Fiesta: A big step forward

4:00pm Thursday 20th November 2008

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ANY new Ford is big news and especially when it’s better value, more fun to drive, frugal on fuel and greener than before.

The big manufacturer’s products, such as the ground-breaking Focus and talented Mondeo, are among the best family motors you can buy and now another favourite, the new-model Fiesta, has just gone on sale.

Given its stylish, sweeping design and driving ability there is every likelihood that it will shoot straight to the top of the tree in the supermini bracket.

Although the Fiesta has been in the sales charts for more than a generation and over the years the different models have largely redesigned the town car, the newcomer is probably a bigger step forward than ever before. It is so thoroughly modern in its exterior and interior design and technology and it possesses the kind of driving excellence that you get from cars like the Focus.

Despite its major updates, it is still recognisable as a Fiesta which is no doubt an important asset to the make-up of this long-running icon.

The new model comes in three and five-door styles and is priced from £8,695 to £155 less than the outgoing equivalent.

Certainly, for the money, the Fiesta has a features list as long as your arm and it includes Ford’s capless refuelling and keyless entry. As usual with Ford, there is a full complement of models and specifications with a choice of engines comprising four 16-valve petrol (1.2, 1.4 and 1.6-litre) and two turbo diesels.

A key development is the all-new special economy version, offering the impressive torque of the 1.6-litre Duratorg diesel with target CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometre achieved through careful engine calibration, lowered suspension, aerodynamic improvements and a non-maintenance diesel particulate filter.

Driving enthusiasts are not forgotten, thanks to an all-new 120PS 1.6-litre petrol motor which can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and still achieve a combined fuel return of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

The ride can be somewhat firm in the city which is part of the pay-off for the excellent handling and road holding characteristics. But the ride is also supple, well controlled and comfortable on the open road.

Inside, the centre console is a striking and attractive feature and built into it is an entertainment system laid out just like the face of the familiar mobile phone.

There are numerous controls in and around the dash but Ford has managed to make the layout logical and easy to use.

Behind the wheel, the driver gets plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment to find a good and comfortable position. It has a classy, roomy and easy-to-live-with cabin for everyday use while the all-round space in the rear is also good for a supermini and is more generous than before. This also applies to the luggage area where space amounts to 295 litres. Useful storage places are everywhere and there are also charging points for mobile phones and MP3 players.

Along with Ford’s quality construction, the Fiesta offers greater strength and safety than before with robust crash protection even before you include up to seven airbags.

It’s worth placing on your shortlist.

At-a-glance.

Ford Fiesta 1.6 (90) Duratorg TDCi.

Titanium five-door.

Price £13,695.

Top speed: 109mph.

0-62: 11.9mph: Fuel: 67.3mpg (combined fig).

Emissions CO2 (g/km): 110.

Verdict: Drives really well, classy interior, first-rate road-holding build qualities.