Iconic Films
2 for 1 tickets to Singin' In The Rain, this coming Monday. Book now
Navigation - link to other main sections from here
Ford Fiesta
Launched in 1976, the Ford Fiesta quickly established itself as the ultimate
supermini. It was a top seller in its sector for 13 years and became the
bread-and-butter car for everyone from cash-strapped nurses to students and
young mothers.
However, today it can no longer claim to be cheap and cheerful.
Used versions of the most recent incarnation of the Fiesta, launched in early
2002, cost more than most of their supermini competitors despite many of
them being faster, better equipped and visually more exciting.
Why should the residuals remain so strong? The answer is simple: it drives the
best. Ford seems to have invested all its know-how in creating a car that is
genuinely superb to drive. Take one along a challenging B road and you’ll
understand. It boasts a slick five-speed transmission, responsive brakes and
plenty of pulling power low down the rev range. The chassis is excellent and
what the Fiesta lacks in power it more than makes up for in agility.
Unfortunately for Ford, all that great engineering may be a waste of time for
a car that will be spending most of its life in built-up areas travelling at
less than 30mph.
But unlike the majority of its previous incarnations, which were often a
triumph of style over substance, this latest car is a truly well engineered
piece of kit.
Open the door and you’ll find the latest Fiesta is also very grown up. No XR2
stripes here, and not a Recaro seat in sight either. Instead it is all about
understated good taste. There is plenty of room in the front and the back.
The driver’s seat adjusts up and down, as does the steering column, and the
gearstick is perfectly to hand — making it an excellent driving environment.
Fire up any of the engines, whether petrol or diesel, and you’ll have no
problem with refinement. The TDCi diesel engine, also found in the Citroën
C3 and Peugeot 206, is almost as quiet as the petrol units. Despite the fact
that most Fiesta drivers cover less than the national annual average of
miles it’s the ultra-economical 1.4 TDCi unit that I’d recommend. It returns
more than 50mpg and is eager to please, pulling strongly in any gear in a
wide rev range, making it feel much quicker than the 0-60mph time of 14.4sec
would suggest.
When it came to choosing a trim level Ford initially tried to make it easy.
The entry level LX is basic: no alloys, no air-conditioning and no metallic
paint. Step up a notch to the Zetec and you should get a bit more — the
alloys appear but still no metallic paint or air-conditioning as standard.
At the top of the range is the Ghia, which has air-conditioning but still no
metallic paint.
In fact one of the Fiesta’s weaknesses is the lack of standard kit. Sit it
next to a similarly priced Nissan Micra and the differences become
embarrassing: no auto wipers, no alarm, no on-board computer, no climate
control and no side airbags.
However, for a city runaround this lack of technology should mean an increase
in reliability. As my father would say: “If you haven’t got it, then it
can’t go wrong.” This is certainly true of the Fiesta. Throw in the fact
that it drives most other cars in its class off the tarmac and it is clear
the Fiesta is still great value for money as a used buy.
Air-conditioning An optional extra on LX and Zetec models but
a very desirable one
Transmission Five-speed manual is standard with option of
traditional auto box on 1.6 models and the Durashift EST semi-auto
clutchless gearbox on 1.4 litre petrol cars
Engine Superb economy from 1.4 TDCi engine makes it the most
sought after
Servicing Due every 12,500 miles or 12 months, whichever is
the sooner
Safety Side airbags an option on all models, but the Fiesta
scores a respectable four stars in Euro NCAP crash testing
Security Engine immobiliser is standard but alarm is an
option on all but top-spec Ghia and recently introduced Zetec S and ST models
Stereo CD standard on LX, Zetec and Ghia models
Boot space 253-litre boot is the biggest of any Fiesta yet;
spare wheel is stowed inside the boot floor, protecting it from theft
Insurance Group 3 on the 1.25 petrol, group 4 on the 1.4
petrol and diesel and group 6 on the 1.6 litre petrol
Wheels Alloys are standard on Zetec and Ghia models
Brakes Front discs, rear drums, excellent antilock braking
with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) as standard
Vital statistics
Model Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi
Engine Four-cylinder, 1388cc diesel
Power 68bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 64.2mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 14.4sec
Top speed 102mph
The one to buy
Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Zetec 5dr with air-conditioning, 2003 03-reg with 20,000
miles. Pay £7,275 from a dealer or £6,500 privately
Or for similar money
2003 53-reg Nissan Micra 1.5dCi SE
2003 53-reg Peugeot 206 2.0HDi Eco
2004 04-reg Fiat Punto 1.3 Multijet
2002 51-reg Honda Jazz 1.4i-DSI SE
2002 52-reg Citro‘n C3 1.4 HDi
I bought a ford fiesta for my wifes birthday and after 11000 miles we noticed a pulsating road noise which is intrusive took it back to ford who told us "this is a common problem pecuiliar to fiesta and focus models and istyre noise caused by wear this not covered by warranty. anybody else with this problem
William Noel, Oxford, England
my ford fiesta 1400 ghia on a 55 plate,had it from new after 11,000 miles.both rear wheel bearings went within four weeks of each other.has put me off ford for life.swapping mine next week no more fords for me
thomas young, nottinghamshire, england
Mine is an '03 model 1.6 ghia with 19,000 miles on the clock,
The crankshaft seal has just started to leak oil. The engine is noisy, inside and out, and it clatters at tick over, despite regular servicing. It has a sharp clutch which judders whilst turning left especially when cold. The nearside front tyre scrubs on the outside edge despite regular tracking checks.
( A few other owners have reported this)
Apart from that, it runs well, although it doesn't like high speed, so stick to 70 to 80 mph. Handling is good, so is the heating and air con. Contrary to sales hype it is not that spacious, and the rear pillars are a blind spots.
The front is ok, but the rear can be cramped, however it is a small car and is ideal for two people. Radio/CD is average and Ford really ought to do more competitor research.
I am soon trading in my Fiesta for a VW or perhaps a Skoda,
from what i've seen and heard, these are much better vehicles all round.
John, London, Middx
good little car solidly built roomy compared to older models,1.6 engine little bit noisy but goes very well not a bad turn of speed,had one for nearly four months very pleased with it so far,previous car mondeo st24
Richard Edward Millward, wrexham, wrexhm county