The Ford Fiesta is a British motoring icon, and the latest model picks up where the old model left off at the top of the UK sales charts. It’s one of the best ‘real-world’ cars around, because it ticks all of the rational boxes, but also manages to be great fun to drive.
The Fiesta offers great value for money, and not just because it’s relatively cheap to buy. It’s comfortable, refined, practical and comes with plenty of standard kit, while the agile handling means it can easily put a smile on your face on the most mundane of journeys. With improvements made to cabin quality, infotainment and space, the Ford Fiesta is the best it’s ever been.
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About the Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is the best selling car in Britain. The latest generation was launched in 2017 and in many ways it was the arrival of this Fiesta which probably spurred the supermini market into action; the last one was so good, how could Ford go wrong with the follow-up? As a result, brand-new versions of the SEAT Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo, Citroen C3, Kia Rio and Suzuki Swift arrived, updates were made to the Hyundai i20, Mazda 2 and Renault Clio, while big incentives were placed on models like the Vauxhall Corsa, Skoda Fabia and Peugeot 208 to help them stay attractive to buyers. It all means that buyers looking for a supermini have never had so much choice.
That’s especially true of the Fiesta range itself. Ford has realigned the Fiesta model line-up to ensure there’s something to suit everyone. There’s nine models on offer, from the entry-level Trend through to the sportier ST-Line versions, and the hardcore ST to consider for those possibly thinking of the odd track day experience.
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There is, though, the inevitable downside, with prices now starting at just over £17,000 it’s not as affordable as it once was. And, if you want to specify additional luxury kit you’ll certainly pay for it: the ST-Line Vignale costs more than £22,000, while Ford wants around £26,000 for the racy ST-3 model.
A facelift in 2022 brought in some styling tweaks, with Ford introducing its new family face which will feature on all upcoming models. There’s a larger, more angular grille, with the blue oval badge now sitting within it, rather than at the top. The bonnet has also been redesigned, the nose of the car raised and new LED headlights fitted.
The sportier ST-Line models add a more aggressive front bumper, with a gloss black honeycomb mesh grille, and the higher-riding Fiesta Active now features vertical grille bars, plastic body cladding and silver accents at the front. New wheel designs are available across the range and two further body colours are listed on the options list; Boundless Blue and Beautiful Berry. Updated on-board tech and extra safety kit is included, too.
Unlike some rivals that now only come with a five-door body, the Fiesta is still offered with three or five doors on certain models, for a premium of around £400. In terms of engines, there are three petrols available. The 1.1 Ti-VCT is the base engine, and delivers 74bhp. The 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo petrol is the staple of the range, and it comes in 99bhp, 123bhp and 153bhp variants, with the two most powerful versions using mild-hybrid technology to help improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The sporty ST-2 and ST-3 use a punchy 1.5T EcoBoost engine with 197bhp, while the frugal 1.5 TDCi diesel engine was removed from the Fiesta range in 2020.
All cars use a six-speed manual transmission (with the exception of the 1.1L Ti-VCT five-speed manual), while the 123bhp petrol version is offered with the option of a seven-speed DCT auto ‘box.
The Fiesta range also includes the Fiesta Active with its raised ride height and off-road styling for people who want an SUV, but like the compact dimensions of a supermini.
Used and nearly new
The Ford Fiesta was first launched back in 1976 and, 40 years later, it’s more popular than ever. It’s been through eight generations over the years, but each one has been a huge success with the Blue Oval baby regularly topping the UK new car sales charts.
One of the first Ford models to get front-wheel drive, the Fiesta has always aimed to deliver practicality and low running costs above all else. The very early cars are now considered classics, while latest models represent one of the best small car used buys thanks to their upmarket appearance and sparkling driving dynamics.
Ford Fiesta history
Ford Fiesta Mk8: 2017-present
The latest Ford Fiesta is one of the best yet, combining its predecessor’s style and driving sparkle with an upmarket interior that’s packed with kit. It’s also a fraction roomier inside, while as before there’s a choice of rakish three-door and versatile five-door layouts. The high performance ST tops the range, but there are also luxurious Vignale and tough-looking Active models. Most versions also get the firm’s excellent SYNC3 infotainment system. Read our full Ford Fiesta Mk8 buyer’s guide here.
Ford Fiesta Mk7: 2008-2017
Combining head-turning looks with brilliant driving dynamics, the Mk7 Fiesta is a truly desirable small car. There’s a choice of three and five-door bodystyles, with both providing decent space and versatility. You’re also spoiled when it comes to engines, with a wide array of efficient petrol and diesels, plus there’s the fiery ST hot hatch. All cars are well equipped, but Bluetooth was an option on early cars, so double check if it’s fitted. Read our full Ford Fiesta Mk7 buyer’s guide here.
Ford Fiesta Mk6: 2002-2008
The first genuinely all-new Fiesta since 1989, the Mk6 was heavily influenced by the brand’s trademark late Nineties ‘New Edge Design’. With square-edged styling and upright stance it looked more mini-MPV than supermini. More grown-up to drive than previous versions, it had a quality look and feel that rivalled models such as the VW Polo. It’s still a practical and reliable used car option, with bargain basement prices making it a great choice for those looking to buy a small car on a shoestring budget. You can read our full Ford Fiesta Mk6 buyer’s guide here.
Older Ford Fiesta models
Making its debut back in 1978, the original Fiesta was Ford’s first mainstream model to combine front-wheel drive and a hatchback. It was also one of the first to jump on the junior hot hatch bandwagon with the XR2. It’s now considered a classic, but many have rusted away to nothing.
Essentially a heavy facelift of the first-generation car, the Mk2 debuted in 1984 with a more rounded look. It also featured a less utilitarian interior and the option of a diesel for the first time.
When the Mk3 arrived in 1989 it became the first Fiesta to get a five-door option, while it also featured big car features such as optional ABS brakes. Wild RS Turbo model packed 130bhp and was identified by its green bumper inserts.
In 1995 a heavily revised Mk5 appeared and used all of Ford’s chassis-tuning know-how from the first Mondeo to deliver class-leading ride and handling. It was also the first to get the brilliantly smooth and responsive 16 valve Zetec SE petrol engines that continued to be used right through to the Mk7. However, it’s ‘fish face’ styling wasn’t to all tastes.