Buying cars
Ford Fiesta Mk7
BUYER’S GUIDE: Ford Fiesta FROM £4,000 Award-winning Mk7 supermini is even better value as used buy Richard Dredge
EVER since the original was launched in 1976, Ford’s baby Fiesta has come to define the supermini market. For almost four decades it’s been one of the best-selling cars in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. Fun to drive, brilliant value and cheap to run, it’s no wonder the Fiesta is a national institution. Thanks to its popularity there are masses to choose from, so you won’t have to travel far to find one. There are lots of variations on the theme, too – whether your focus is performance or economy, there’s a Fiesta for you.
History
THE seventh-generation Fiesta debuted in 2008, with 1.25, 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines, along with 1.4 or 1.6 diesels. The 1.25 came in 59 or 81bhp forms, there were three or fivedoor hatchbacks, and Studio, Style, Style+, Zetec, Zetec S and Titanium trim levels. From October 2009, Edge muscled in between Style+ and Zetec. From the outset there was a 98g/km ECOnetic edition; by March 2012 this was cut to just 87g/km. The 1.4 petrol got an auto option from June 2009, then in April 2010 came the sporty 118bhp S1600. The hot 180bhp 1.6-litre ST followed in 2012. A facelifted Fiesta arrived in early 2013, offered with Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
Which one?
THERE are no poor engine choices, but we prefer the 1.6 TDCi for its muscle, relaxed cruising and economy. The entry-level Style comes with electric front windows and remote central locking; Style+ adds a heated windscreen and air-con. Zetec Fiestas feature 15-inch alloy wheels, a trip computer and ambient cabin lighting, while the Zetec S comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, lowered suspension and sports seats. The range-topping Titanium packs cruise control, poweroperated door mirrors, privacy glass, climate control, plus automatic lights and wipers. The high-spec Titanium is also
112 Special Issue
the most popular trim level for buyers of the Fiesta when new.
Alternatives
TOYOTA’S Yaris is reliable and good to drive, but you’ll pay more for one of these than an equivalent Fiesta. Skoda’s Fabia is roomy and fun to drive, too, while its VW Polo cousin offers the same virtues, but at a higher price. The Vauxhall Corsa is almost as plentiful as the Fiesta, and great value. Don’t discount Renault’s Clio or Nissan’s Micra; the first for its driving enjoyment and the second for reliability. But the Honda Jazz is the Fiesta’s toughest adversary. Not only is it very dependable, it’s hugely practical and generously equipped. It’s costly, though.
Thanks to TC Harrison in Derby (www.tch.co.uk) for the loan of the Fiesta in our pictures Pictures by John Colley
Verdict
THE Fiesta Mk7 has been our supermini of the year no less than five times – and we still love it. In fact, we love it even more as a second-hand buy, which is why in our most recent used car awards, the Ford was crowned best supermini. Thanks to a great range of engines, every model is nippy and frugal. As an all-rounder, you really can’t buy a more accomplished used supermini.
Contacts
Official www.ford.co.uk
Forums www.fiestamk7.com www.fiestaclubgb.co.uk www.fiestastoc.com www.ukfiestanetwork.com
NEED TO KNOW
A knocking noise when the steering wheel is turned at low speeds is due to a worn column universal joint.
“The Fiesta Mk7 has been our supermini of the year no fewer than five times” www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower
OUR VIEW
IT seems our readers don’t love the Fiesta as much as we do: it finished a lowly 78th in our Driver Power 2014 survey. The highlight was 18th for handling, but 132nd for practicality is disappointing.
YOUR VIEW
HELEN Whitcombe from Shepherds Bush, W London, owns a 2010 Fiesta 1.25. She says: “It was a used bargain that’s cheap to run. It’s nippy in traffic, but good on the motorway, too. I won’t sell it for many years yet.”
Interior
THE cabin is neatly designed, easy to use and generally has a quality feel. There’s plenty of cubby space, plus head and legroom are good, but not brilliant. The 290-litre boot is also fine without being exceptional; it expands to 974 litres with the seats folded.
www.autoexpress.co.uk
