Ford Fiesta 2013-2017 review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

Ford Fiesta offers fun driving but lacks interior space.

Transcript

this is the Ford Fiesta and it's been one of Britain's best selling cars for four or five decades in fact how many decades is it it's' 70s ' 80s 9s naughties and whatever we call the current decade I don't know I've actually owned three fiestas in my time so I've had one exactly like that one like that my favorite one like that but I have to say th... Read More

Key Insights

• The Ford Fiesta has been a popular choice in the UK for several decades, known for its fun driving experience.
• The current model is considered the best yet, but it is more expensive than expected, starting at £135,000.
• While the boot is larger than some rivals, its usability is compromised by a high loading lip and limited features.
• Rear seating in the three-door version is cramped, especially in terms of knee room and headroom, compared to competitors.
• The interior design feels outdated, particularly the infotainment system, which is less user-friendly than rivals like the Volkswagen Polo.
• Driving dynamics are a highlight, with engaging handling and responsive steering, though the ride is firmer than some competitors.
• The 1.0 L Ecoboost engine offers a good balance of performance and efficiency, but real-world fuel economy may not meet Ford's claims.
• Despite some drawbacks, the Fiesta remains a fun and engaging car to drive, making it worth shortlisting for potential buyers.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the Ford Fiesta stand out in terms of driving experience?

The Ford Fiesta is known for its fun and engaging driving experience. Its responsive steering and sporty handling make it enjoyable to drive, with a lively and fizzy feel. The car offers a sense of connectivity between the driver and the vehicle, enhancing the overall driving pleasure.

Q: How does the boot space of the Ford Fiesta compare to its rivals?

The Ford Fiesta offers a larger boot space compared to some of its rivals. However, its practicality is compromised by a high loading lip, making it difficult to load heavy items. Additionally, the boot lacks useful features, which can limit its usability for everyday needs.

Q: What are the drawbacks of the Ford Fiesta's interior design?

The Ford Fiesta's interior design feels outdated, particularly the infotainment system, which is less user-friendly compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Polo. The layout of the buttons is modeled on an old mobile phone, and the materials used in the cabin feel brittle and cheap, detracting from the overall experience.

Q: How does the rear seating of the Ford Fiesta compare to its competitors?

The rear seating in the Ford Fiesta, especially in the three-door version, is cramped compared to competitors. Knee room and headroom are tight, making it less comfortable for passengers. The five-door version offers slightly more space, but it still falls short compared to rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa.

Q: What are the engine options available for the Ford Fiesta?

The Ford Fiesta offers several engine options, including the 1.0 L Ecoboost turbo petrol engine with 100 horsepower, which provides a good balance of performance and efficiency. For those who drive long distances, a 1.5 L diesel engine is available, and for those seeking more power, the 1.6 L turbo petrol engine in the ST model is an option.

Q: Is the Ford Fiesta's fuel economy as good as claimed by Ford?

Ford claims that the 1.0 L Ecoboost engine in the Fiesta should achieve 65 miles per gallon. However, in real-world driving conditions, the trip computer shows an average of 47 miles per gallon. This discrepancy suggests that the actual fuel economy may not meet the manufacturer's claims for all drivers.

Q: What are some of the unique features of the Ford Fiesta?

The Ford Fiesta includes some unique features such as Ford's Easy Fuel system, which eliminates the need for a fuel filler cap. The car also offers a heated windscreen for quick defrosting, ambient mood lighting for the cup holders, and a programmable key that allows setting a maximum top speed and stereo volume, ideal for lending the car to younger drivers.

Q: Should potential buyers consider the Ford Fiesta?

Potential buyers should consider shortlisting the Ford Fiesta, primarily due to its engaging driving dynamics and fun handling. While it has some drawbacks, such as cramped rear seating and an outdated interior, its overall performance and unique features make it a compelling option in the supermini class.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Ford Fiesta remains a popular choice in the UK, known for its engaging driving experience and sporty handling. However, it faces challenges with interior space and outdated design elements, particularly in the infotainment system.

• While the Fiesta's boot is larger than some rivals, its practicality is limited by a high loading lip and minimal features. Rear seating is cramped, especially in the three-door version, making it less ideal for passengers.

• Despite these drawbacks, the Fiesta's fun driving dynamics and responsive steering make it a compelling option. The 1.0 L Ecoboost engine balances performance and efficiency, though real-world fuel economy may fall short of expectations.