BEST USED SUPERMINI FORD FIESTA MK6

OUR PICK Ford fiesta 2014 (64) 1.0 Ecoboost 100 zetec 5dr, 16,625miles,£6,940

FORD might have released its new Fiesta this year, but that doesn’t stop the previous sixth-generation model from remaining one of the best used buys around.

For the best part of a decade the Fiesta has been Britain’s top-selling car, which means there’s plenty of choice on the used market. We’d go for a Zetec model, as this offers the most practicality without sacrificing the Fiesta’s trademark sporty dynamics and style, while there’s a respectable level of kit on board.

It’s enhanced by Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged Ecoboost engine, added after a facelift in 2013. This is definitely the pick of the bunch as in 99bhp trim it balances enough flexibility and performance with solid real-world economy.

The Fiesta’s steering and suspension control make it great fun, but it’s grown-up and refined, too. There are more spacious superminis, but none comes close to offering this car’s level of ability for similar money.

Ford has had 40 years to perfect the recipe. With a choice of frugal diesel engines, including a 1.6 TDCI that promises to hit fuel economy highs of around 85mpg, as well as punchy turbocharged petrol models, there’s maturity beyond the budget here.

The Fiesta won’t cost you much to buy, and with such a wide choice of versions available, you can ensure you select the right used example for you.

A facelifted 2014 car in our chosen spec will cost as little as £6,900. With less than 17,000 miles on the clock there’ll be plenty of life left in the car, and with 781 dealers nationwide, Ford’s affordable servicing means it’ll be cost-effective to keep on the road. Regardless of the budget, the Fiesta is great to drive.