Ford Fiesta review

All Ford Fiestas come with a height-adjustable driver's seat, and in its lowest setting, you sit higher up than you do in many other small cars. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but some may prefer a lower-slung driving position. Active models have a ride height that's 18mm higher, but you don't really notice the difference.

Height aside, the driving position is tough to knock. The seat holds you securely in place through corners while remaining comfortable over long distances. Our only gripe is that you can’t have adjustable lumbar support (unless you go for a Fiesta ST). 

The standard heated windscreen, which can defrost itself in moments, is a major boon in winter. Rear parking sensors are also standard on all trims apart from entry-level Trend (where they're optional), and you can add front sensors and a rear-view camera to most models.

The Fiesta's 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system is relatively simple to use, although it's not quite as intuitive or quick to respond as the systems in the Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo. 

You have to pay to add a built-in sat-nav on entry-level Trend trim but it's standard across the rest of the range. We'd be tempted to save the money, though, because you can use Google Maps or Waze from your smartphone on the Fiesta's touchscreen using the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.