Ford Fiesta Review
The built of the Ford Fiesta Hatchback is surprisingly sturdy for its price; the aggressive design, the broad waistline, and the up-swept lines gives it a stocky feel that makes it a popular car leasing model. The interior – although mostly made of standard plastic – looks clean and functional. All in all, the Ford Fiesta Hatchback looks more expensive than it actually is. Amber Rating – 5 Stars
Specs
The Ford Fiesta Hatchback comes in both petrol and diesel. Petrol drivers can choose among the 59bhp and 80bhp (1.25-litre), the 95bhp (1.4), and the 118bhp (1.6) models. Most contract hire and leasing companies also carry the Ford Fiesta Hatchback diesels – the 67bhp (1.4) and the 89bhp (1.6). The latter tends to be more popular, as it there’s an “Econetic” option that has been tested to be ultra efficient. Amber Rating – 4 Stars
Performance
If you are interested in the 1.4 petrol engines, you may find problems with the optional 4-speed auto gearbox, which tends to hamper acceleration. The best-reviewed Ford Fiesta Hatchback (and also the most popular in the car leasing industry) seems to the higher-powered 1.25 version, which has more than enough power for its class. The price is also very reasonable. Amber Rating – 4 Stars
Ride and Handling
The suspension of the standard Ford Fiesta Hatchback is soft enough to give a make a ride comfortable despite lumpy roads. If you require a firmer setup, try the Zetec S, which has decidedly heavier steering. The ride and handling of both setups are perfectly fine, though. The Ford Fiesta Hatchback doesn’t disappoint even on bad road conditions. Amber Rating – 5 Stars
Refinement
This super mini is one of the most refined. The Ford Fiesta Hatchback engines drive smooth, and wind noise at high speeds is minimal. Suspension and road are almost eliminated; you might forget you were driving a very small car. Amber Rating – 4 Stars
Safety & Security
This budget car does not scrimp on safety. Five airbags (one of which is for the driver’s knee) come as standard. Also free with the car is a visible VIN and deadlocks. However, at this price range, you can’t expect stability control and curtain airbags to come as standard. Amber Rating – 4 Stars
Ergonomics
The cabin is quite spacious even for taller adults. The seats are ergonomically designed to provide ample back support. To help drivers find their ideal driving posture, a two-way steering adjustment is standard. Boot space is decent and the dash (supposedly inspired by a mobile phone) features on-screen menus that are easy to scroll through and quite intuitive. The door pulls are plastic; all the plastic components on the rear door panels and down the dash also feel a bit tacky, but their positioning make sense. Amber Rating – 5 Stars
