Ford Fiesta Review

Just about everyone has been in a Ford Fiesta at some point in their life. It’s one of the UK’s best-selling cars, and the latest version also happens to be one of the best-value cars around. It’s full of the kind of tech new car buyers want, but at an affordable price and with a superb drive. 

But like a child at an ice cream shop, you might be struggling to choose between the many flavours of small car. Alternatives include the Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo, each with their own merits and drawbacks.

The Ford comes in three and five-door hatchback forms, along with the rugged Active version and the sporty ST. Those latter models we’ve reviewed separately.

In low-spec form, the Ford Fiesta looks smart enough, if a little on the plain side. ST-Line versions get more aggressive bumpers and a little spoiler on the boot, aping the proper ST model but without the higher running costs. The expensive Vignale versions get a plusher interior.

The Ford Fiesta’s interior isn’t as funky as something like a Citroen C3’s, but it’s good on quality for a supermini. That’s because the Fiesta’s dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials that feel more expensive than the plastics in a SEAT Ibiza – and the Ford’s standard 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system is sharp and easy to use.

It’s spacious enough in the front seats, but the Ford Fiesta’s back-seat practicality isn’t as good as in some alternatives. The rear seats are a bit cramped, even in five-door models, and the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza are better in this area. The Ford’ boot isn’t as big as the Polo’s or Ibiza’s, either, but it’s not too far below par for a supermini.

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

Yet the reason the Fiesta is so brilliant is down to the way it drives. While the sporty ST models are a match for some sports cars when it comes to handling, even the most basic Fiestas are a lot of fun. Lower-spec cars ride more smoothly, too.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox is a delight to use and can add to the fun even if you’re just pottering about. The comfortable seats and good driving position all add to the car’s appeal as well.

There’s also a range of superb turbocharged petrol engines, our favourite being the 95hp version of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder. It’s more than capable of getting you up to speed, yet it’s also pretty economical and has a pleasant sound when you accelerate. 

With lots of standard kit including that excellent 8-inch screen (with smartphone connectivity) and a good amount of safety kit, it’s great value as well, undercutting the VW Polo like-for-like.

If the Ford Fiesta is good enough for millions of Brits, it’s bound to be worth your attention too, right? Head to our deals page to find one that’s right for you.