SUSPENSION

If you’re not smiling, you’re driving the wrong Fiesta. Even a basic Mk7 should feel entertaining, while the sportier models – Zetec S and ST-Line – left the factory with springs set 10mm lower than the regular model. The general layout is shared with the fabulous ST180, although the 1.0 is softer and comfier for long distances.

All sit pretty high, though, so don’t be surprised to find a car with aftermarket springs – good quality kit such as H&R and Eibach works well, but beware of cheap eBay coil-overs. Likewise, although the 1.0 has similar suspension to the ST180, its lighter engine means ST springs make a 1.0 feel unruly and bouncy.

Wheel spacers are a sensible improvement, providing they’re not too wide – 10mm at the front and 15mm on the rear are nothing to be afraid of.

Even a high-mileage Mk7 should still feel taut but listen for clonking from the suspension or steering, which is most likely to be from a tired ball joint or something simple such as the steering column pinch bolt, which causes clonking when you shake the wheel, and costs pennies to replace.

Juddering through the steering wheel could also be caused by buckled wheels, which are a particular problem on the Zetec S – so inspect them for damage or an abundance of balance weights.

Any suspension sloppiness on a higher-mileage machine may also be due to worn bushes, which – if you’re planning on modifications – should be permanently cured by replacing them with polyurethane. An uprated torque mount will also be beneficial, especially when changing gear.

“Revised ECU software gave 138bhp, 155lb.ft torque, 125mph and 0-to60mph in 8.7 seconds”