2018 Ford Fiesta Reviews

The baby Euro car sets a new style direction for compact blue-oval models as well as promising class-leading driving enjoyment.It is also priced from $15,750 for a three-door hatch with fuel economy as good as 6.1 litres/100km with a 1.4-litre starter motor.The Fiesta is a five-star NCAP success in Europe but, for now, ESP stability control is only an extra-cost option for Australia at a time when all five-star contenders for 2009 must have ESP. It is part of a $1000 'safety pack' on the basic CL and mid-range LX models, bringing front side airbags, a driver's knee airbag and stability and traction control, as well as Emergency Brake Assist.Ford Australia says it is giving Fiesta buyers the choice on safety and is hoping for a 15 per cent up-take on the safety pack.The Fiesta - the sixth generation to wear the badge and available as either a three or five-door hatch with 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines - is currently built for Australia in Germany, but the supply line will be switched to Thailand after the first 12 months. That could bring a price advantage thanks to a Free Trade Agreement but there is no commitment to any future change.It's the same with the Fiesta sedan, which is in the medium-term plan for Ford Australia but with no firm introduction date.The sportier XR4 and Ghia models are also missing, leaving the Fiesta Zetec - which differs only in wheels and tyres from a mechanical perspective - as the sports flagship for now.The new entry-level CL three-door kicks off the range at $15,750 and will be available with both three and five doors. The middle-level LX models start from $18,490 but only with five doors, upgrading from the CL's 15-inch steel to the same diameter in an alloy wheel.The Zetec sports model is a three or five-door car from $20,250, but the three-door is manual only. It is mechanically identical but gets 16-inch alloy wheels and a sports body kit.The drivetrains are a 88kW/152Nm 1.6-litre with five-speed manual or the optional $1500 automatic transmission - available from February - which is only mated to a 71kW/128Nm 1.4-litre engine and available on all but the three-door Zetec.The 1.6/manual combination has claimed economy of 6.1 litres per 100km while the smaller, less-powerful engine with the automatic pushes the fuel use up to 6.9.The Fiesta has a range of technology including voice-controlled Bluetooth (standard on LX and Zetec), a USB slot for an MP3 or the 3.5mm audio jack standard range-wide.Also standard is the capless refuelling set-up first seen on the Mondeo and cruise control is standard on all but the CL.The first local drive was done in the manual models as Ford has not landed any autos.Ford talks a lot about the work done to keep the interior quiet and it has paid off, as the cabin is well-insulated from most noise and the 1.6-litre engine is quiet and smooth.It is also a flexible powerplant, thanks to variable valve timing systems, pulling through the steeper sections of the Adelaide hills launch drive in a gear higher than expected for a sub-2-litre car.The little German-built light car also has good road manners, with a well-executed compromise between ride and handling on offer.The Fiesta is composed in corners and has body roll well under control, with a firm but decent level of ride compliance.At above-average height I could find a decent driving position in the supportive and comfortable seats and had good forward visibility - rearward is less open given the C-pillar and high rear waistline.The partial leather-wrapping of the steering wheel, a little too much power assistance, air-con that blew cool rather than cold air on a low-30s Adelaide day and the absence of an automatic transmission with the larger engine were the only complaints.

So confident, in fact, that it plans to launch the car in North America in 2010, a continent mostly known for its love of gas-guzzling pickup trucks.Both three-door and five-door Fiestas arrive here in January with either 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre Duratec four cylinder engines driving the front wheels.Three models will be available, the entry CL, mid-range LX and range-topping sports Zetec model with the 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT four cylinder.The LX will only come as a five door while the CL and Zetec will be available in both three and five-door guises.The 1.4-litre Duratec four develops 71kW at 5750 revs and 128Nm at 4200 revs while the 1.6-litre Ti-VCT gets 20 per cent more power than the outgoing engine.It now develops 88kW at 6000 revs and 152Nm at 4050 revs.Zetec models are expected to get sports seats and suspension, body kit, 16-inch alloys and front and rear spoilers.Other standard equipment may include keyless entry and a start button, Ford's human machine interface, air conditioning, anti-skid brakes and CD stereo with MP3 compatibility.A `safety pack' including electronic stability control, knee and curtain airbags is expected to be optional on the CL and LX.Ford Australia spokesperson, Sinead McAlary, says prices should be close to the outgoing model, which should mean a sub-$16,000 price for the CL three-door and about $20,000 for the Zetec five-door.At launch the Fiesta will come with a five-speed manual.A four-speed auto arrives about March.Based on the Verve concept car shown at last years Frankfurt Motor Show, the seventh-generation hatch shares about 20 per cent of its hardware with the Mazda2, as part of Ford's global product development system.But Ford engineers modified the suspension, steering and dynamics.Although both cars were developed side-by-side, the Fiesta gets Ford's DNA.Like the current crop of Aussie and European Fords, the Fiesta uses Ford's kinetic design language, with the signature bulging wheelarches, trapezoidal grille and slimline headlights.The interior also gets a classy, European feel.Designers have taken inspiration from the latest mobile phones for the car's centre console and upper dashboard controls.Apart from the two side air vents on the dashboard, its hard to pick any visual commonality.Both the Fiesta and Mazda2 share the same MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension suspensions but the Ford is tuned differently.Even the rear muffler has been re-engineered to provide a sportier exhaust note.Ford vehicle engineering manager, Dieter Schwarz, says the bushings, spring and damper rates at the rear have been retuned.“As the car is stiffer than even the Mazda2 we've been able to provide a more compliant ride without any handling tradeoff,” he says.The car is stronger than the previous model, using more than 55 per cent of the car uses high-strength steel and is 10 per cent stronger, which not only contributes to a solid feel, but helps the suspension work more efficiently, Schwarz says.The Fiesta has shed about 40kg but added in 10kg in sound insulation and extra safety features, like the knee airbag, one of seven available in European cars.Australia-bound Fiestas will initially be built at Cologne in Germany.However, Ford plans to transfer sourcing to Thailand from late next year, which should drive some pricing and equipment benefits because of the Free Trade Agreement. Delivering refinement and a big-car feel in a light car is virtually impossible.But Ford has managed to refine the new Fiesta to a point where rides like a French car but has the quality, quietness and ambience of a German car.The air of sophistication carries over to the cabin too. The newest Fiesta looks and feels more expensive than it really is.From the driver's seat there are distinct cues that let you know this little Ford is a cut above.The steering is both reach and height-adjustable, which is unusual in the light car segment.There is an up-market look and feel to the switchgear and the overall interior ambience suggests the Fiesta should be in a segment above.Ford has skilfully used slush-moulded soft-touch plastics for the top of the instrument panel but the lower surfaces still use hard plastics.The seats are supportive and comfortable, particularly in the Zetec and while you sit some distance back from the steeply raked windscreen, visibility is excellent.The prominent C-pillars do hinder over the shoulder rear views out the back though.In the centre of the dash, the mobile-phone inspired design works well for the audio controls.Likewise, the switchgear for the heating and other ancillary features are of a high quality.That was not always the way with the current car, which looked and felt a little underdone in the cabin.On the road, Ford has managed to make the Fiesta both smooth and quiet while delivering a reasonably energetic driving experience.It may not be as sharp as the current car but many more buyers will appreciate the car's higher levels of suppleness and refinement.The trade off in previous crispness in the chassis has been the development of a big-car ride.The electronic power steering is sharp and accurate, and Ford's claims of better low-speed maneuverability more precise high-speed stability seem on the money.The five-speed gearbox is slick and the handling is beautifully.The three-door Zetec's, with its slightly sportier suspension tune, could be adopted right across the range without complaint because it remains supple while allowing more sportier handling. It's that good.We can only wonder how good the new Fiesta could be with a 2.0-litre four in XR4 guise...The early production cars we sampled, the Titanium five-door and Zetec three-door had excellent fit and finish and there is a palpable sense of the depth of engineering integrity in the cars.The 89kW 1.6-litre four is smooth and revvy. To get the best out of it though liberal use of the silky five-speed manual is required.We got 7.8 litres/100km in spirited driving over the winding Tuscan roads near Siena. Ford says the 1.6 is good for 5.9 litres combined fuel economy.Interior space up front is good and while rear passengers get plenty of headroom, legroom is best described as snug. Boot space is reasonably good.The rear seat spit-folds 60/40 and there's room for 295 litres with the rear seats up and 979 with the seatbacks folded.The only sour note on the car's overall quality was the exposed, black-painted seatbacks, which we suspect will scratch easily.Ford's McAlary says the company is hoping to sell about 600 a month, about the same rate as the current car.We suspect that once word gets out about how competent the new Fiesta is, it could seriously the supremacy of the likes of the Mazda2, Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Getz in the sales race.It may just have what it takes to be a class leader.

Two of the best and brightest Fords from Europe are being readied for sales in Australia. The great-looking, new Fiesta and the compact Kuga four-wheel drive are set for Down Under deliveries, with only the timing, price and equipment still to be set. Both should be in showrooms in the first quarter of 2009.They will —Join the Mondeo station wagon, which is already confirmed but running late, and probably the S-Max people mover. Ford Australia, however, isn't revealing details under a policy that prevents commenting on future products and despite the importance of the company's quality compact imports.Even the Mondeo wagon, which was previewed at the Melbourne motor show at the start of the year, is still subject to speculation.“Yes, the car is coming,” says spokesman Mark Winslow.“We will announce the details when we are ready.”The Mondeo, S-Max and Kuga have all been out for some time but the Fiesta has only just been unveiled in Europe. It is far edgier than the current car, with a crisper shape reflecting the latest direction in Ford design. Ford of Europe says it is intended to reflect style, efficiency and value, and standard equipment is more extensive than ever before in a baby Ford.Everything about the all-new Ford Fiesta is new — from the styling, materials and technologies to the core development and manufacturing processes that bring it to life. It represents our future, in more ways than one,” says Marin Burela, the executive director of small cars.Mechanically, more than half the body is made from high-strength steel for safety — which includes an “intelligent” protection system with the first knee airbag in a small Ford — and there are two new engines including one with an ultra-low CO2 emission ranking. It is the first European Ford to have electric power steering. Other features include keyless entry, a start button, electric mirrors and cap-less refuelling. There is also an entertainment system which Ford says was inspired by mobile phones.The model plan for Australia is still being developed, but in Europe the new Fiesta comes with three- and five-door hatchback bodies and a range of four petrol and two diesel engines.The car will be on sale in Europe in October.Ford says the new Fiesta was design, for the first time, as a global car.“It is also the blueprint for future Ford global product development, bringing together Europe, the Americas and Asia where it will be tailored for each region and go on sale progressively between now and 2010,” says John Fleming, the president of Ford of Europe.“I believe this is the most dramatic Fiesta since the very first model. One of the development teams greatest achievements is that it has been able to make the new Fiesta stronger, safer and more comfortable, yet lighter and more fuel efficient than the car it replaces.”The new Fiesta was developed from Ford's Verve concept car, which signalled a major change in style for the blue oval's baby cars.The car will be built in Germany, Spain and China but there is no indication of where Australian Fiestas will be made. 

Cars in the light car segment are usually known for their small size, small engine and small price tag, resulting in some average driving, but adequate getting around.But Ford has added a teacher's pet to the segment, one that is certainly worthy of a few gold stars.It's still small in size, but the engine and price tag get slightly bigger.The XR4 breaks the $20,000 price bracket, which seems expensive for a light car, but it doesn't take long for the all-round performance to quickly prove its worth.At $24,990, the XR4 comes in less than its other athletic competitors such as the Volkswagen Polo GTI at $26,990 and the Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt for $29,990. And while others such as the Suzuki Swift may come a little cheaper, they don't have that edge to performance found in the XR4.The stand-out Fiesta has ditched the regular 1.6-litre engine, and instead adopts a modified version of the 2.0-litre Duratec 16-valve engine found in the Focus. The free-revving four-cylinder powertrain delivers 110kW at 6000rpm and 190Nm at 4500rpm, with 80 per cent of torque available from as low as 1800rpm.It feels very quick and snappy in city traffic, with great pulling power for such a small car.The acceleration isn't outstanding, but it's very confident. Around town cruising revs at 2000rpm; hit the highway in fifth at around 100km/h and it sits on 3000rpm.Its straight-line performance is good but not quite superb, as the XR4 is more of an all-rounder, a jack-of-all-trades but not a real master of any.It doesn't take long for the XR4 to come up to speed when under-revving in higher gears and around corners the feisty Fiesta bites back, showing even third gear is up to the task.The new XR family member is lively in all conditions, thanks to some changes to the suspension, including the stiffening of the front and rear springs, recalibrating the dampers and lowering the suspension.Steering is also more agile and the five-speed manual transmission has been revamped to allow quicker shifting. The brakes haven't gone untouched, with an upgrade to the front ventilated discs with larger calipers and pads, as well as rear disc brakes for the first time in the Fiesta range.So, while it seems to fit the description of a sporty car, it's really only let down slightly by the sound of the engine, as the road noise from the low-profile tyres often overpowers it.The tightened suspension means you feel the many potholes around town, but it also makes it much firmer and sturdy on the road.The enhanced performance comes at a sacrifice as fuel consumption is higher than your regular light cars, the Fiesta usually averaging 6.6litres per 100km. The XR4, however, has a claimed 7.4litres per 100km consumption, but on our test it didn't drop below 8.7litres per 100km.While it's light in nature, just 1090kg, contributing to the excellent driving dynamics and handling, the wide turning circle could have done with some tweaking. Tight shopping car parks usually required a shift into reverse before clearing the turn.And the pedals are positioned too far to the left, leaving no room to rest your foot next to the clutch, instead having to put it in front of the pedal.Inside, a thin dash and big windows, means there's plenty of room for front seat comfort. The rear seats get a little squishy, but two adults could still travel for a decent journey without feeling too cramped.Inside, you're welcomed by a two-toned interior design.The test car had bold blue coloured-cloth, combined with seats with leather inserts, which proved very comfy. The blue and black dash was topped off with silver trim as a reminder of that sporty theme.Storage space in the front is minimal, although the glovebox and the boot are reasonable.If you're not convinced the driving and handling is enough to justify the price rise, there are many features that might just change your mind.The XR4 gets a six-disc CD player, airconditioning, six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control and traction control, sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather gear-knob with alloy trim and sports pedals.But it lacks cruise control and the radio controls sit on a bulky lever behind the steering wheel like the rest of the Fiesta range, which is fiddly and not that easy to see.The hot-hatch wears some XR4 badges and a sports body styling kit, which includes a front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and a large body coloured spoiler on the exterior. But for those wanting everyone to know their sporting tendencies, there's an extra option you can take that is sure to make you stand out.For an extra $300, you can get some bold racing stripes.At first it seems a little boy toyish, but the racing connection grows on you and it lets everyone know just how special the car is.With the XR4 label, the Fiesta earns its stripes as it is transformed into a sporty little machine, without burning a big hole in your pocket. Bottom lineWhile it may be a much smaller addition, the Ford Fiesta XR4 lives up to the family name. Snapshot Ford Fiesta XR4Price: $24,990Engine: 2.0L/4-cylinder, 110kW/190NmTransmission: 5-speed manualEconomy: 7.4L/100km   The rivals  VOLKSWAGEN POLO GTI Price: $26,990Engine: 1.8L/4cyl turbo, 110kW/220NmTransmission: 5-speed manualEconomy: 7.9L/100km   Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart  Price: $29,990Engine: 1.5L/4-cyl turbo, 113kW/210NmTransmission: 5-speed manualEconomy: 6.7L/100km    Suzuki Swift  Price: $23,990Engine: 1.6L/4-cyl, 92kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualEconomy: 7.5L/100km 

From the moment you turn the key you know the XR4 has been penned with passion.It has a taut, chunky feel, a lively and tractable engine, intuitive steering and suspension tuning as close as you'll get to a go-kart without upsetting your lunch.At $24,990, the German-built two-door hatch is the new value benchmark for the sporty light-car class, lining up alongside the Polo GTi and Suzuki Swift Sport.And its non-turbo status opens it up to P-plate drivers.The XR4 is powered by a modified version of the 2.0-litre Zetec engine from the Focus.Output is 110kW at 6000rpm and 190Nm of torque from 1500rpm, an increase of 3kW and 5Nm.It's the power-to-weight ratio and the gearing that give the XR4 its magnetic performance.Breathe on the throttle in any gear and it's off, delivering strong and flexible punch in the useful low-to-medium rev range, accompanied by a healthy guttural engine note.Manual only, the five-speed, close-ratio gearbox is slick and precise.However, the ratios are chosen for sprinting, not cruising. With the engine pulling a busy 3000rpm at 100km/h in fifth gear, a relaxed tourer it is not.Fuel use is a claimed 7.4 litres/100km on the combined town-highway cycle, and the engine is tuned to run on 95 RON.The suspension has been lowered and stiffened and the brakes upgraded.The chassis is finely balanced, with near-neutral handling, flat cornering, exceptional grip and turn-in response, and a ride on the rigid side of firm, yet not bone jarring.Grip from the fat Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres is tenacious, even on gravel, at the expense of a wide turning circle.The steering is quick and pin-sharp.Traction control is standard and the stability control system is programmed for late intervention and can be switched off.A body kit adds deeper bumpers, integrated side skirts and a large roof spoiler.Visually the XR4 is either purposeful or loud, depending on whether it has the optional $300 racing stripes.Stretching from tip to toe, the fat stripes ensure an XR4 will never get lost in a car park or be mistaken for anything else on the road.The interior is dressed up with snug sports seats, a grippy sports steering wheel, extra engine gauges and alloy pedals spaced just wide enough for big feet.With or without stripes, the XR4 is guaranteed to add spice to your life. SnapshotMake: FordModel: Fiesta XR4Equipment: Six airbags, airconditioning, six-disc CD audio, anti-skid brakes, 11-spoke 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, electric windows, heated mirrors and steering wheel audio controls. Cost: $24,990 

There is no need to hand in your driving gloves and Sparko boots just because the fuel prices are driving you into a "light car".This segment of the market includes a host of choices such as the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Getz, Suzuki Swift, Holden Barina and Toyota Yaris.All quite capable cars, but hardly a rewarding driving experience.But for a little bit more, you can still have some driving fun.Swift will soon release a "GTI" version, called the Sport, while Fiesta already has the Zetec squirting around.We recently tested several light cars and found the Fiesta one of the best to punt around vigorously.It comes with a sweet little chassis, precise and light steering, high grip and sporty road manners.But the Zetec ups the ante further with substantial suspension changes that make this car even more precise and true on the road.Ford has stiffened the damper settings, springs and rear torsion beam, and bolted on a thicker anti-roll bar.And it is now shod with the previously optional 16-inch alloy wheels and 195/45 R16 ContiSports rubber, instead of the 195/50 R15 Bridgestone Turanzas.It won't jar your spine, but it certainly rides a little harder.While the engine retains the same output (74kW at 6000rpm and 146Nm at 4000rpm), the five-speed manual gearbox now has closer ratios for more around-town go. First is 8.6 per cent lower than the previous Zetec for greater launch away from traffic lights, while fifth is higher for easier highway cruising.Apart from mechanical changes, the European-designed Zetec gets some style updates inside and out.The new seat trim has a bit more zesty colour, the centre entertainment stack gets a stylish Focus-like update and an MP3 auxiliary jack, and the various switches and controls are higher quality that you can feel.It is one of the smallest of the light cars and interior room is understandably "cosy".Yet the surprising little package has big boot space with the back seats in position and a big flat cargo area with the 60-40-split rear seats folded down and the seats tumbled forward out of the way.The exterior has a slightly restyled front, with the ubiquitous sporty honeycomb grille, big-eyed headlights and a fatter bumper.It still looks cute and overall it is the same "sexy" shape that turns on that white-coated female engineer in the ad that sends up the potting scene from Ghost.It now comes in three new colours (green, blue and grey) and still comes in under $20,000.The European design means it suffers from right-hand conversion with the bonnet release in the passenger foot well and the indicator stalk on the left.But one Euro feature I love, which is now in many European cars and is standard in the new VE Commodore, is the handy passing indicator that flashes three times at just a nudge. It flashes just long enough for most drivers of this spirited little car to merge or change lanes.Ford Fiesta ZetecEngine: 1.6litre, 16-valve, 4-cylindersPower: 74kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 146Nm @ 4000rpmTransmissions: 5-speed manual; 4-speed autoPrice: $18,490 (man); $19,990 (auto)

Fiesta's latest addition is the Zetec model. Released in March, it is the top three-door model in the Fiesta family, and has been slapped with the sporty label.Fitted with new front and rear body-coloured bumpers, grille design, headlamps, which especially afford it a sporty look, rear tail lamps and tapered side body mouldings, it could be argued that the Fiesta has had the Beckham makeover of style and flare. But don't expect too much, just because of the sporty tag.It sits in the small car segment and the Zetec is priced at $18,490.The athletic qualities of the Zetec stretches to the sports suspension, the 16-inch alloy wheels and a revised manual transmission with a closer ratio gear set.Take a step inside and you'll find a cosy interior with modern and creative trim, available in three different designs for the Zetec model, although these interiors are a little on the plain side in comparison to those offered in the other Fiesta models.While the seats may feel a little firm at first, they do get comfortable after time, and the adjustable head-rests in the back look great. They are very practical to suit all, short and tall, although loftier people will suffer in the leg-room department in the back seats.The gadgets are easy to use and very straightforward, but the extra radio controls do not appear on the steering wheel like on most new cars. Instead they feature on a bulky lever behind the steering wheel, below the blinker, making it hard to reach. It's easier to use the main radio controls.The major annoyance of this car is the blinker, a minor thing perhaps, but it sounds like popcorn cooking and it can get pretty frustrating for anyone who gets irritated easily. Hence during my test drive, the radio was turned up and got a fairly good workout.Turning sharp corners produces some resistance on the wheel, with heavy steering required. There is a bit of pull when doing a U-turn or manoeuvring in tight car parks.In this generation of the Fiesta, airconditioning comes as standard and manual transmission versions are fitted with an input facility for an iPod or MP3 player.The Zetec is also available in three new colours, with the car tested here a Sea Grey, a little dull for my liking, but it did have a certain sense of style about it.The ability of the engine is not the most exciting available and behind the wheel it won't exactly give you that buzzing sensation you may experience in more expensive and powerful cars. However, for its class and price, it produces fairly competitive figures in the small car range.Its 74kW at 6000rpm is equal to or a little less than similar vehicles and on the torque front, it produces a slightly higher figure, with 146Nm at 4000rpm.The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine trots along fairly confidently, with sufficient power in the lower gears and it travels comfortably when it hits the higher speeds.The Zetec is the middle child in the Fiesta range, with the three-door LX manual at $15,990 and big brother Ghia only available in five door, with the manual priced at $20,490.With a 6.8-litres/100km combined claimed fuel consumption, the Fiesta has a slightly higher fuel consumption than its small car competitors. The Honda Jazz VTi has uses a claimed 6.0-litres per 100km, the Toyota Yaris burns 6.1-litres per 100km and the Hyundai Getz uses 6.2-litres over this distance.I couldn't notice much difference in the handling and style between of the LX model and the sportier Zetec. This suggests the cheaper LX model is worth consideration, especially if you want to save $2500.Overall, the Fiesta seems to have most qualities people want in a small car.

We're the first to confess we're not huge fans of small cars with automatics, but the sporty Fiesta Zetec stands out as an exception to this rule.Even hooked up to the four-speed auto is a cracker.It goes off! All Fiestas get the same 1.6-litre DOHC 16 valve engine that delivers 74kW of power at 6000rpm and peak torque of 146Nm at 4000rpm. May not sound like much but combined with the car's relatively light weight it delivers a lively power to weight ratio. Our four-speed auto test vehicle weighed in at a modest 1089kg, about 25kg heavier than the manual model. For the mine's bigger than your's crowd, having the same donk as the entry level model kind of takes the shine off the sports machine but that's life. What you do get with Zetec is sports suspension. Combined with larger diameter wheels fitted with low profile tyres it makes for significantly better handling. The sports kit delivers a firmer ride, with sharper handling and a more precise steering feel. The kit drops the ride height, with stiffer springs and dampers, revised suspension bushes, larger diameter front anti-roll bar and a stiffer rear suspension twist beam. 16-inch seven-spoke alloys are fitted with 195/45 R16V low profile tyres, Fuel consumption from the 45-litre tank is a claimed 7.5L/100km using standard unleaded petrol, compared with the manual's 6.8L/100km. Performance is sharp and the engine is a real buzz saw, revving all the way to 7000rpm in third gear without forcing a gear change. An overdrive lockout button can be thumbed to keep the car in third. Ford has given the car a makeover, with changes to bumpers and grille, new head lights, new tail lights, thicker body side mouldings and body coloured handles and mirrors. Airconditioning is now standard across the range. The front spoiler is quite deep and easily scraped on dips and driveways unless the driver is careful. Standard equipment includes ABS anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution, but not brake assist which shows in the amount of pedal force required under heavy brakling. It's worth noting too that the car misses out on rear disc brakes, but in a small car it is the front brakes that do most of the work anyway. Front driver and passenger airbags are also standard. We found the sound system in our test car a little temperamental in dealing with burned CDs, but it produces better than average sound.VERDICT: No hesitation recommending this little beauty. Offers plenty of performance even when you opt for the convenience of automatic transmission. Not quite as roomy as Barina but heaps more fun to drive by a country mile.

It is not the cheapest of the bunch but there is quite a willing three-door here, in line with the idea of junior hot hatches from Europe. And the Fiesta is no wild child on the styling front, rather this compact Ford looks a little serious, verging on plain, alongside the likes of Honda's Jazz, Suzuki's Swift, the Toyota Yaris or Mitsubishi Colt.And the Fiesta has a traditional approach to the interior and instrumentation, precious few swoops and curves and digital readouts sitting closer to the front wheels than the driver.No, this is a subdued package, inside and out, looks a little more mature than most rivals.And that may well suit some in this market. With a price premium and that more conservative approach to motoring style, the Ford Fiesta positions itself as a serious alternative, more Volkswagen Polo rival than Holden Barina.Drivers sit tall and pretty in the Fiesta. There is plenty of headroom and good visibility over that stubby bonnet although the big transmission tunnel does impinge on room in the driver's foot well.The steering wheel and controls are all logical enough (with indicator stalk on the left) with simple arrangements for stereo and air-conditioning controls. It is a compact car with decent accommodation for the front two occupants.Best fun is attacking the gearbox with short-throw shifts through five forward ratios. The Fiesta's engine does not mind finding all those 74 kilowatts before moving on; this is a free-spinning powerplant that likes to keep on the move.The encouragement here is well met by a keen, front-drive chassis. Here and there the suspension can feel a bit sharpish over broken bitumen yet, in the main, this is a quick and comfortable small car.There is mild understeer as road speeds rise but the Fiesta's attitude is easily controlled and changed on the throttle.The Zetec Fiesta scores a little extra suspension work over a standard Fiesta, this one sits lower and firmer. It all suggests a quick little machine and adds to the zip and confidence through city streets.Although there is a good chance a full load may dull some of that 1.6 litre engine's sparkle.The Fiesta Zetec is a neat and tidy machine with an engaging nature, albeit also carrying a price premium over most of its rivals.

I bounce around like a puppy that's sniffed too many exhausts, exhorting her to come and see the new arrival and she politely tells me she'd rather finish filing her nails.This is because my tormentor-in-chief is about as interested in motor vehicles as I am in public transport. She might have to use them occasionally, but someone else always does the driving and she remains blissfully unconcerned by what sort of engine it possesses.As long as there's no gum stuck to the seat and it can recline far enough for her to nap on long drives, they're all the same to her.As you can imagine, this causes no small amount of tension chez Corby.Recently, however, we took possession of a car that caused as much excitement as a warehouse full of free shoes.This unbridled, hand-clapping joy was not shared by yours truly, because the car in question was a Ford Fiesta, which looks like a Ford Focus that's been left in a hot car wash too long and come out two sizes too small.Apparently, however, the Fiesta is incredibly, indelibly "cute". Furthermore, not only could you park it in a bike rack, it also has "excellent visibility".The Fiesta is also "wonderful" in many other ways, but it should be kept in mind she still thinks the Holden Gemini is the best car ever built.To my chagrin, however, I am forced to agree that, for its size at least, the Fiesta is pretty damned wonderful.The cabin is far classier and better put together than an $18,990 price tag or a Ford badge would suggest.Of course, for that price we did get the sporty three-door Zetec model, which manages to look not only cute but surprisingly sharp as well.But you can get an equally chic Fiesta for as little as $14,490 if you choose the three-door, five-speed manual LX. Alternatively, you can get the neat, petite luxury car, the five-door Fiesta Ghia, for $21,490.Of course, the reason this Ford is so well-built can be detected as soon as you drive it. The indicator stalk is on the left-hand side of the wheel.This is actually an indicator of quality because it means the car is made in Europe. In the Fiesta's case, it's Germany.And, as the Holden Astra (now built in Belgium) has shown us, the best Aussie cars are the ones that aren't made here.The Fiesta's engine, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder, is a truly hard-worker. It moans, groans and occasionally screams if you kick its firewall too hard, but it's a solid performer and makes the most of its 74kW.Of course, with only 146Nm of torque, it climbs hills like a baby Sherpa – slowly, but with in-built determination.The four-speed auto our car was fitted with doesn't make life any easier for the engine, and it would surely be a more lively vehicle with the five-speed manual.The one truly strange quirk of the Fiesta is its cooling fans. Take the car for a hard flog, or even a slow jog, and when you park you will be assaulted by what sounds like a small helicopter whirring into action under the bonnet.The first few times I heard it I was convinced it was not coming from the cramped confines of the Fiesta's engine bay and that there must have been a hovercraft parked nearby.That noise, and the roar of the overworked engine aside, the Fiesta is a remarkably refined and smooth machine.Only the very short of leg would attempt to occupy the back seats, but the front ones are suitably supportive and height-adjustable.The sporty steering wheel in the Zetec is another nice touch and it communicates a zippy, sharp feel to the driver.After a week of being driven around in it, the better half showered the baby Ford with the highest praise. Apparently, it's almost as good as a Gemini.