Ford Fiesta hatchback (2008 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The Fiesta looks dashing with the unmistakeable new Ford face, as previewed by the Evos concept car that was first shown in 2011: that means laser-cut headlights, a large grille and sleek lines. Even the most basic models are attractive, but the car’s looks are improved immeasurably by specifying alloy wheels, which are fitted as standard on more expensive models. Three- and five door models are available, with Zetec-S models coming with a discreet bodykit and larger alloy wheels.

Our rating: 5

2. Interior

Ford has made a real effort with the Fiesta’s cabin, and although it lags behind the Volkswagen Polo for sheer quality, it’s still a very pleasant place to be. The Ford gets good-looking features made of good-quality materials, which create a reasonably upmarket feel. The centre console has a particularly bold arrangement, with the switches and buttons looking similar to a mobile phone. A couple of dials and buttons control the ventilation system, and the steering wheel is adorned with controls for the audio system on the majority of models. Most of the plastics you touch in everyday use are high quality and tactile, but things are not so impressive lower down: throughout the cabin (especially on the dash, doors and centre console) there are some scratchy and low-rent materials.

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’s segment-leading 399-litres. There’s room in the back for two adults, but access is much easier in the five-door model. All-round vision is good, too, although the thick windscreen pillars limit forward visibility somewhat. That said, the car’s precise steering ensures parking is fairly simple, but parking sensors or the rear view mirror-mounted park camera are worth considering as options.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

Whichever model you’re looking at, the Ford Fiesta is a superb driver’s car. 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 on models with the largest wheels does the ride become a little fidgety. Overall, the Fiesta is a very mature car, and despite the compact dimensions that make it an ideal car for the urban grind, it is still perfectly stable and composed at speed on the motorway. The only criticism is that the lack of a sixth gear means some models are noisy.

Our rating: 5

5. Performance

A pair of 1.25-litre petrol engines are the first step on the ladder, providing 60 and 82bhp. However, despite the stronger model shaving 3.6 seconds off the other’s 16.9 second 0-62mph time, both will find themselves wanting on motorway drives. The best engine in the range is the latest – the turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol unit. Available with either 99 or 123bhp, it pulls strongly in a very un-petrol-like way from below 2000rpm, so it takes little effort to get the car moving at a good pace. Diesel options comprise a 1.5 with 74bhp and a 1.6, which produces 95bhp and is available in Econetic form, with average economy of 85.6mpg.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

In the past, you would have had to choose an Econetic model to ensure the lowest running costs, but such is the pace of change that the majority of Fiesta models – petrol and diesel – have CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km. All of these have average economy of more than 60mpg, with the most frugal (the Econetic) managing to eke more than 85 miles from a gallon of diesel. All this equates to low rates for road- and company car tax, while some of the safety features (see below) qualify for lower ratings with some insurers.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

Since the latest Fiesta was introduced in 2008, there have been few common faults reported, and the car has performed well in customer satisfaction surveys. Its fit and finish befits that of a far more expensive model.

Our rating: 5

8. Safety

The Fiesta received a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, but the real headline-grabbers are the bits and pieces that are available on top of the seven airbags that come as standard on every model. This includes Active City Stop – which helps drivers avoid low-speed collisions – and Emergency Assistance, which forms part of the SYNC system. Also available is Mykey, a system that allows several keys to operate the car, but with various settings (such as the car’s maximum speed, the volume of the stereo and so on) uniquely programmed to each key by the owner. This lets parents, for example, reduce the dangers faced by teenagers at the wheel.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

The Fiesta is available in six trims: Studio, Style, Zetec, Zetec S, Titanium and Titanium X. Studio covers the basics, but little more, with Ford Easy Fuel (which prevents misfuelling), MP3-compatible CD player with aux and USB connections, front electric windows, electric mirrors and a 60:40 folding rear seat. Style adds larger steel wheels and a more adjustable driver’s seat, while Zetec models come with 15-inch alloys and a Quick Clear heated windscreen, and 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, while range-toping Titanium X models feature the Keyfree system and part-leather upholstery.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The Ford Fiesta is very well built and good to look at, so there’s no surprise it is consistently one of Britain’s best-selling cars. Throw in the fact that it’s also cheap to run and exceptionally good to drive, and the Fiesta should certainly be on any supermini buyer’s shortlist.

Our rating: 5