USED Ford Fiesta Hatchback (08 - )

My car

Fantastic car to run! This is my 2nd Zetec S TDCI, if you were to get this engine i'd recommend getting the uprated 2010my 95ps version; its just that little bit more effortless to drive!

The 17" wheels on the street pack are gorgeous but as a warning- they do reduce the mpg (from ~52 to ~48), generate more road noise & ruin the turning circle! doesnt ruin the ride though :D

To drive, the car is very nippy but never that quick; theres plenty of torque available but ultimately, its still a diesel. as long as you're on boost there's still enough kick to keep you/passengers smiling! (or clenching).

Steering is nice and responsive but ultimately too light for my liking, not too keen on these electric PAS systems! Handling is spot on though.

The ride is much improved compared to the previous Zetec S. initially, it doesnt feel quite as much fun (in a go-kart sort of way) but at the end of the day its a much nicer compromise than it used to be!

Interior looks great, generally good quality. Seat fabrics do look a bit cheap though and arent the most supportive lumbar wise. Back seat legroom isnt the best with 6ft adults in front, and the lack of folding seats are a bit of a joke really.The doors are starting to buzz too...

Overall, it looks great, drives great and is cheap to run (51mpg in manc city centre will never be a complaint). Highly recommended.

My car

I'm disappointed with my 1.6TDCI. Ford claim it will do 67.2 mpg combined, mine is currently averaging less than 46. I don't drive it hard, and even when I reset the computer and drive like "Miss Daisy" around town and do a constant 60 on the motorway, I only get 49. The car has now done 4500 miles so it should be loosening up.

There are loads of other problems too. The boot has to be slammed shut or the sensor thinks it's still open. The passenger door has to be closed very firmly (the driver's door is ok though!). The stereo often has no sound coming out of it and I have to change the "source" to get it to emit anything. The climate control buttons were defective on delivery (fixed under warranty). The bluetooth sometimes cuts me off mid call. The rear window washer is angled such that it only washes half the screen. There is a sharp edge on the handbrake.

It could've been brilliant, but it is merely average, there are so many niggly things wrong it is annoying and they are purely down to lack of attention.

My car

First off, I think the new Fiesta is one of the best looking cars I've seen in years. So much so, it was enough to tempt me to go to my local Ford dealers for a test drive. For the past 8 years, I have always chosen a car allowance and run my own cars - from a Celica to my current 9-3 Aero convertible via GTI's and 4-motions. However, given the current financial climate, there is no escaping the complete sense the Fiesta makes but the bonus is that it's a great car to drive and will save me over £200 per month. Bottom line is that I am now expecting delivery of my Zetec-S TDCi at the end of Nov. I drove the petrol Zetec-S which was great but was doing 3700rpm+ at 70mph which I thought would be tiresome as I do a lot of motorway miles. Hopefully, the TDCi will have lower gearing and the extra torque will make it more relaxing on long-distance runs.