1.0T 140 St-Line EcoBoost Start+Stop 5dr Hatchback

Excellent Warm Hatch

Will make this as brief as possible as previously reviewed our earlier 2013 Zetec S 125PS.

Good: Performance, handling, comfort, refinement, wonderfully free-revving 'torque-y' engine, restrained yet sporty stylish looks, stylish alloys, quick-clear heated windscreen, capless fuel filler, button start etc, rear parking sensors (so says my partner!), faultless start/stop system, LED DRLs/tail lights, excellent main dealer. Extra 15PS horsepower with slightly lower overall gearing makes for a superior drive around town and a lot more than expected increase of pace on the open road, all with barely any noticeable difference in motorway driving.

Not So Good: Reverse gear always a bit tricky to engage. You get to know its foibles and put them into practice! Essentially it does not have syncromesh on reverse. Otherwise its a nice, slick box which would be perfect with one more cog. Brakes whilst good need discs at the rear for effective full load/press-on retardation. Dashboard around radio dated but still practical and reasonably stylish. Journalists over emphasise this to a ridiculous degree. As I only use the radio/CD or engage in intelligent conversation with any passengers 'Infotainment' as such is totally irrelevant. I put sheer driving pleasure a little bit ahead of screen size and graphics. Don't buy such a model with its sporting credentials if you are obsessed about mpg. Official figures are optimistic! Its real mpg is around the reasonable 42/44 mark depending on time of year temperatures, journey distance and driving style. Just fill it with Shell V-Power Nitro religiously and enjoy the drive!

Summing up its still a brilliant drivers car

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