Ford Fiesta hatchback (2008 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The Ford Fiesta looks dashing with the unmistakeable Ford face, large headlights, a low grille and sleek lines. Even the most standard models look attractive, although looks are improved immeasurably by specifying alloy wheels, which are fitted as standard on more expensive models. Three and five door models are available, and the Zetec-S and Metal models come with a discreet bodykit and larger alloy wheels.

Our rating: 5

2. Interior

Ford really has raised the bar with the Fiesta’s interior. The supermini gets good-looking features made of excellent quality materials, which creates a genuine upmarket feel. The centre console has a particularly bold arrangement, with the switches and buttons looking similar to a mobile phone. A trio of dials control the ventilation system and the steering wheel is adorned with controls for the audio system on most models. Most of the plastics are high quality and tactile, although there are some scratchy and low-rent feeling materials on the lower dash.

Our rating: 5

3. Practicality

With a boot capacity of 295-litres, it’s the largest of any Fiesta yet but still a way off the Honda Jazz segment-leading 399-litres. There’s room in the back for two adults and there’s easier access with the five-door model. All-round vision is good, although thick windscreen pillars limit forward visibility somewhat, but the car’s precise steering ensures parking is fairly simple. Though parking sensors or the rear view mirror-mounted park camera are worth considering as options.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

The Ford Fiesta is a superb drivers’ car in all guises. Precise steering and well configured suspension means it’s a joy to thread through bends. But this excitement isn’t at the expense of ride comfort – the suspension soaks up the worst bumps and only when the largest wheels are fitted that the car becomes a little fidgety. Despite the compact dimensions – it’s an ideal car for the urban grind – it is still capable of travelling with stability at speed on the motorway, although the lack of a sixth gear means it can be noisy.

Our rating: 5

5. Performance

A pair of 1.25-litre petrol engines are the first step on the ladder, offering up 60 and 82bhp but despite the high power model shaving 3.3 seconds off the low power’s 16.9 second 0-62mph time, both will find themselves wanting on motorway drives. A 1.4-litre petrol is better, with little impact in running costs. It’s also the only engine which can be specified with either a manual or automatic gearbox. It’ll take 12.2 or 13.9 seconds to reach 62mph for the manual and auto respectively. The range-topping 1.6 petrol produces 120bhp in the Zetec-S for a 9.9 second 0-62, but the special edition Metal (and the S1600 which preceded it) offer up 134bhp reducing the 0-62mph time to 8.7 seconds. A dealer-fit performance pack from Mountune Performance is also available, increasing power to 140bhp. Diesel options comprise a 1.4 with 70bhp and 118lb/ft of pulling power for a 14.8 0-62mph time and a pair of 1.6s producing 95bhp/156lb/ft.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

Green ‘Econetic’ models are the running cost champions with emission of 95g/km ensuring they’re free to tax and an official average of more than 76mpg means it’s easy on fuel too, and depending on the model, there’s only a small premium to pay for this frugality. Non-Econetic diesels still record an official average of around 67mpg and have identical tax-free emissions at 107g/km. The 1.25-litre petrols emit less than 130g/km of CO2, making them free to tax too, and still deliver around 50mpg. The 1.4 and 1.6 petrols are still affordable to tax with emissions of 133 and 134g/km, although the automatic gearbox in the 1.4 boosts emissions and reduces fuel consumption significantly.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

Since the latest Fiesta was introduced in 2008, there have been few common faults reported. The fit and finish befits that of a far more expensive model.

Our rating: 5

8. Safety

In the Euro NCAP crash test programme the Fiesta was awarded the full five stars in adult occupancy and boasts a good overall score. This is thanks to all models getting anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme and driver, passenger and side airbags as standard.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

The Fiesta is available in seven versions: Studio, Style, Edge, Zetec, Zetec S, Titanium and Metal. The Studio covers the basics, and little more with Ford Easy Fuel (which prevents misfuelling), MP3-compatible CD player with aux and USB connections, front electric windows, electric mirrors and 60:40 folding rear seat the highlights. The Style adds larger steel wheels and a more adjustable drivers’ seat while the Edge gets air-con and a trip computer. Zetec models also come with 15-inch alloys and a Quick Clear heated windscreen, and the Zetec-S adds a bodykit, 16-inch alloys, sports seats and sports suspension. More luxurious is the Titanium with its power folding mirrors, chrome exterior trim, automatic wipers, digital radio, automatic air-con and cruise control. Sporty Metal models are as Zetec-S but with standard leather trim, unique dashboard inserts and knee airbags.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

Very well built and good to look at, it’s no surprise the Ford Fiesta is one of Britain’s best-selling cars. Throw in the fact that it’s cheap to run and exceptionally good to drive, it’s a wonder more buyers don’t choose it over the bigger – and more expensive – Ford Focus. The Fiesta should certainly be on any supermini buyer’s shortlist.

Our rating: 5