Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost 100 Zetec

Mileage 4317 List price £15,445 Target Price £14,600 Price as tested £16,920 Test economy 46.0mpg

My previous long-term reports have barely touched on the Fiesta Ecoboost’s driving manners – a traditional Ford strength – mainly because most of my driving had been a dreary daily commute in stop-start London traf c.

However, over the past month, trips to Buckinghamshire and the Midlands have allowed me to stretch the Fiesta’s legs on various roads to see where its strengths and shortcomings lie.

It turns out that on the motorway it’s so comfortable and re ned that you could easily be sitting in a big executive saloon. And when you turn off the motorway, the Fiesta’s accurate steering and sharp handling make it a joy on quiet A and B-roads, too. Ford hasn’t lost its touch. HM