2018 Ford Fiesta Reviews

Deceptively spacious inside, with a big effort put into workmanship, it punches above its weight in its class for styling and is a real performer. Pricing is from $21,490. Engine The five-door manual Zetec runs on an in-line 1.6 litre, four cylinder DOHC engine that puts out 88kW of power at 6000rpm and 152Nm of

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

Ford took a long time to find a proper replacement for the Korean-built Festiva, but it finally struck gold in 2004 when it unearthed the European Fiesta.The Kia-built Festiva had been a winner for the blue oval, as had the Laser before that, but the company stumbled at the first attempt to find a suitable Festiva replacement when the quirky Ka proved a dismal failure in this market. When small car buyers went looking for a car to replace their Festivas what they found was the odd looking Ka and they quickly realised it wasn't for them.In effect Ford abandoned the traditional small car market when it pitched the Ka at funky young females hoping they would think it cute. Traditional small car buyers also baulked when they found the Ka was only available as a three-door hatch and they couldn't get it with an auto transmission.The arrival of the Fiesta was a relief to all concerned, probably including Ford's management who must have been relieved to see the end of the Ka experiment.MODEL WATCHThe Fiesta was a return to the mainstream for Ford after the Ka experiment. Whereas the Ka only came as a funky three-door hatch the Fiesta was a more conventionally styled model and buyers could choose between three-door and five-door hatch body styles. They also had the choice of three models, in the form of the LX, Zetec and Ghia.The LX was the price leader, which missed out on air-conditioning. For that you needed to spend an extra couple of grand. What you did get was remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, immobiliser, leather steering wheel and a four-speaker CD sound system.In the middle of the range was the Zetec, a three-door hatch with the promise of a more sporty drive. Those who chose to spend the extra for the Zetec got air, alloy wheels, and fog lamps in addition to the gear that came with the LX.Perched atop the range was the luxury Ghia five-door hatch, which came with a six-stacker CD sound system and the option of extra safety gear. There was just the single engine available and that was a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with double overhead camshafts and sequential fuel injection. At its twin peaks it was outputting 74 kW at 6000 revs and 146 Nm at 4000 revs, enough to endow the Fiesta with quite a bit of zip.The transmission choices consisted of a five-speed manual and four-speed auto, and the final drive was through the front wheels. The brakes were disc front and rear, the suspension was independent with a typically Ford of Europe sporty feel, and the steering was by power-assisted rack-and-pinion.IN THE SHOPOwners of the Fiesta appear to be generally satisfied with their cars; very few complaints have been received here at CarsGuide. If there's a consistent complaint it's about brake wear, but that's a common grizzle with most European cars, not something peculiar to the small Ford. Make the usual checks for dodgy crash repairs and a service record.ON THE ROADThe Fiesta was a revelation after the Ka; it was great to drive with a punchy engine, nippy performance, and very good ride and handling. On top of that it looked good, had a bright and breezy interior, and was easy on the pocket when it came to those compulsory stops for fuel. If there was a criticism it was that the seats lacked support, but that was about it.IN A CRASHAll models were equipped with dual-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as seat belt pretensioners. ABS and EBD braking was standard on all models, except the base LX manual hatch. ANCAP rated the WP Fiesta at four stars.AT THE PUMPRoad testers at the time reported 7.5-8.0 L/100 km on average. Ford's official claim was 6.6 L/100 km.LOOK FORAttractive looksPunchy engineGood economyNippy handing.THE BOTTOM LINEA great little car that was a delight to drive.RATING80/100

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)

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.

A couple of cars of the year within two weeks; winner of the V8 Supercar championship . . . now for the Fiesta.Among all the doom and gloom in the automotive industry Ford Australia has something to celebrate.The Ford Falcon G6E was named carsguide Car of the Year, the Falcon XT carried off the Australia's Best Cars Family Car of the Year title and Jamie Whincup piloted his Ford to the V8 Supercar championship and Ford has just released its new small car challenger, the Fiesta.And from what I experienced on the launch, the German-made Fiesta could keep the Blue Oval boys and girls celebrating well into the new year. Ford is hoping to shake up the light car segment and it could well do so with the new Fiesta that has all the hallmarks of a 21st century small car - sharp looks, first-class driving dynamics and the latest in human-to-car connectivity.Not that the Fiesta has been a shrinking violet.Beth Donovan, Ford Australia's vice-president of marketing, sales and service, said the sixth generation car was on target around the world to continue a 32-year history of being a best-seller boasting 12 million customers.“Now it's time to leverage that success in Australia. Our research has shown that it is a car for the world that Australia wants. It is also a blueprint for future Ford product,” she said.On sale in Australia from January 1, the new Fiesta comes in three variants - CL, LX and Zetec. Prices will start at $15,750 for the CL, $18,490 for the LX and $20,250 for the Zetec, excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges.A 1.6 litre petrol engine with manual transmission is standard across the range, while an automatic transmission, matched to a 1.4 litre motor is an option on all models except the three-door Zetec.The 1.6 with manual transmission delivers 88kW of power at 6000rpm and 152Nm of torque at 4050rpm. Claimed fuel consumption is 6.1 litres/100km (46 miles per gallon), while the carbon emissions are 143g/km.The smaller engine, mated to the automatic transmission, produces 71kW of power at 5750rpm and 128Nm of torque at 4200rpm. Fuel economy is 6.9 litres/100km (41mpg) and carbon emissions 164g/km. Ethanol-10 can be used as an alternative fuel.The CL will be available as a three-door or five-door, with manual transmission or optional automatic, and rides on 15in wheels.The LX is five-door only, available with manual or optional automatic, and is standard with 15in alloy wheels.The sporty Zetec, is offered in both three-door and five-door configurations, the latter on offer with manual or optional automatic, while the three-door is sold only as a manual.The Zetec stands out with 16in alloy wheels and a body kit with a unique front and rear bumper, a bumper grille and a larger rear spoiler. The three-door model also features sports rocker panel mouldings.All new Fiestas will be fitted with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution plus driver and passenger airbags as standard. A driver's knee airbag is standard on both of the Zetec models.Additional safety equipment, optional on CL and LX and standard on Zetec, includes front seat head and thorax side airbags, a driver knee airbag and dynamic stability control with traction control and emergency brake assist.The previously mentioned connectivity, which includes Bluetooth with Voice Control (available on LX and Zetec) and USB connectivity, allowing MP3 player integration (Zetec), plus a 3.5mm aux jack, put the Fiesta in a class of its own.Capless refuelling, which is unique to Ford and found only on Mondeo, is standard on all models.Cruise control is standard on LX and Zetec models, and these vehicles are also fitted with a leather trimmed steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach.There are 11 fresh exterior paint colours available, while the Fiesta options include a Safety Pack for CL and LX, which includes DSC, for $1000 and prestige paint $320.In a test drive through Adelaide and the surrounding hills the Fiesta's extremely light steering at low speeds took some getting used to (it came into its own, however, while parking the car, which is larger than its predecessors).However, it weighted up nicely for excellent road feedback when the vehicle was travelling at a greater speed.The Zetec DSC produced a well balanced ride on the twisty and steep roads in the hilly areas, while the car's brakes were up to any hard use when bends tightened unexpectedly.The cabin turned out to be spacious and comfortable and insulated well enough to carry on a normal conversation.Ford is putting a lot on the Fiesta, including optimistically a great deal of TV advertising during the show Australia's Next Top Model.