Ford Fiesta – super-efficient and lovely to drive – just in time for Christmas!
THERE is a confusingly wide range of models and variants of the Ford Fiesta between 2008 and 2017.
But it was still one of the best selling new cars, and the best selling secondhand car almost every year. That’s because it is an excellent all rounder.
There was a mid-life revamp in 2012 with a new corporate grille more than a little reminiscent of an Aston Martin, and new lights front and rear.
There’s a wide range of petrol engines to choose from, but the lowliest 60bhp 1.25-litre is woefully slow. It’s also available with 82bhp and that’s much more acceptable.
The 1.4-litre diesel is also terribly slow even if it is very economical, and it’s not a power unit I would recommend.
Other petrol units include a 1.4 with 94bhp, a 1.6 with 103 and a later 1.0-litre with 80, or turbocharged to produce 100, 125 or 140.
These last are lovely to drive and now form the backbone of the petrol range.
The diesels start with the 1.4 67bhp I have already mentioned, followed by a 1.6 with 93bhp and a later 1.5 with 75 or 95. The super efficient Econetic version claims 88mpg and emissions of just 82 grammes per kilometre.
Performance in the higher powered 82bhp version of the 1.25 petrol is just about acceptable but the 0-62mph sprint still takes 13.3 seconds.
The turbo 1.0-litre units are excellent and offer good performance even from the lowliest 100bhp model. With a five-speed manual ‘box it tops out at 112mph and will do 0-62 in 11.2 seconds.
The later 1.5 diesel in 95hp form has a top speed’s of 112mph and good acceleration too, bringing up 62 in 10.9 seconds.
The better performers are great fun to drive with very agile handling, excellent grip, precise steering and quick cornering with little body roll.
Parking and manoeuvring in town are very easy, with a tight turning circle and a stall prevention system.
And it easily holds its own out on the motorway too, with good stability and decent cruising speeds.
Comfort is fine front and rear with decent legroom and well-shaped supportive front seats.
However, a slight downside is lack of headroom for tall passengers in the back.
There are three- or five-door models, but always get a five door if you have children! Trying to shoehorn them into car seats in a three door will soon give serious backache.
After 2012, most models came with the SYNC voice activated multimedia system, and with Active City Stop – Ford’s automatic emergency braking system designed to prevent lowspeed accidents.
It also became the first Ford in Europe to be available with MyKey
– a system that allows parents of young drivers to limit the car’s speed and audio volume. It will even mute the stereo if the driver doesn’t do up his seat belt.
Since 2008 there have been more than 25 different models, including loads of limited editions, so make sure you get all the kit you want when buying.
Mid-range Zetec models come with audio remote, heated electric mirrors, electric front windows, air conditioning, alloys and remote locking.
But many competitors have things like traction control, alarm and isofix child seat anchorages as standard too. All are extra on the Ford.
There are plenty to choose from so check your prices and don’t pay over the odds. Finally, as I always say, never buy without full service history unless the price is rock bottom.
Pay around £5,300 for a ’12 12-reg five-door 1.2 Style, or £8,100 for a ’15 15-reg 1.0 five-door Ecoboost Zetec.