Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta has petrol engines ranging in size from 1.3 to 1.6 litres. Both the 1.6 petrol and 1.4 diesel versions give good performances, however neither match the performance of the turbodiesels powering many of its rivals. Earlier Fiestas established a best in class reputation for handling and the new car lives up to this reputation. Handling is crisp and responsive in all conditions and the Fiesta provides good feedback, increasing driver confidence in this nimble supermini. Unfortunately the quality of the handling underscores the limited performance of some of the engines. A well laid out cabin and commanding driving position add to the appeal of the Fiesta as a drivers car, however the steering could do with two-way adjustment rather than just rake. All superminis have got larger in their newer incarnations, however improvements in visibility and ubiquitous power steering ensure that parking remains a simple affair -despite the smallish rear screen the Fiesta is no exception.

Passengers
Ford clearly acknowledged criticisms over passenger space in the previous Fiesta and the new car easily accommodates four adults. Headroom and footroom is excellent. Ford have also clearly worked hard to reduce wind and tyre noise and have broadly succeeded. Unfortunately at motorway speeds the smaller engines have to work a little to hard and as a result engine noise levels can be high.

Practicality
The Ford Fiesta has a big boot for its class and can swallow pushchairs with reasonable ease. The adaptability of the rear space is limited because although the Fiesta has a 60/40-split rear backrest the rear seat cushion is single-piece. The Fiesta also has a good-sized glovebox and storage space in the doors.

Equipment
Standard equipment on all models includes all-round deadlocks, CD player, central locking, passenger and driver's airbag and rain sensitive wipers. Higher specification models also get air conditioning and electric windows as standard. The stereo provides a good sound and has separate display and controls integrated into the dashboard to deter theft.

Safety & Security
Dual stage airbags with crash sensitive inflation rates are standard on all Fiestas. Side airbags and curtain airbags, a first in its class, are optional as is ABS on most models. Immobilisers and deadlocks are also standard on all models giving the Fiesta class leading security.

Quality & Reliability
The new Fiesta has a much greater sense of solidity than its predecessor, which bodes well for reliability. The interior is also improved although it falls short of Volkswagen benchmarks in this class.

Owning
The Fiesta's frugal engines help to reduce running costs - the official Ford figures for the 1.4 diesel are 65 mpg. As with other Fords servicing costs are below average for the class make the Fiesta a good performer in this category. On the down side medium and longer-term depreciation may be an issue.