Autocar - First for car news and reviews

Few cars have so rich a history as the Fiesta. This is the seventh generation since its launch in 1976 and more than 12 million have been made during the past 32 years.

The first generation was originally produced in Valencia, Spain, before production expanded to Cologne and Dagenham. But while the latest model will also be made in Cologne and Valencia, production is expanding again, to plants in Nanjing, China, and Rayong, Thailand.

When some cars are launched, so discreet ar...Read the full article

The Fiesta may be ordinary in the performance and practicality stakes but it will sell by the bucket load just from its show room appeal alone.

I am disappointed though that Ford weren't able to replicate the Mazda's weight savings.  Imagine how much better it would perform if it tipped the scales at under 1000kg. 

While I appreciate the efforts made to make the Fiesta more appealing,I worry that it might just be over-styed.

Most of the previous editions were easy to get on with,no-nonesense practical small hatchbacks that wouldn't date the week after they were brought home.Unless it's a hit with the image-conscious some buyers might be put off by the looks.

 

Superminis like the Fiesta are just so damned good now that it makes you seriously question whether you need any more car. In the last few weeks I've driven a five year old Polo regularly (obviously a car some way off the pace of the class leaders) and now find myself picking up the keys for it more often than either or TT or our SMax. It's just more fun on most journeys, even longer ones on motorways.

 I'm not that keen on the looks to be honest, the 3dr looks better. I'm sure it's very nice to drive though and the ST version should be hoot.

The styling looks odd in the cover picture.  The wheel arch looks about 5 inches thick making the front wheel look tiny.  Then above that is a very thick layer of body, huge headlamps and massive mirrors in comparison.  I really do wonder if today's car designers actually are trained, or whether like Bankers and Politicians they are over paid and useless at their jobs.

On the other hand, is this just a bad photo???

I had a look at the new Fiesta this weekend.  I am thinking about one, or an Alfa Mito.  Checked out the one in the showroom, 1.4 petrol Zetec with a few options like bluetooth etc.  £13,500!!!  And sitting in it.....well while I like the styling of the interior the poking, prodding and stroking of it revealed a cheapness that seems to contradict all of the reviews I have seen and read.  I think this car is great costing £9000 in base trim...but bearing in mind spec for spec that Mito 1.4 Velcoe is £1000 more....money well spent imo.

The dials especially in the Fiesta are small and off looking, like Dame Edna's specs are framing them.  Nasty.  I am sure technically the Fiesta handles and rides better than the Alfa, but it does not look better, or feel better and when stuck in a traffic jam I would rather be in the Alfa.

I've just picked up a new 1.4 5 dr Zetec and was surprised on how quiet it was in the cabin compared to the larger Focus 1.6 Zetec. It was a good crisp drive, firm handling, as you would expect from the Fiesta and I found the looks a great improvement on the older " box " shape. I was able to sit fairly comfortable in the back while my wife drove, which with me being 6'2 and her over 5'7 was impressive for a small car ... so the kids should have no problem. There's probably a little more room inside than her old Peugeot 206, although visibility isn't as good since the windows seem smaller at the back. I was able to pick it up with upgraded alloys, Bluetooth .. mandatory foot mats and full tank of fuel for £10,100 I think for that price, it's got to be a good buy

I think it's a great little car. I'm seeing more on the roads every day, which clearly means it's already hugely successful. I can see it being at the number one spot for a good while, like the original Focus. Like the Focus, the Fiesta is so different to the model it replaces, and really moves the game on for the competition in terms of the interior, safety and styling. The only real downside is the limited practicality, but I can't see this bothering too many Fiesta customers. The majority of the models I've seen are in that really quite eye-grabbing "Squeeze" Green, the "Hot Magenta" and I've seen a few black ones, too. Very good looking car, with strong road presence to go with it. Well done Ford.

There is something not right about the fiesta it doesn't look as sporty and cool. It always has been a family car with looks. But if ford progress even more they will make another hit. I'm certain.