Summary
The Fiesta has ruled the roost for years in the popular supermini market. Does the latest model continue to impress?
Pros
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Great to drive
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Plenty of standard equipment
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Low running costs
Cons
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Rivals have slightly roomier interiors
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Not as much tech as others in this class
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Some safety kit is optional
Introduction
The Ford Fiesta is the UK’s best-selling car ever. Across the generations – and there have been many – the Fiesta's always excelled at bringing fun, style and value for money into the small hatchback segment. The seventh-generation Fiesta takes things up another level, with a greater focus on quality than before.
Latest model
There aren’t a huge number of tweaks to the latest Fiesta, but the model received a welcome update in 2020, when Ford ushered in new mild-hybrid petrol engines across much of the range. These engines improved performance and fuel economy, meaning the Fiesta is cheaper than ever to run.
Additional safety technology is also available now, including adaptive cruise control with ‘Stop & Go’ – meaning the car can be brought to a halt in traffic and move again without having to press any pedals. Park assist and traffic sign recognition are also options.
Driving feel
The Fiesta has always stood out for its driving experience, and this latest model remains as brilliant behind the wheel as ever. It offers the sharp handling you’d expect from a sports car and should leave you beaming from ear to ear, all while staying within the speed limits, of course.
It’s far from being a one-trick-pony, as it’s also comfortable – more so equipped with smaller alloy wheels –and refined. The introduction of the mild-hybrid petrol engines has given the Fiesta that extra performance buzz, while also helping fuel efficiency.
Looks and image
The current Fiesta might have been on sale for a few years, but its design, headed up by a neat grille and attractive LED light, still looks fresh and modern, even next to some of its newer competitors. A great choice of derivatives adds to the appeal, not least the ‘Active Edition’, which has slightly raised suspension, chunky plastic cladding and roof bars, giving it a more rugged look.
The latest Fiesta’s cabin is better than ever, offering clearer dials and displays than before, as well as a more upmarket finish. Another asset is the generous amount of standard kit, with all versions coming with an impressive 8-inch touchscreen system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, along with Bluetooth and a DAB radio connection.
Space
Although the Fiesta doesn’t lead the way when it comes to spaciousness, there’s plenty of room considering its relatively small dimensions.
Of the 3 and 5 door options, the latter is the more practical – allowing easier access to the rear seats, which are surprisingly accommodating, with a decent amount of legroom and headroom, even for adults. In terms of boot space, the Fiesta offers 311 litres, or 1,093 litres with the rear seats folded, although both of these are still quite average by class standards.
Engines and running costs
Ford recently removed diesel options from the Fiesta range, so today there are only petrol models to choose from.
A 74bhp 1.1-litre option kicks off the range, though it can feel a touch underpowered, so this model is best suited for town and city drivers.
Up next are Ford’s renowned turbocharged 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, which are paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. A 94bhp option kickstarts the range, and allows for a pleasing 0-60mph time of 10.4 seconds.
The new mild-hybrid ‘EcoBoost Hybrid’ options are available with outputs of 123bhp or 153bhp – the latter being especially nippy as it can reach 60mph in just 8.7 seconds.
When it comes to running costs, all Fiestas are very affordable, managing a claimed 50mpg, with CO2 emissions as low as 116g/km.
Powertrains
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1.1-litre naturally-aspirated petrol (74bhp)
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1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (94bhp)
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1.0-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol (123bhp)
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1.0-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol (153bhp)
Rivals
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DS 3 Crossback
Trims explained
There’s a huge choice of trim levels available on the Ford Fiesta. Here are the highlights…
Trend
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16-inch alloy wheels
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LED projector headlights
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Electric and heated door mirrors
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8-inch touchscreen
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Bluetooth
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DAB radio
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Air conditioning
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Heated windscreen
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Lane keep assist
Titanium (in addition to Trend)
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Chrome grille
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Electric folding door mirrors
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Rear parking sensors
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Satellite navigation
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Keyless start
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Cruise control
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LED ambient interior lighting
Titanium X (in addition to Titanium)
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17-inch alloy wheels
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Keyless entry
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Traffic sign recognition
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High beam assist
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B&O sound system
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Climate control
Vignale (in addition to Titanium X)
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Heated front seats
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Heated leather steering wheel
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Reversing camera
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Autonomous emergency braking
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Adaptive cruise control
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Park assist
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Front parking sensors
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Blind spot monitoring
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17-inch alloy wheels
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Black roof rails
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Rear parking sensors
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Electric door mirrors
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Satellite navigation
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Rugged styling kit
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Upgraded suspension setup
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New ‘Trail’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Slippery’ driving modes
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Keyless start
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Cruise control
Active X (in addition to Active)
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18-inch alloy wheels
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Silver roof rails
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Traffic sign recognition
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Automatic climate control
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Keyless start
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Wireless smartphone charging
ST-Line (in addition to Trend)
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17-inch alloy wheels
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ST-Line styling kit
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LED rear lights
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Electric folding door mirrors
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Satellite navigation
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Keyless start
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Black headlining
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Sports suspension
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Sports seats
ST-Line X (in addition to ST-Line)
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18-inch alloy wheels
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High beam assist
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Traffic sign recognition
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Keyless entry
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Wireless smartphone charging
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B&O sound system
The Ford Fiesta is now available in the Smart Lease range for a limited time. Find out more about leasing a Ford Fiesta.