BANG ON TREND

Entry-level Fiesta makes a refreshing change to over-equipped models, writes Matt Allan

Ionce had a colleague who complained that ever y time he drove a Lamborghini it rained – perhaps the epitome of first-world, spoiled journalist problems.

In a similar vein, it can sometimes seem that car makers insist on sending only their best-equipped top-spec models for review. It’s great to have all the gadgets and luxuries to investigate but sometimes it would be nice to try a more standard model, one that’ s somewhere closer to that “prices from” figure quoted on ads and websites.

So it made a pleasant change to be presented with a Ford Fiesta Trend recently.

In terms of trim levels there is none more basic. Trend is the entry level spec for Fiesta buyers, starting from £16,640 – a healthy chunk cheaper than the £24,500 Fiesta Vignale we also tested recently.

So does that mean back-tobasics motoring like when I was a child? Not by a long shot. Even in this entry level spec there are 16-inch alloys, LED headlights, a heated front

wind screen, an eight-inch media touchscreen, air conditioning and driver aids such as lane keep aid and automatic headlight operation.

And while it’s an entryl eve lspec, the Trend’ s recipe remains the same as every other Fiesta so this is a reasonably good looking, reasonably spacious and comfortable supermini that’s good to drive.

However, the Fiesta in this most basic trim does have a problem – its not-so -basic price. Before options our test car cost £18,145. With options (fancy paint, parking sensors and a spare wheel) added it comes in at £19,345. Even accounting for the extra expense of the diesel engine (a £940 premium over the petrol), it’s on a par with some rivals but markedly poor er value than others. For example, the Fiesta was succeeded on my driveway by an Iconicspec Renault Clio. One step up from basic, this brought a far better standard specification and, even after £1,800 of additional options was still cheaper than this base-spec Ford.

So it’s not the best value in the showroom but the Fiesta does still have its appeals.

The range is rightly praised for the sharpness of its handling but in some models that can lead to an overly firm ride. Not here, though. The Trend, with its standard suspension, small wheels and high side - walls is the most comfortable Fiesta I’ve driven in years, with a far more soothing ride than something like an STLine. And despite its softer approach, it’ s still a pretty much match for any of the Fiesta’s rivals on the road.

As well as being unusually low-spec, this test car was a rarity in being diesel powered. The super mini segment is dominated by small turbocharged petrols which promise good economy without the complications or current stigma of running a diesel. Such engines are ideally suited to small cars aimed at urban use while diesels remain a good fit for larger cars designed to cruise the motorways. Still, if you plan on doing mega miles in your Fiesta, this 1.5- litre Ecoblue will return a claimed 65.7mpg and in my time with it the economy never dipped below 60.

What’s more, if you really do plan on mile -munching in a supermini this Fiesta is refined and comfortable enough that you won’t feel like you’ve been through the wringer at journey’s end. The only pay-off is sluggish acceleration and a gruff engine note when you push it hard.

In many ways the Trend is a refreshing change to the overequipped models car makers churn out. It’s as pleasant to drive as more expensive models and has everything most people need without the unnecessary fripperies and distractions that dealers like to tempt customers with. However, even in this apparently basic trim the price is distressingly close to £20,000 meaning there are bettervalue rivals to be considered.