2009 Ford Fiesta Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the first and second generation Ford Fiesta between 2004 and 2015 as a used buy.

There was no more crowded or competitive market in 2008 than the small car segment, which Ford contested with a new Fiesta. Despite modest engine capacity, it was rated as a driver's car and there were ample options and variants, from base CL three-door to sporty Zetec to Econetic turbo diesel.As the car market moved away from the big cars that were Ford's bread-and-butter, the company had to change as well. The reality was that smaller cars, and small cars, represented the future.Being the company's global small car the Fiesta was one chosen to help shove Ford into a new Falcon-less future. But was it the car to take on the big players in small cars? Given the raft of terrific littlies from Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Kia, it had to be very good.Ford had for some time tried to be funky to appeal to hip young buyers, and the WS Fiesta certainly had the looks to appeal.Older buyers who might have preferred a sedan were overlooked - Ford limited body styles to three and five-door hatches.The WS range at launch consisted of three models, the entry-level CL in both body styles, the five-door only LX and the sporty Zetec, also five-door.Two engines were available, but curiously the larger 1.6-litre was available only with the five-speed manual gearbox. If you wanted an automatic, it was coupled with a 1.4-litre.Not only did you have to accept a smaller engine, you had to contend with a four-speed auto when a five-speed would have been infinitely better for both performance and fuel economy.If performance was your priority the 1.6-litre manual was the way to go, zippy and frugal at the same time. The 1.4-litre plus auto drivetrain was sluggish and less economical.There was some relief late in the WS series when Ford released the Econetic, a five-door hatch with a 1.6-litre turbo diesel four that delivered exceptional economy.Lesser models in the range earned only four stars from ANCAP, but still had ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution. To get five stars you had to buy a Zetec, gaining extra airbags, stability control, traction control and emergency bake assist.You could have all of that in the lesser models by shelling out extra for the option pack.The good news for anyone considering a WS Fiesta is that it came from Germany. The WT that followed it was built in Thailand and build quality arguably slipped.The other good news is that the WS missed out on the sometimes troublesome double-clutch (DSG) auto that was fitted to the WT.The auto in the WS was a conventional torque converter automatic, which is largely trouble-free.The downside is the four ratios which, in tandem with the 1.4 that struggles for torque, means performance and fuel economy aren't great.Peter Smith and his wife are very pleased with the 2009 Fiesta Zetec they bought new. It's only done about 22,000km, it has always been serviced at a Ford dealership and it has never needed a warranty claim or any other attention. Peter's the main driver and says it's the best car that he's ever had.The things they dislike are the aircon's performance, which isn't up to the Queensland climate, reverse gear is hard to select and there's apparent cost cutting in some areas. On the plus side, they love the handling and the fuel economy.Tony and Aly Hicks love their 2010 Fiesta CL, which they bought new. The car has exceeded expectations - they really rate the automatic - and the road olding is excellent.It's a real driver's car despite the 1.4, and has been trouble free over the 54,000km it has done.The WS is standing up well in service. There's nothing that should be of serious concern to anyone looking to buy one.Before handing over your cash make the usual checks, ensuring there's a credible service record.Also make a thorough check of the body and paint, looking for dings and dents that might affect the value, and look closely for signs of crash repairs.Operate all ancillaries to make sure everything is in good order and functions as it should.A test drive is always recommended. Don't let the seller take the wheel; drive the car yourself. That's the only means by which you can tell if the car is right for you. It also gets around the situation of the seller driving in such a way as to conceal any issues.

Styling of the latest couple of generations of Ford Fiestas is bold and their stunning, almost futuristic, looks appeal to many, particularly those moving down from larger cars.The Ford Fiesta is sold as a three-door or five-door hatchback. The three-door has a sporty appearance, but the five-door certainly isn’t on the staid side. Getting into the back seat of the three-door Fiesta isn’t too difficult for the kids, but large adults will find it a hassle.Once in the back seat, occupants will find it reasonably spacious. The front seats are larger than average for a car in this class and are reasonably comfortable, though some may find them on the firm side in the German manner.Ford Australia is keen to please drivers looking for more than mere transport so imports its small cars from Europe. This makes them slightly more expensive than products from Holden, which are often made in South Korean factories, but Ford Oz has managed to keep prices down.The Fiesta comes in plenty of different variants. Most use a 1.4- or 1.6-litre petrol engine and offer a couple of drivetrain options. The WZ series Fiesta, introduced in August 2013, has an interesting pair of turbocharged power units, in particular a willing little three-cylinder 1.0-litre with plenty of spark in its response. Even better is the 1.6 turbo-petrol in the Fiesta ST, it has strong torque over a wide spread of revs and can be regarded as a low cost alternative to full-on hot hatches.The Ford Fiesta XR4, introduced in June 2007, is a genuine hot hatch, not just a dressed up standard model.  Inside, there are sporting seats with leather bolsters. Fiesta XR4 has lowered suspension and rides on Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Ride comfort is surprisingly good for the hot-hatch class.The XR4's big Duratec 2.0-litre engine gives plenty of performance in a light car such as this. Some will be disappointed that only a five-speed gearbox is used. However, it has nicely chosen ratios and the change action is slick and positive.A fascinating new model was launched in November 2009. The Ford Fiesta Econetic is a super-economy model that's powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine tuned specifically for low consumption. It has good torque, uses higher than normal gearing and runs on special low-rolling resistance tyres. The result is fuel consumption below four litres per hundred kilometres during easy motorway running and only five to seven litres per hundred kilometres in day-to-day suburban driving.A good home mechanic can do a fair bit of their own work on a Fiesta, but the underbonnet area is cramped. Leave the safety items to the experts. There are plenty of Ford dealers Australia wide. While uncommon parts for Fiestas may not be held in all country dealerships it usually only takes a couple of business days to have parts freighted out there. We seldom hear any real complaints about prices of parts or servicing. Plenty of mechanics running their own independent businesses will have had formal training while employed by Ford dealers in the past.Insurance premiums for the standard Ford Fiesta models are about average for its class. Some companies may charge more for the XR4 hot-hatch and the hot-ish Fiesta ST, though not outrageously so.WHAT TO LOOK FOREuropean cars aren't built to the high standards of Japanese ones, so be sure to arrange for a full professional inspection. Carefully check the interior for signs of damage due to poor assembly, also for damage done by rough or bored kids.Listen for squeaks or rattles when driving on rough roads, not necessarily outback tracks, just suburban surfaces that have seen better days. The Fiesta engine should start easily and idle smoothly virtually from the moment it kicks over. Listen and feel for a manual gearbox that hesitates or crunches during fast changes.Try the steering on full lock at low speeds both all the way to the right and the left. Listen for the clicking sounds that indicate worn universal joints. A Fiesta XR4 that has been driven hard can often be identified by uneven tyre wear. Also look for lowered suspension, big-diameter wheels and additional instruments.Rust isn't going to be a problem unless a car has been poorly repaired after a crash. Look for paint finish that doesn’t match from panel to panel and for overspray on non-painted areas.CAR BUYING TIPA simple way to check for rust repairs is to hold a magnet against a suspect area. It will stick to metal under the paint, but not to plastic fillers.

...and what to watch for when you are buying it.NEW - The Fiesta was Ford's attempt to win over small car buyers who shunned recent offerings from the Blue oval brand.The company made a big song and dance about appealing to young women with the Fiesta, but added that the sporting model in the range would appeal to young men. If it was having a bob each way there was no doubt the Fiesta was conceived to bring young women to the brand. The Fiesta looked funky, had a funky interior and was packed with all the funky features a young woman on the move could wish for.There were two body styles on offer, a three-door hatch and a five-door hatch, and three models, the price leading CL, the LX and the sporty Zetec. The mid range LX was only available as a five-door; the others could be had with three or five doors. Three engines were offered, two of them petrol and one a diesel.The petrol engines were a 1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre, but the diesel was the big noise with a claimed consumption of 3.7 L/100 km. There was also the choice of manual and automatic transmissions with the final drive being through the front wheels. On the road the Fiesta was poised when cornering, had a compliant ride, and its engines were smooth and flexible. Inside, it was quiet and refined, the seats were comfortable and there were plenty of nifty features like voice-controlled Bluetooth and a USB slot for an MP3 player.NOWFew complaints have been received at Carsguide, suggesting that Fiesta owners are generally happy with their purchase. The most common complaint relates to engine pinging, and despite dealer recommendations to switch to higher octane fuel it doesn't seem to go away. Fuel economy is also a concern for some owners, particularly with the 1.6-litre engine, which doesn't come close to the official Ford figure. Anyone buying for fuel economy should strongly consider the diesel, which does deliver very good economy.We have also had the odd report of the engine cutting out for no apparent reason, and dealers have not been able to find the cause of the problem. Random failures of this sort are quite common on today's cars with all their electronics. It only takes a poor connection somewhere, or a sensor that misbehaves occasionally and you have a car that does things that are difficult to explain.The performance of the air-conditioning has been called into question by a number of owners who say it blows cool rather than cold on hot summer days. Rattles are also the subject of complaint, which would appear to be the result of variable build quality. Like all modern cars servicing the Fiesta is vitally important to ensuring a long and reliable life, so check that the car you want to buy has been serviced regularly and according to the book.SMITHY SAYSA smart looking, great driving and fun-filled little hatch that's packed with character.Ford Fiesta 2009-2010Price new: $16,450 to $24,990Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 71 kW/125 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 88 kW/151 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 66 kW/200 Nm.Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, FWDThirst: 5.7 L/100 km (1.4), 5.8 L/100 km (1.6), 3.7 L/100 km (TD)Body: 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch Variants: CL, LX, Econetic, ZetecSafety: 5-star ANCAP

There's no doubt that today's buyers, particularly younger ones, don't feel the same need for size as their forebears who were sold on the concept that bigger was better. Today's buyers are more size-savvy and are happy to buy the car that fits their needs.In that context small cars, like Ford's Fiesta, have become important players in today's market. While they've resolved their size issues they still want their car to be sexy, and the Fiesta can claim to be that. With its slinky lines, pumped up guard flares and slimline headlamps it was as cute as a button.Inside, there was plenty of room for front seat passengers, but those in the rear found themselves a little snug thanks to the sweeping roofline that compromised their headroom. The interior was flashy and the design sometimes overrode function, although it was certainly appealing at first glance.MODEL WATCHFord's Fiesta range was made up of three and five-door hatch body styles, with entry level CL, mid-range LX and range-topping sportster Zetec, and 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines.The CL and Zetec were available in both body styles, but the mid-range XL was only available as a 5-door.The 1.4-litre Duratec unit developed 71kW at 5750rpm and 128Nm at 4200rpm, while the 1.6-litre engine boasted 88kW at 6000rpm and 152Nm at 4050rpm.Buyers also had the choice of transmissions with Ford offering a five-speed manual and a four-speed auto. Underneath the Fiesta had MacPherson Strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.IN THE SHOPWhile we have had few complaints from Fiesta owners, those we have had have been rather damning.Engine pinging is a common complaint and is something to be mindful of when test driving a potential purchase. Running the car on the more expensive higher-octane fuel doesn't necessarily fix the problem, and it rather defeats one of the purposes of buying small in the first place.We have also had reports of cars that simply cutout for no apparent reason, and the fault hasn't been diagnosed.Build quality can also be variable, so cast a critical eye over any cars under consideration for purchase and don't accept anything that's not quite right.Check for a service record to make sure the required maintenance has been done.IN A CRASHThe CL and LX only came with dual airbags; to get more you had to buy a Zetec, which came with head and side airbags as well. Dynamically all models had ABS brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, but again you had to buy a Zetec to get important features like emergency brake assistance, BAS, or dynamic stability control.To get those same features on the CL or LX you had to fork out an extra $1000 for the optional 'Safety Pack'. For anyone in the market for a used Fiesta should take note of that when out car shopping.UNDER THE PUMPFord claimed the Fiesta would average 6.1L/100km to 6.9L/100km, and would run on 91-octane unleaded.OWNERS SAYJeff Pegg has owned his WS 1.6-litre manual 3-door Fiesta CL a mere three months and already regrets it. Already $10,000 worth of parts has had to be replaced because of rust, which he believes should have been found if it was properly inspected prior to delivery.The engine also pinged terribly, even though the car was only run on 98 RON fuel, and while after three reflashes it is improved it still pings. The air-conditioning, in his view, is pitiful, and there is an annoying rattle in the dash that can't be traced. In both instances he has been told to "get used to" it.On the plus side Jeff says his Fiesta handles well, looks great, and is good to drive in the cooler months.Jeff reserves his harshest criticism for Ford's after-sales care, which he claims is "non-existent."AT A GLANCEPrice new: $16,450 to $22,990Engines: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 71 kW/125 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-  cylinder petrol, 88 kW/152 NmTransmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto, front-wheel driveEconomy: 6.9 L/100 km (1.4-litre auto), 6.1 L/100 km (1.6-litre man)Body: 3-door hatch, 5-door hatchVariants: CL, LX and ZetecSafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTGood looking, great driving little car that makes you want to drive small.RATING3 stars

Doing 100km of general running about for less than five bucks in fuel makes motoring pretty affordable. As manufacturers bring out more models with increasingly-amazing frugality, motorists are laughing all the way from the pumps. A generation ago, the 30 miles per gallon mark (9.4 litres/100km in metric speak) was a

It has already won a handful of awards, including the Carsguide green car of the year, but the biggest test for Ford's Fiesta Econetic remains.  Ford Australia chairman and CEO, Marin Burela, is confident the pre-arrival zeal for the country's most fuel efficient car will now be replaced by serious orders.However, he's not putting a figure on sales and with only a five-speed manual in its arsenal, the Econetic excludes a huge slice of automatic-only buyers who dominate the light car segment.Burela believes the buzz around Ford's newest bowser-buster will ensure its success.  "What really makes the Econetic special is that it is affordable," he says.PricingThe Econetic is the most expensive Fiesta on sale, with a $24,990 driveaway pricetag.  Even at that price it still undercuts the automatic Toyota Prius hybrid by about $15,000 and the Mini Cooper D by almost $9000.The Mini D is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.  When Ford first announced that it would bring in the frugal hatch, Burela says there were some who doubted the Econetic story and the ability of the company to bring it to Australia."But we proved them wrong," he says.  "Some dealers are already sold out of their Econetic allocation."Burela says the Econetic is the first of a series of Fords that will help give the company fuel economy leadership in every segment in which it competes.  In Europe Ford's Econetic lineup also includes a Focus and Mondeo.  If the Fiesta version is a success locally the company may also add the others.Drivetrain and economy measuresThe Econetic's uses the latest-generation common rail 66kW/200Nm 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and a five-speed manual gearbox tuned for economy.Other improvements include a "green" gearshift indicator, diesel particulate filter, low rolling-resistance tyres and a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare tyre to help trim weight.The car's ride height has also been lowered by 10mm and there are discrete air deflectors to reduce drag.  The Econetic achieves a combined fuel economy figure of 3.7 litres/100km and a highway figure of 3.2 litres/100km.With just 98 grams of harmful C02 emissions produced from its exhaust for every kilometre, the Econetic also has few emissions than any other conventional internal combustion engine.It is only the second vehicle to achieve a CO2 rating of under 100g/km and the only non-hybrid to get such an ultra-low figure.  The hybrid Prius is the other, with C02 emissions of 89g/km.Styling and equipmentVisually the Econetic is very similar to the rest of the front-wheel drive Fiesta range and is also built in Cologne, Germany.  Equipment is on a par with expectations, with a full suite of airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, anti-skid brakes and stability and traction control.Inside. the cabin is the same as the standard Fiesta CL.  What buyers are really paying for is the technology under the bonnet.DrivingThe remarkable thing about the Fiesta Econetic is that you can drive very economically without even trying.  Not only did we manage to win a mini-economy challenge with the air conditioning on, we even manage to dip below 3.5 litres/100km in 80km/h traffic outside Canberra last week, even seeing 3.0 litres/100km a one stage.Economy aside, it's very hard to pick the Econetic from other petrol models. Fortunately, the huge ‘Econetic’ livery on the test cars was just for the launch.  Whereas the Toyota Prius is an overt green statement in itself, the Fiesta prefers a low-key approach.There's an Econetic badge on the rump that tells part of the story and the discrete aero flaps and wheel trims let people know you're driving something a bit different.  Inside the ‘green’ shift change light lets you know the optimum gearchange, but most people will not know it's a frugal diesel.The 1.6-litre diesel - like many modern common rail engines - is both quiet and punchy low down, ideal for punting through peak-hour traffic. The engine is also rated for 5 per cent biodiesel.At highway speeds, engine noise is almost none-existent and the cabin, as we've experienced with the petrol Fiestas, is a very agreeable place to be with supportive seats, excellent visibility and the latest USB connectivity and Bluetooth expected by young buyers.The ride too is absorbent and handling nimble.  Perhaps the biggest problem with the littlest Ford hatch is a lack of an automatic.  In a market where most younger buyers opt for an automatic, the Econetic makes do with a five-speed manual.By not having an auto option, Ford has effectively halved the car's sales potential because buyers in this class overwhelmingly choose an auto over a manual.The Econetic driving experience might also feel a bit more special if the cabin had a more upmarket feel, perhaps borrowing some of the gear from the European Fiesta Titanium?  Why should frugal motorists miss out on a bit of luxury?Despite these minor quibbles, the Econetic is our new best friend.  Driving more than 1000km between refills is a powerful incentive.Ford Fiesta Econetic Price $24,990Engine 1.6-litre four cylinder turbo-diesel Power 66kW at 4000 revs Torque 200Nm from 1750 revsTransmission: Five-speed manualFuel use:  3.7 litres/100kmRivalsMini Cooper D Mini: fun but at a price ($33,750)Suzuki Alto: Surprisingly adept and an ideal city car ($12,990)Toyota Prius: Technology-plus but dull drive ($39,990)

The previous model was pretty good but this one raises the bar with more power, better economy and the same sporty dynamics.Power comes from a 1.4 or 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, depending on which transmission it is linked to.For some strange reason, if you want an automatic, then you are stuck with the smaller one - weird, but that's the way it is.For those who don't know, Ford owns Mazda and this car actually sits on the same platform as a Mazda2, itself a very good hatch.But that's where any similarity ends, because Fiesta is a fraction longer and wider and mechanically the two don't share components.Basically, what you're getting is the same excellent driving dynamics as the Mazda but in a funkier package.Unlike Holden, Ford has sourced this car from Europe and it shows.Though it probably costs them more, it's sure to pay dividends in the longer term because it's much better to drive.Fiesta is built in Germany but the company is planning to switch production to Thailand in the near future which, because of the Free Trade Agreement that exists between our countries, might mean lower prices ... but I wouldn't hold your breath.Our test car was the five-speed manual, with larger, more powerful engine.The 1.6 produces 88kW of power and 152Nm of torque.That is pretty good for an engine that's not turbocharged. It is not class leading but better than, say, a Barina or Hyundai Getz which are both competitors.A 1.6 and a five-speed are not exactly cutting edge technology, but the thing is they just work so well together making the car fun and rewarding to drive.This is the top of the line Zetec with three doors and all the bells and whistles.It looks a little different, with different front and rear bumpers, a different grille, and the addition of a body kit, rear spoiler, and larger 16-inch alloys. You can even get optional 17s.The Zetec comes with all the usuals, plus cruise control, voice-activated Bluetooth and a sound system with steering wheel audio controls and USB port.Prices start from $15,750 but this one is going to set you back $20,250 plus on-roads, of course.Getting into the car for the first time I was impressed with how comfortable the seats were. The partially leather-wrapped wheel has a nice, chunky feel that fits snugly in your hands, with a gear shift right there at your fingertips where you want it.There is plenty of hard plastic if you go looking for it, but all the surfaces you're likely to touch have been trimmed in soft material.The interior is dominated by the wild looking centre console, with small computer screen at the top.It takes a while to work out where everything is but it groups everything in one place.In terms of safety the Zetec gets the full Monty, seven airbags including one to protect your knees, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.The rear brakes are drums, but it doesn't seem to hinder braking performance.Economy for the manual is rated at 6.1-litres over 100km. It takes standard unleaded and, with a 43-litre tank, that means it's going to take less than $50 to fill up at today's price of about $1.10 a litre.During testing we were getting 6.7-litres/100km.I get to drive a lot of really fast and expensive cars as part of my job. It can make driving a hatch like this a bit of bore, but there's nothing boring about the Fiesta. It comes highly recommended.

Why do people say something is 'as cute as a button'.A button isn't cute. It's a fiddly, slippery thing thats entire life is dependant on a strand or two of cotton thread.It will break at the most inopportune time, causing grief to the wearer. Nothing about a button is cute.A Fiesta, however, IS cute.Even the first model easily fell into the `cute' category and was so alluring that thousands were sold to young ladies seeking style and sensibility. The latest is a bit more edgy in shape, but it still has the characteristics of the first model.Teardrop headlights and high, slim tail lights combine with the `bunched up' wedge profile of the Fiesta to make it a distinctive addition to the traffic.Subjectively, the three-door is prettier. It conveys a more sporty nature. The five is obviously more practical.The CL manual model tested comes with 15-inch steel wheels covered by silver-painted plastic covers. Again, practical — but not necessarily an elegant look. Edgy on the outside, interesting on the inside. The dashboard is neat, modern and very user friendly.Yes, there is a conflict of materials and colours but it works. There are even sections of soft-feel material on the dash that really lifts the car's perceived quality.There's also plenty of storage spaces — including a hinged pocket on the lower right-side of the dash — and a glovebox capable of accepting more than a glove.Driver's of all sizes should get comfortable in this car. The driver's seat is height adjustable and the steering wheel can adjust in both tilt and telescopic.Visibility is fine and parking is good because you can sense where the tail end is abruptly cut off. The small triangles of glass just forward of the front doors aid side vision.The front seats get surprisingly long cushions to support the thighs, which is very welcome for anyone spending a lot of time behind the wheel.There's room in the back for two adults with sufficient head and legroom, though like most of its rivals, the Fiesta seat is firm and shapeless.Shoppers will rejoice with a huge boot that is both deep and long. The seat is split-fold to boost cargo room.I disliked the tinny clang of the doors closing. Unusually, the rear hatch closes with a solid thump.The boot's hatch is generous in the size and height of its opening but may be difficult for smaller people to close.Ford provides a space-saver spare though a full-size wheel can fit. The test car had an optional “full-size” 80km/h-limited 175/50R14 Goodyear Duraquip spare that appears physically as big as the 195/50R15 road wheel.If you drive in the country, get this Duraquip version or, better, ask for a proper tyre. The CL five-door manual model tested here is the entry-level version with a $16,490 sticker price.You may save $740 by forgoing two doors but if you have any more than two friends, you may end up regretting that saving.Ford add more goodies for the LX ($18,490) and Zetec ($20,990). Autos add $1500 but the engines are only 1.4 litres, not the 1.6 units fitted to all the manual models. Deduct $740 for the three-door models.Electronic stability control, traction control and five extra airbags — taking the number to seven — cost $1000 as a package and no owner should leave the showroom with out it.For those of you who came in late, the Fiesta is basically a Mazda2 and that's all good news.The front-wheel drive baby gets an 88kW/152Nm 1.6-litre engine for the manual transmission model.But opt for the auto and the engine is a smaller 71kW/128Nm 1.4-litre unit.Ford claims 6.1 litres/100km for the manual and 6.9 l/100km for the auto with CO2 emissions starting at a low 143g/km.The chassis is very simple with conventional design and components that indicate simple and inexpensive servicing and repair. The CL's list of features is a string of “A” in the Ford brochure. A stands for Accessory.But there is airconditioning with a pollen filter, electric front windows, heated and electric mirrors, and a single-CD with MP3 compatibility, an iPod jack and audio controls on the steering wheel. The Fiesta will perform a lot better than you may expect.The 1.6-litre engine is a torquey, quiet and frugal little unit that has a pleasing kick at about 4000rpm. The gearbox is a conventional five-speeder with accurate shifts and, together with the clutch, a light operation.Fuel economy on test was 7.2 litres/100km but I was enjoying the engine and could have done a lot better. Sorry.Handling is surprisingly secure. This is a light car and can move about a bit in sidewinds however displays none of this nervousness through the bends.The steering is overly light but it all feels comfortably connected. People who enjoy a drive will wear smiles equally as wide as owners ho just want a cheap-ish commuter.The brakes are front discs and rear drums but there's no complaint from me about their performance.I liked the ride comfort of the Fiesta mainly because I was expecting a light, thumpy ride. But it's all tied down neatly and the car will soak up bumps without a worry.

Marin Burela believes it's the imports, and the global Focus that will be built here from 2011, which are the real key to the future success of the blue oval downunder.The first time we met, at the Paris Motor Show the week he was confirmed at Broadmeadows, Burela pointed to the all-new Fiesta on the Ford stand and promised it would be a future star. And he was right.The baby Ford is as good as it gets in the compact class, with great looks and a driving experience that is way beyond the bargain-basement bumblers which do most of the $15,000-ish showroom business in Australia.The new Fiesta is priced from $15,750 yet delivers a premium drive, even as a basic five-door CL.Yes, there are a few shortcuts and we are not happy that buyers have to pay an extra $1000 for a full set of airbags and ESP stability control. But that is the way things work in the light-car class, and even the benchmark Toyota Yaris fails to deliver all the safety standards that buyers should expect in 2009.The new Fiesta is part of a new global product push by Ford that is doing the job the keeping the company profitable and successful in Europe and beyond, despite all the troubles at home in the USA. It is has just been joined by the latest Ka, which is not looking good for Australia, and the next Focus is also coming up fast.If it looks familiar it's partly because it has an under-the-skin link to the Mazda2, which shares many of its key components and engineering thinking.But what makes the Fiesta so good - as I have come to expect from imported Fords - is the focus on driving enjoyment. The car is more than just a basic box for city commuting and that is always a welcome when something new hits the Carsguide test fleet.The Fiesta range is the usual run of three and five-door hatches, with a standard 1.6 litre engine, two airbags and anti-skid brakes. But the automatic only gets a 1.4 in the nose, to hold the torque back to the level of the self-shifter gearbox.Prices open at $15,750, which is about right in 2009 with everything new on the import line heading for exchange-rate rises, and goes up to $22,490 for the loaded Zetec auto.Standard equipment is good, with air-con and CD sound and power steer and the rest, although the big spend brings the predictable upgrades to alloy rims and upmarket sound and an airbag package including protection for the driver's knees."The all-new Fiesta will be the hottest property in the light car segment," says Burela.He is probably right, and the car should be a huge hit with the young women who are Ford's primary target, but the company still has to prove it can convert quality cars into the sort of sales which have Toyota looking over its shoulder. DrivingThe new Fiesta is a tight little package.It looks good, has a quality feel, and drives as well, or better than, anything in its price and size class.For my money, it's the benchmark. And genuinely better than the Toyota Yaris which leads light-car sales in Australia.The new Fiesta is even better than the first model I drove in Australia. And that means it is very, very good.There are people who will say it is just a Mazda2 with a Ford badge, but that is not right. And it undervalues the work done by Ford of Europe engineers on the way their baby feels and drives.Benchmarked against the latest 2, which is up at the top of the class with the Honda Jazz, the Fiesta feels more substantial, more planted, and more enjoyable to drive.The styling of the Fiesta reflects the blue oval's latest direction, with a shape that cuts through traffic and a cabin which is stylish and quality for the class. I'm not a fan of the extra-window look at the bottom of the windscreen pillar, even though it improves visibility, but it moves the car away from the 2 and is typical of a lot of Euro newcomers.The dash is well designed and the controls are good to use, with a mini computer for sound controls, although there was an annoying squeak in the test car which was impossible to trace.Running through the basics, the seats are comfy and supportive, the gearshift is light and direct, the power steering is good and the car is fairly easy to park. It's a bit pinched for rear vision, and there is no radar park assist in the CL starter, but it is fine at the supermarket.The boot is about average for the class, but nothing special, and the back seat is really only for two adults. I also found the CL steering wheel a strange shape and feel, and some of the finishing work - on things like the carpet in the boot - shows Ford has been pushing hard to restrain its costs.But drive the Fiesta and you forget any minor niggles. It gets along crisply, has great cornering grip and balance, and feels as meaty and planted as anything under $20,000.There is road noise from the tyres on some coarse surfaces, a common complaint on a lot of Euro cars, but that is the only thing to fault in the dynamic package. The brakes are good, the headlamps are fine, and it feels as if it will stay tough for the long run.Up against its rivals, the Fiesta is not as clever as the Jazz or as edgy as the Mazda2, and the Yaris is just the Yaris and the default choice for a lot of Toyota fans, but it is the best car in the class and the one that everyone should drive before they buy.