Ford Fiesta (2012-2017) Review and Prices
The Ford Fiesta covers all the important small car bases well – it’s easy to drive, cheap to run and looks great for a 10-year-old car. It’s starting to feel its age on the inside though, and the back seats are cramped
- Cash
- £11,512
- Used
- £4,747
Find out more about the Ford Fiesta (2012-2017)
Is the Ford Fiesta (2012-2017) a good car?
If you’re after a small car, you’ve probably thought about a Ford Fiesta – and it’s still a fun, smart and reasonably practical car, despite the fact it’s getting on a bit. You can get the Fiesta in practical five-door form, or a sporty-looking three-door version, both of which are covered in this review. There’s also a fast version called the Fiesta ST, which will make you laugh out loud with its speed and sporty handling and is reviewed separately.
It might not be quite as eye-catching as the latest Citroen C3, but the Fiesta still looks smart and – in sporty ST-Line trim – looks far racier than the rather mundane Skoda Fabia.
Unfortunately, the Fiesta’s interior hasn’t aged quite so well. The tiny infotainment screen and fiddly buttons fitted to basic models look dated and you won’t find them easy to use on the move. Entry-level Zetec and mid-spec ST-Line models don’t come with satellite navigation as standard and the upgraded infotainment system in Titanium and top-spec Titanium X models might look a little more modern, but it’s no easier to use and the screen is still microscopic.
A selection of scratchy, cheap-feeling plastics in the Fiesta’s cabin further let the side down. The dashboard feels soft and supple but the door trims, centre console and central armrest (standard on all but Zetec models) feel flimsy – though this isn’t uncommon among many cars this size.
Thankfully, the Fiesta’s driving position is excellent and a wide range of seat adjustment means you’ll be able to get comfortable behind the wheel. All-round visibility is good – helped by a pair of small extra windows above the door mirrors – and the Fiesta’s compact dimensions and light controls mean it’ll slip easily into even the tightest of parking spaces.
There isn’t nearly as much room in the back for tall adults as you’ll find the in Vauxhall Corsa but the Fiesta’s 290-litre boot is a little bit bigger than you’d get in a VW Polo – it’s just a shame there’s a large lip to heave objects over and no underfloor storage. All models get split-folding rear seats as standard and a couple of useful cubbyholes to stop rear-seat passengers drowning in clutter.
The Fiesta's going to be replaced in late 2017 by an all-new car with a more modern interior – I just hope it's as fun to drive as this version
If you regularly travel around town, go for the 99hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – it’s smooth, quiet and can return as much as 65.7mpg. It might cost around £1,000 more than an entry-level 1.25-litre petrol model but it offers a far better blend of comfort, performance and running costs, and it’s available with a fast-shifting automatic gearbox. If you spend more time on the motorway than mooching through the city, you’d be better off with one of the economical 1.5-litre diesel engines
In terms of safety the Fiesta got a five-star Euro NCAP rating back in 2012, but it’s worth noting that the test is far stricter these days and you can’t have the Fiesta with automatic emergency braking – a Nissan Micra is a better bet if you’d like more modern safety kit.
Overall, the Fiesta’s an easy and surprisingly fun car to drive that does most jobs reasonably well – it’s just a bit old and more modern cars such as the Skoda Fabia have more space and more modern infotainment systems.
How much is the Ford Fiesta (2012-2017)?
The Ford Fiesta (2012-2017) has a RRP range of £10,015 to £19,615. However, on Carwow prices for a new Ford Fiesta (2012-2017) start at £11,512 if paying cash. The price of a used Ford Fiesta (2012-2017) on Carwow starts at £4,747.
What's it like to drive?
The Fiesta’s both comfortable and economical, especially with one of Ford’s brilliant EcoBoost petrol engines – but you’ll have to pay a premium to get one
The 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine is a revelation – it feels way more powerful than you'd expect but doesn't clatter or rattle when you accelerate hard
What's it like inside?
The Fiesta has a fantastic driving position and the interior is full of handy storage bins, but it looks old fashioned and there’s barely any head or legroom in the back
Ford Fiesta (2012-2017) colours
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- Cash
- £11,512
- Used
- £4,747