checked every single competitor of the Fiesta, and the FIRST thing I did in every car was sit in the back. I am 5ft 11ins, and the Fiesta has impressive headroom all round, and plenty of space in the back. Yes, okay, the boot isn't the biggest, but then if you wanted boot space, you'd buy a Volvo Estate wouldn't you? I've got 2 big suitcases in and other bags no problems. It is quite simply a joyous car to own, huge fun to drive, absolutely love it

My car

Overall, an excellent car. I decided to downsize after having two Focuses before. I love how it drives. Having driven a 53-reg Fiesta before, it's amazing to see how much the car has developed. I love the style of the car - well, I did, until someone went into the back of me before Christmas!!

OK, the plastics are a bit iffy in places, but who cares, it's how it drives - and that's simply awesome!! The engine is sweet and very quiet at motorway speeds. The mpg could be better but seeing that I do a lot of town driving, I still average just over 40mpg.

When my current lease ends in April 2011, I will have no hesitation but to purchase another one. Well done, Ford!!

My car

Bought the new Fiesta last year 59 reg. If you want a car to get you from A to B safely then don't buy the new Ford Fiesta.

4th January 2010 first day back in work. Drivers door wouldn't lock so had to drive to work 4 miles away and back home in the rush hour with one hand holding the drivers door and one hand steering/changing gear!

Rang local Ford Dealer where i bought the car from they didn't want to know went there after work they wouldn't even put any antifreeze on the lock. Said "they didn't have any."

Don't bother ringing Ford Assistance as they wouldn't help me either. They refused to come and have a look at the car.

My car

I drove this car a few times, and what a car it is to drive. The power steering system is superb, rides very well, and this 1.4 96 BHP Zetec engine is such a great engine, if you want performance.

In the cabin, things aren't so rosy. There are very good plastics at the top of the dash, but lower down they feel so cheap and tacky. The worst plastics are the door panels, which are really grainy. Also, the in car door handles feel like they'll break easily. also, rear legroom is especially tight, and the boot has a very high lip.

Equipment is reasonable, with on this Zetec trim level, you get Alloys, A/C, recirculated air switch, and free bluetooth. Shame Ford increased prices so much recently. This Zetec model cost around £13,500 when a friend purchased it in May.

Overall, it is a great looking car, inside and out, with low running costs, and decent discounts. But it's not the most pracical car in it's class, and, it feels a bit cheap inside in some areas. It's cheap to run, but not so cheap to buy