Ford Fiesta

Darren Cassey tests the updated Ford Fiesta to see if it’s as good as ever.

What is it? The Ford Fiesta is still the most common sight on UK roads and is a huge seller for Ford. It’s small yet practical and great value for money. With tweaked styling and improved technology, we’ve tested the latest version to see if it’s still one of the best all-rounders. What’s new? An obvious change is the tweaked exterior design, and there are also new technologies such as Matrix LED headlights and a configurable digital instrument display. What’s under the bonnet? One of the Fiesta’s key selling points is its range of electrified engines and there are hybrid and mild-hybrid petrol powertrains available. Our test car had the 1.0-litre mild hybrid with 123bhp and 170Nm of torque, promising 50mpg on the combined cycle. It felt punchy enough but would work better with manual transmission, as the seven-speed automatic on our car felt lethargic in urban driving. What’s it like to drive? Aside from the gearbox, the Fiesta is fantastic to drive. Our ST-Line Vignale specification test car included ‘sportstuned suspension’ but this generally delivered a comfortable ride on all but the most potholed roads. The steering is light and easy to use around town without being too fidgety at higher speeds. The Fiesta is a bit noisy on the motorway but is otherwise well-refined. How does it look? Subtle changes to the Fiesta’s classic shape give it a simpler, more sophisticated edge. A new bonnet shape increases nose height and the upper grille is larger. The new LED headlights give a more modern appearance, while the rear lights have a classy new black surround. Each trim level now has a more distinctive appearance. Our sporty ST-Line model gets a new upper grille with a deeper insert and gloss-black honeycomb finish, plus wide side vents. What’s it like inside? The Fiesta is pretty spacious, though the driving position can be slightly awkward for taller drivers. Materials quality is impressive. The technology is decent for a car of this size, especially the new 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The infotainment system’s screen feels a little dated, however. What’s the spec like? Our ST-Line Vignale costs £25,270, with features including 18-inch alloy wheels, ST-Line body kit, selectable drive modes, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment technology with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats and steering wheel, and various driver-assistance features. Total price was £27,970 after optional extras, including Matrix LED headlights (£850) and B&O premium sound system (£425). The parking pack is good value at £300. Although all this equipment makes the Fiesta more appealing, it does impact value for money when you consider the basic model starts at around £18,000.

Verdict

There’s still a lot to love about this smart supermini. It’s sweet to drive and comes with impressive equipment and technology. If you’re sensible with your specifications, it’s easy to get a smart supermini with everything you need for a small family.