Overall verdict

Watch our Ford Fiesta video review

If you haven’t owned a Ford Fiesta yourself, then you’ll almost certainly know somebody who has. It’s been the UK’s best-selling model for years and this latest model gives you the best of both worlds. On the one hand it has some high-tech features you normally only find on more expensive cars, but it also offers all the benefits of a small car: it’s economical, nippy and easy to manoeuvre.

The Fiesta is an alternative to other big-selling small cars, such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo. You have the choice between three and five-door hatchback models, while there’s also a more rugged Active version and the sporty ST. Those latter models we’ve reviewed separately. 

In entry-level Zetec guise, the Ford Fiesta looks smart but unassuming, ST-Line versions get a sporty makeover with more aggressive bumpers and a little spoiler on the boot, while range-topping Vignale models get a fancy chrome grille.

The Ford Fiesta’s interior doesn’t look quite as trendy – if you want a small car that feels properly funky then the Citroen C3 is a better bet. On the plus side, the Ford Fiesta’s dashboard is covered in soft-touch plastics that feel more expensive than the materials you’ll find in a SEAT Ibiza, while Ford’s standard 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system is bright and sharp. 

Things are pretty rosy for anyone in the front seats, but you won’t be blown away by the Ford Fiesta’s back-seat practicality. In fact, the rear seats are fairly cramped, even in five-door models, and the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza are much better bets if you’re going to carry passengers regularly. The Ford Fiesta’s boot isn’t as big as the Polo’s or Ibiza’s, either, but there’s still room for a big suitcase plus some extra soft bags. 

The Fiesta is a lot of fun to drive for a small car – but you certainly won’t be smiling so hard if you’re asked to sit in the back seats

What the Ford Fiesta lacks in practicality it more than makes up for with the way it drives. It’s one of the most fun small cars to drive, thanks to its accurate steering and heaps of grip. It’s safe, too, though, and has lots of optional kit including adaptive cruise control to help keep you a set distance from the car in front without touching the pedals.

Mind you, it’s not all about going quickly, and the Ford Fiesta is still impressive if you tend to drive more sedately. The cabin is quiet and most models get a six-speed manual gearbox that helps keep engine noise down at motorway speeds. The suspension does a good job of ironing out bumps in the road, too, although it’s worth noting that the sportier ST-Line version’s suspension does feel a bit less comfy than other models around town.

Without a doubt, the stars of the show are the Fiesta’s superb turbocharged petrol engines, although you only really need the 100hp version of the 1.0-litre. Not only is it more than capable of getting you up to speed, it’s also pretty economical and has a rorty sound when you accelerate.

When you take the Ford Fiesta’s reasonable price and generous equipment list into account, it’s a superb small car, especially if you’re happy to prioritise fun and technology over outright practicality.

Read more in-depth info on the Ford Fiesta in our the interior, driving and specification reviews sections on the following pages.