2010 Ford Fiesta Reviews

SUZUKI ALTO GLXNeil McDonald"IT'S almost cheap enough to put on a credit card."  So chirps a forthright female friend when I mentioned that the Alto costs just $11,790 for the starter GL model.  She did cringe when I pulled up to head out on the town though, expecting something larger than our modest Alto.  But as she settled in, elbow to elbow, the little Suzie won her over with its bright red paint scheme and bug-eyed headlights.As it whipped through inner city traffic she was even more startled by the quality of its ride, composure and zip.  Most people who have driven or been ferried around in Suzuki's little car warm to it. It is winning over friends everywhere.There are two reasons why — fuel economy and ease of parking.  The five-speed manual Alto sips fuel at the rate of 4.8 litres of petrol every 100km, allowing a reasonable range from its 35-litre tank before you have to duck into a servo.It's the ideal city car. The diminutive 1.0-litre three-cylinder is surprisingly capable around town and the five-speed is a breeze.  Being a three-cylinder it does tend to throb like a heartbeat at idle but this quirky characteristic only adds to its charm.But where it does come into its own is crowded supermarket carparks.  You can manoeuvre the Alto into the tiniest spaces, duck in to grab the groceries and be on your way while some drivers are still reversing their juggernaut off-roaders into place.The $12,490 GLX manual we drove has a few tasty must-haves like electronic stability control but also nice alloys, foglights, tachmeter, four-speaker stereo and height-adjustable driver's seat.  The only thing we really thought is missing from the spec sheet is electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.However, adjusting the passenger's mirror is reasonably easy because the car's so compact.The GLX has all the goodies but even the base GL does not skimp.  It comes with six airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, CD stereo with MP3 input and remote central locking.  What really surprises people about the Alto is its big-car like ride. The suspension is firm but rides the bumps well and the steering is direct and well-weighted. The front seats too, which are based on those in the bigger Swift, are comfy.Small children will fit in the back but it is tight for adults. Likewise the boot is relatively small. One person we know who owns one keeps the rear seats flipped forward all the time to carry gear.  Since it went on sale 10 months ago Suzuki Australia has been struggling to keep up with demand.  We can understand why.Suzuki Alto GLXPrice: From $11,790 (GL)Engine: 1.0 litresEconomy: 4.5 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front and side head airbags, four-speaker CD stereo, anti-skid brakes, electronic stability control, air conditioning, electric windowsTick: Compact size makes parking a breezeCross: Lack of electrically adjustable exterior mirrorsKIA RIONathan MawbyONCE upon a time 'cheap and cheerful' meant a Datsun 120Y with a smiley face painted on.  Thankfully a few decades on the Kia Rio is in the picture.You could go for the ultra cheap base model for $12,990.  Spring for the four speed auto for about $17,400 drive away and you'll be a lot more cheerful than those who cheaped out on a base model when you inevitably get stuck in traffic.But the Rio doesn't stop at being cheap, it goes out of its way to save you money.  Even with the 1.6L four cylinder engine (there's also a 1.4L) speeding tickets will be the last thing on your mind.That's because you'll start to feel sorry for it at around 6000 RPM. At which point you'll be doing between 40 and 50km/h.  It can handle 100km/h, just give it a little time to get there and don't be shy about putting the foot down on hills. But you're not buying a cheap car to break the sound barrier.  If you're bound and determined to do so you could try driving it off something very, very tall — but that would void the Rio's five year unlimited kilometres warranty.  For your safety and that of others, do not do this.The flip side of a small engine is saving money on petrol, with a fuel economy of 6.8L/100km who's going to argue?  The Rio is going to suit those who want a car to go from A to B, and it ranges from average to brilliant on this front.  Handling in tight spaces, like shopping plaza car parks, is an example of the latter.Combine the responsive steering with its compact size and you can look forward to finally getting that Holy Grail car park near the doors. You know the one, it's between the two poles with paint scrapings at about the same height as the rear bumper of an over-ambitious four-wheel drive.But when you're finished bargain hunting with all the money you've saved buying a cheap car the small size will come back to haunt you as the tiny boot mocks any attempt to squeeze your new 42" plasma into it.   Add some groceries, a few bags of clothes and you'll be inching the front seats forward before coughing up bus fare for your passengers.On the plus side that means you'll be able to choose what you listen to on the way home.  Which is important when you've got a set of Tweeter speakers hooked up to an equalizer that tailors the cars sound system to your favourite tunes.A blue tooth system and iPod and mp3 connectivity will also help steer young drivers away from using their phone or iPod. A potentially life saving feature.But with a base model ANCAP rating of three stars you may feel like you're putting your bank balance ahead of your life.First car buyers on a budget and retirees looking to down size will appreciate a lot of what the Rio has to offer — just avoid freeways.Kia RioPrice: From $14,990Engine: 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre (please check with Nathan)Economy: 6.7 litres/100km, 6.8 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front airbags, four-speaker CD stereo, power steering, air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking.Likes: Industrial strength heating, headroom and vision, particularly side mirrors,Dislikes: Lack of power, uninspired exterior, poor use of interior space, particularly the bootFORD FIESTAFiona HudsonFIRST, an admission: there's quite a few unworn items hanging forlornly up one end of my wardrobe, sale tags still attached.  Pristine pieces include a shirt bought at such a discount that burnt-orange and brown stripes seemed an attractive combo, and jeans so cheap I kidded myself dropping two sizes would be easy.Yep, I'm a total sucker for a bargain.  So a declaration I was absolutely smitten with the Ford Fiesta CL prompted knowing nods from my partner who assumed its low price colored my judgement.There's no disputing this little ripper is value for money. The base model includes air-conditioning, CD sound system, power steering, electric windows, two airbags, anti-skid brakes and remote locking (check!).More importantly though, the Fiesta is a great drive.  The peppy 1.6-litre engine made buzzing around inner-city op shops and vintage stores even more of a joy than usual.  It accelerates brilliantly, corners neatly, and has a particularly nifty gearbox.  It's slim shape slips into the squeeziest of parking spots, making me wish I could do the same in those useless skinny jeans! There's a bit of a blind spot when reversing though.Thoughtful touches such as parking and interior lights that illuminate when you unlock it add to the impression of safety — great for women out late on their own.  As well as being practical, this beauty is more stylish than its boxy competitors, with modern curves inside and out.The dashboard is perhaps a bit too space-age  — I struggled to figure out the radio toggle and an off-putting sprawl of other buttons, but GenY would probably get it.  The cheap fabric seat coverings and some plastic fittings on the trim are minor quibbles, though by no means deal-breakers.There's absolutely no danger this little number will sit unloved in the driveway of any bargain hunter — even if you do opt for the rather hideous metallic lime green color they call "Squeeze".Ford Fiesta CLPrice: From $16,090 (three-door)Engine: 1.6-litreEconomy: 6.1 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual airbags, four-speaker CD stereo with MP3 capability, power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windowsPROTON S16Kathryn FirkinI SUPPOSE it's easy to be impressed when you start with rock bottom expectations, but this car has definitely surprised me.  It's hard not to feel underwhelmed when you're told you'll be testing Australia's cheapest car, but from the get go the Proton S16 has been a winner.The lack of luxuries aside — because let's face it, there are none — this car is great to drive.  It's a lovely change driving off in a new car without feeling like you first need to read a manual.  Everything is simple and easy to use, and there are no nasty surprises.The car comes with power steering and is easy to handle.  Ducking in and out of busy city traffic is a breeze, and even the horn is surprisingly powerful.Space inside the car is also impressive.  Unlike many of its cheap counterparts, the Proton S16 won't cause too many cramped legs, or cause squabbles over who gets to ride in the front passenger seat.Having said that, you probably also won't have friends cue up to go for a ride with you.  It's also unlikely to raise your social status, impress prospective dates, or intimidate that jerk who cut you off.The car has character, despite being basic.  I even found myself giggling when I discovered I had to use a key to open the boot — very old school.It's biggest downside is the single driver's side airbag.  Unfortunately that's a pretty big downside in my books.  Another shortcoming is the sound quality of the stereo.  With just two speakers, music lovers will be wanting to upgrade their stereos straight away — or risk listening to tinny, faint tunes.There is no automatic version of the Proton S16 yet, although that's coming this year.  But while shifting between first and second gears in bumper traffic is not always a joy, you'll be surprised how quickly you move through the five gears on an open road.For a small — and cheap — car, the Proton S16 is surprisingly powerful and reaches 100km/h relatively effortlessly.  It is also fairly fuel efficient, with an economy of 6.3L/100km.  The bargain price tag means you probably also won't have too many concerns squeezing into tight parking spaces, or navigating hectic shopping centre carparks.So should you buy one?  As a basic, daily commuter car the Proton S16 is great value.  As a family car, or people mover, the safety features on this car are not really good enough.Proton S16Price: From $11,990Engine: 1.6-litreEconomy: 6.0 litres/100kmFeatures: Driver's airbag, two-speaker CD stereo, power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking with immobiliser and alarm, rear parking sensorsProton S16Price: From $11,990Engine: 1.6-litreEconomy: 6.0 litres/100kmFeatures: Driver's airbag, two-speaker CD stereo, power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking with immobiliser and alarm, rear parking sensors

And just sometimes, you can get it all and still hear the reassuring sounds of change rattling in your pocket.  Small cars don't have to be cheap and nasty or even perform like an asthmatic snail in a bid to maximise fuel economy. Nor do they have to be cramped or have the visual appeal of a packing crate that instantly identifies you as cheap.  Here are five small cars that will haul you and three friends - and do it on a miserly fuel budget.The good news is they're all less than $30,000. And that includes comprehensive safety features with electronic stability control and ABS brakes.  But best of all, turn up the wick and these things will give you a decent thrill.  Two are turbocharged and one has a 2.5-litre engine. No need to be red-faced at the traffic lights in these.Mitsubishi Colt RalliartThis looks like a small apartment block sitting on a cute set of alloys. In fact, it's a powerhouse that will dust of a lot of cars with twice the engine capacity and has room for four adults, parks in weeny car bays, runs on a sip of fuel - though you'll need premium brand - and is the perfect shopping trolley for people who like their food fast.Price: $25,740Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 113kW/210NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.7 l/100km premiumPerformance: 0-100km/h in 7.6 secSafety: two airbags, ESC, ABS, BAVolkswagen Polo GTIThis baby sister of the Golf GTI quickly gets off the mark thanks to some component sharing and a 1.8-litre turbo engine. It comes only as a three door so may limit those with heaps of friends, though certainly looks as good as it goes. Solid German construction and versatile interior add to its appeal.Price: $26,990Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 110kW/220NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.9 l/100km Premium0-100km/h: 8.2 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, diff lockFord Fiesta ZetecYou can get this in three and five-door versions (extra money for the five door) and while it's not turbocharged, is a spirited performer with lots of aesthetic charm. It's an easy hatchback to live with and aside from a small fuel thirst, runs on cheaper unleaded petrol. Comprehensive safety features show you care for your friends.Price: $20,490Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 88kW/152NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.1 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.2 sec (estimated)Safety: 5 airbags, ESC, ABS, BASuzuki Swift SportYou know the Swift, now meet its more beefed up brother. The Sport is unassuming though gets a bigger engine and tauter suspension to accentuate its handling and acceleration. That makes it as practical and reliable as its less-powerful relations. Also has great features and the full safety package.Price: $23,990Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 92kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.5 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.8 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BAMazda3 SP25This is a great package at a superb price. The SP25 just takes the refreshed Mazda3 to another level, boosting power and torque yet not crushing attributes such as its fuel economy. The features are also excellent as is the safety equipment. It's physically bigger than its rivals here and that means more cabin and luggage room, so it never feels like a small car.Price: $29,740Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl 122kW/227NmTransmission: 6-speed manualFuel economy: 8.6 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 7.9 sec (estimated)Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BA

There are a lot of reasons to like Australia's newest green car. But here is the clincher: it's a great drive.  The Ford Fiesta Econetic hit Australia with all sorts of claims about fuel economy and emissions, as the blue oval brand touts it as a Prius beater. And with a $15,000 price advantage over the Toyota hybrid.I looked and listened, but tried to avoid getting caught in the hype despite the judging panel picking the Econetic as the Carsguide Green Car of the Year for 2009.  Me? I took the safe road and voted for the Prius, since I had not driven the Econetic Fiesta.  Now I have and it's become my first-choice car for green driving.The little Ford has a hugely economical turbodiesel engine that easily returned 4.8L/100km economy during my test drive, with the promise of excellent emissions at the same time, as well as delivering reasonable comfort, a great looking body and the sort of dynamic driving response that made the 'regular' Fiesta my small-car pick for 2009.The Econetic takes a little adjustment, because you need to shift early and often in the five-speed manual gearbox, but it is a surprisingly rapid little car which can also devour corners without causing any upsets or disappointments.It's a real pity Ford delivered the test car with giant advertising slogans down the side — it was plain embarassing to be seen at the wheel — because there is so much to like.and approach to green motoring. The next for Australia is the new Focus.DrivetrainIts heart is a 1.6-litre common-rail turbodiesel engine tuned for maximum efficiency. It does not have a stop-start system to kill the engine at the lights, and it's not as advanced as the 'belt-less' Prius petrol motor on cutting parasitic drag, but it has low-resistance tyres, a unique transmission and gears, a lower ride height and wheel covers to cut drag, and a shift light to signal when to pick the next gear. Ford even says it dropped the spare tyre to cut weight, although it obviously also saves money.The engine makes only 66 kiloWatts, but compensates with 200 Newton-metres of torque, up by nearly 25 per cent from the regular 1.6-litre petrol Fiesta. Its official efficiency claims are 3.7L/100km economy and 98g/km of CO2, joining the Prius as the only cars sold in Australia at less than 100.SafetyApart from the green stuff, the latest Fiesta comes with five-star ANCAP safety including seven airbags - one for the driver's knees - and the usual punchy sound system, aircon, power steering and the rest.The Econetic comes to Australia at a time when the BMW group is making a lot of noise about its BMW 118d and Mini D fuel misers, but the Ford has a massive price advantage. The cheapest Mini is $36,100 and you need at least $44,370 to go shopping for a 118d.  And those prices don't include on-road costs, where the Fiesta is a $24,990 all-in, driveaway deal.Ford was hoping for big things and the initial reaction has been very positive, with at least 300 delivered since sales began at the start of December.  "Dealers are sold out of our initial stock, which is a good sign," says Sinead McAlary, spokesperson for Ford Australia.DRIVING - Paul GoverThe Econetic Fiesta is expensive for a car its size, but it is very good value.  You can buy some baby diesels for less but they won't match the Fiesta as a drive or for green-ness, and the hybrids and high-flier Euro greenies are way more expensive.My only complaints are the manual-only gearbox package, because the vast majority of Australians buy autos, and the lack of electric windows in the back doors. That's it.  It would have been good to have stop-start to cut the engine at the lights, but Ford says it was not available at Fiesta time and is coming first on Focus.The Econetic test car is tight and responsive with a driver-friendly cabin that also works well for storage, visibility, comfort and light. The front seats could have a better shape, but they are good enough for the job.As a drive, the Econetic tuning demands you shift as low as 2500 revs — with a green arrow in the tachometer as a reminder — but then pulls strongly anyway. It is a surprisingly brisk little car that punches way above its weight.It's the same in corners, where the Michelin 'energy' tyres should rob grip as they cut drag. But the car is light, well balanced, responds well to the steering and carries surprising pace through twisties.I also love the punch for overtaking, and the ability to take most corners a gear higher than normal. The pulling power from the turbodiesel means you can easily kick around a second-gear junction in third and just accelerate away.The engine is also surprisingly quiet — "To think I used to wear ear muffs to tune a diesel," says Jonathon of the Carsguide team — and the range between fuel stops can easily push beyond 800 kilometres.The regular Fiesta is good but the Econetic is plain great. It's a class leader with a new edge and the sort of car many more Australians should have on their shopping list.SHE SAYS - Alison WardThe Econetic Fiesta is a worthy little party crasher, and not just because of its fuel economy.    This is a grunty little car and Fiesta drivers should feel the good time vibes when behind the wheel. First impressions are positive thanks to its balanced styling and a clever ability to look bigger than it is. I don't much like the chunky, front grill, but its not enough to distract you from the party going on inside the car.The baby diesel engine is a gutsy drive, smooth and easy to handle. The gearshift is light and the pulling power means you don't have to change down as much for suburban turns or roundabouts.I drove through dry and wet weather and the car continued to handle well. It felt safe cornering. The suspension is good, considering the size of the car, with far less road noise than some of its competitors.  I'm not sot sure about this model only being available in a manual, luckily it is a fun drive and you won't have any trouble with those pesky hill starts.The seats aren't very comfortable, but you're not going to need a trip to the chiropractor.  At least I didn't need therapy after driving around town and a couple of longer runs on sealed country roads.The sound system is fantastic.  The entertainment controls on the wheel and centre console are sleek in design and keep the good times rolling. The Bluetooth, voice control and USB port will tick all the boxes for those savvy enough to use them.But the air-con is disappointing on hotter days and lags behind its Asian-car rivals. Boot space is also a compromise for parents, with little room for a pram or stroller, and I don't like the manual window winders for the rear seats.  The newest Fiesta is not cheap, but it works for youngsters and - get ready for the pun - the Eco-nomically driven among us.Score 85/100The Bottom Line: A new benchmark for affordable, environmentally friendly motoring. And a great drive.Ford Fiesta Econetic LX Price: $24,990Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinderTorque: 200Nm at 1750 revsTransmission:  Five-speed manualBody: Five-door hatchSeats: FiveDimensions:  Length 3950mm, Width 1722mm, Height 1471mm, Wheelbase 2489mm, tracks front/rear 1473mm/1460mmSteering: Power assisted rack and pinionSuspension: Front MacPherson struts; twist-beam/coil springs rearFuel Tank: 40 litresFuel Type: DieselFuel Consumption: 3.7/100km combinedWeight: 1088kgSpare Tyre: Mobility kitBrakes: Anti-skid disc/drumWheels: 14-inch steelTyres: 175/65 R14Safety Gear: Dual front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, emergency brake distributionCO2 Emissions: 98g/kmRIVALSVolkswagen Polo 1,9 TDI: 77/100 (from $22,990)Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi: 81/100 (from $22,890)Citroen C3 1.6 HDi: 78/100 (from $23,990)Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi: 77/100 (from $29,490)