Zetec 1.4 5dr Hatchback

Fun to drive, bigger than it looks and cheap to run.

I made a big jump from a 2.2 Mondeo to this Fiesta for economic reasons and bought it without even driving it. It was just to be a basic commuter and I wasn't expecting to like it much. But after picking it up and on the way home I was surprised just how good it felt to drive and now 4 months on I have really taken to it and care about it more than I did with my Mondeo.

Plus points: It's so easy to drive and being nimble and nippy it has brought the fun factor back into driving. It handles really well and is brilliant when hustling it through the back roads. The steering is perfectly geared and weighted with great feel and a tiny turning circle. The engine loves to rev and off the line is extremely sprightly. It's roomy (there is plenty of space between you and the door/passenger) with loads of space for your bits and pieces. I have the upgraded 6 speaker stereo which sounds brilliant and I get 47mpg without trying. Also there isn't the worry of the expensive things going wrong as it's very cheap and easy to maintain. Nothing has broken yet and unlike other reviews the interior after nearly 4 years and 38000 miles is like new. All round vision is excellent and it's easy to park without feeling like you need sensors. Very nice front lighting with footwell lights, map lights and a dim red ambient lighting in the dash and roof. Bluetooth works well but I don't bother with the voice control.

Minus points: I wish it had 6 gears not just 5. You really want to change up when you get to around 60. I would prefer the security of a spare wheel not a can of foam. Rear seats don't fold flat unless you remove the seat base first. No rear electric windows (the rear is very much child proof with harder plastics and none of the fancy trim). There was no rear courtesy light but I fitted one myself to the back of the centre console. No glove box light-again I fitted one myself. I would also prefer an engine temperature gauge and not just a warning light. No centre arm rest. Leg room in the back is restricted if, like me, you like your seat fairly well back but this is to be expected with this size of car. Lacks mid-range power and overtakes have to be judged very carefully.

In summary I am a convert and can't see myself going back to a big car now.

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