Starting from £6,000 for early models, the Fiesta MK8 isn’t just another small car – it’s a proven all-rounder that’s kept its value better than most rivals. Whether you’re a first-time buyer watching every penny or a savvy motorist seeking a practical second car, this latest generation Fiesta brings big-car feel to the small car segment.

What Is In The Review

• 1

  Overview

• 2

  Performance

• 3

  Reliability

• 4

  Ownership Costs

• 5

  Competitors

• 6

  Buying Guide

Overview

Quick Facts You Can Trust About this Model

• 5-star Euro NCAP rating (2017), with standard-fit autonomous emergency braking on most models – one of the safest small cars in its class.
• 1.0 EcoBoost (most popular engine): 45-50mpg in daily driving.
• Annual service: £169 (Ford Essentials pricing)
• 292 litres with seats up
• Most popular model (1.0 EcoBoost Zetec): Group 10

How Does It Stand Out Compared To The Previous Models?

The 2017-2023 Fiesta marks a significant evolution from its 2008-2017 predecessor. While both generations share Ford’s signature engaging handling, the newer model brings notable improvements in key areas.

The biggest leap comes in refinement – where the previous model’s plasticky interior and basic tech now give way to soft-touch materials and modern infotainment.

The latest generation also addresses its predecessor’s firm ride quality, offering better bump absorption while maintaining the model’s fun-to-drive character.

Engine choices show progress too – though both generations feature the 1.0 EcoBoost, the newer model adds mild hybrid technology and improved efficiency. However, one thing remains constant: both generations emphasize driver enjoyment, just the latest one does it with more polish.

Which Model In This Generation Stands Out?

The 1.0 EcoBoost 100PS Zetec emerges as the standout model in the 2017-2023 Fiesta range.

It pairs the sweet-spot 100PS version of Ford’s award-winning engine with just the right level of equipment in Zetec trim.

This combination hits the perfect balance between performance and running costs, while the trim level includes all the essential modern features without unnecessary extras that push up the price and insurance costs. It’s no wonder this specification consistently ranks as the most sought-after on the used market

Potential Issues To Be Aware Of

Key issues with the MK8 Ford Fiesta(2017-2023):

• Timing belt requires attention around 5 years/50,000 miles, despite longer official intervals
• Manual gearbox can develop notchy changes.
• Battery issues, particularly on mHEV (mild hybrid) models
• Listen for front suspension knocks over bumps
• Door seal leaks are common but cheap to fix

Performance

The latest model delivers a compelling blend of efficiency and responsiveness on the road, offering drivers a surprisingly engaging experience that punches above its weight class in the competitive hatchback segment.

Engine Performance

The 1.0 EcoBoost engine delivers remarkable punch for its modest size, achieving 0-60mph in a respectable 10.6 seconds in the 100PS variant. What impresses most is the strong mid-range torque, offering 170Nm from just 1,500rpm.

The responsive throttle makes urban driving particularly enjoyable, with power delivery that belies the engine’s compact dimensions.

Comfort & Interior

The front cabin refinement is impressive, featuring supportive seats and a well-considered driving position. Rear passenger accommodation, however, falls slightly short of key rivals such as the VW Polo, particularly for taller adults on longer journeys.

Build quality strikes an excellent balance between durability and style. Soft-touch materials cover the primary touchpoints whilst harder-wearing plastics are sensibly positioned in high-traffic areas, demonstrating thoughtful design throughout.

Equipment levels are generous across the range. The 8-inch touchscreen, standard on Zetec models and above, offers crisp graphics and intuitive controls. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment makes smartphone integration seamless for all users.

The 292-litre boot with practical 60:40 split rear seats proves adequate for weekly shopping trips and airport runs, though some competitors in this segment offer more outright luggage capacity.

Running-Costs

The efficient 1.0 EcoBoost delivers real-world economy of 45-50mpg in mixed driving conditions, with reasonable servicing costs at £180 for a minor service through Ford dealerships.

Insurance ratings are notably friendly (groups 2-15), making this model particularly accessible for younger drivers, especially in base specification models equipped with the 1.0 EcoBoost 100PS engine.

Strong residual values mean it holds its worth well at resale, particularly in the popular Zetec trim, whilst annual road tax costs remain consistent at £190.

The running gear proves durable when properly maintained, though timing belt changes (recommended every 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first) should be budgeted for as part of ownership costs.

Practicality

The 292L boot expands to a useful 1,093L with the rear seats folded – adequate for everyday requirements but trailing behind the Polo’s more generous 351L capacity.

Front storage is well-thought-out with properly sized door bins, conveniently positioned cupholders and excellent visibility. The easily accessible ISOFIX mounting points add to the family-friendly credentials.

Space for front passengers is generous, though the rear seating is better suited to children or shorter journeys for adult occupants.

The wide-opening doors and low sill height make loading and daily access remarkably straightforward, adding to the overall practicality of this compact yet capable vehicle.

Handling & Ride

The Sportage delivers composed and predictable handling for a family SUV. Its light and precise steering makes urban maneuvers straightforward. The optional all-wheel drive system provides additional confidence in challenging conditions.

Both manual and automatic transmissions perform well, with the 8-speed automatic (introduced in 2018) being particularly smooth and responsive.

Comfort

Ride quality is a strong point, with the Sportage effectively absorbing road imperfections. GT-Line models with larger wheels trade some comfort for sharper looks and handling.

Refinement levels are good, with well-suppressed wind and road noise, though diesel engines can be heard when accelerating hard. The cabin remains composed at motorway speeds, making it a capable long-distance cruiser.

Reliability

Why You Can Trust This Car?

The evidence is reassuring. This generation Fiesta has proven its reliability through millions of UK miles, with most owners reporting strong dependability when properly maintained. What makes it particularly trustworthy is Ford’s extensive dealer network – you’re never far from support, and parts are both readily available and affordable. The 1.0 EcoBoost engine, despite its complexity, has established itself as reliable when serviced regularly, particularly with oil changes.

What gives extra confidence is the Fiesta’s impressive five-star Euro NCAP safety rating from 2017, backed by standard-fit autonomous emergency braking on most models. This all makes this vehicle British best-selling car for a long time for a reason.

What Rarely Goes Wrong?

• Basic engine block and transmission internals prove remarkably durable
• Electrical systems for essential functions (ignition, fuel injection)
• Core chassis components and suspension mounting points
• Heating and ventilation systems
• Main body structure and crash protection elements

Is This The Most Reliable Compared To It’s Older Generations?

The 2017-2023 Fiesta marks a significant improvement in reliability over its predecessors. While the previous 2008-2017 model was known for its door seal issues and electrical niggles, and the earlier 2002-2008 version often suffered from suspension problems and gearbox wear, this latest generation has addressed many of these historical weaknesses. The build quality is notably better, and the electrical systems are more robust.

How does the Ford Fiesta perform on long road trips?

The Fiesta proves surprisingly capable on long journeys, particularly with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine. On motorways, it feels remarkably grown-up, with enough power for confident overtaking and impressive stability at higher speeds. The well-judged suspension handles British motorways comfortably, while good sound insulation keeps wind and road noise well controlled.

Real Ownership Experience

Based on our customer feedback across the MK7 Ford Fiesta ownership experience:

Key Ownership Insights

• Averaging 46mpg in mixed driving with my 1.0 EcoBoost. Insurance for young drivers is manageable if you stick to the Zetec trim – about £900 for a 25-year-old. Servicing at independents costs around £160-180 yearly.

• Three years in and the key is regular oil checks – these EcoBoosts are sensitive. Also budget for the timing belt at 5 years/50,000 miles, even though Ford suggests longer. Worth the peace of mind.
• Go for one with a full service history even if it means paying more. A well-maintained Zetec is a better bet than a neglected Titanium. Check the oil change history – it’s crucial with these engines.

Owner feedback consistently shows it’s a reliable, economical choice when properly maintained, with most issues being minor and predictable. The key to happy ownership is regular maintenance, particularly for the EcoBoost engine.

Ownership Cost And Price Value Assessment

Here is the total ownership cost breakdown for the Ford Fiesta (2017-2023):

Holding It’s Value?

The Ford Fiesta proves to be one of the most resilient small cars when it comes to holding its value, typically retaining 60-65% of its original price after three years – notably better than the class average.

This strong performance is particularly evident in the popular Zetec trim level with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine, which consistently commands strong used prices due to high demand and the sweet spot of equipment versus cost.

The trim level you choose does impact value retention. The mid-spec Zetec models tend to hold their value best, offering the ideal balance of equipment and cost, while ST-Line versions also perform strongly thanks to their sporty appeal.

The Cheapest Models To Maintain

The 1.1-litre 75PS Zetec emerges as the most economical Fiesta to maintain from this generation. While the 1.0 EcoBoost might be more popular, the simpler 1.1-litre engine’s naturally aspirated design means fewer components that could potentially need attention.

You’re looking at basic servicing costs of around £160 annually at independent garages, with no turbocharger to worry about and a more straightforward service schedule.

Key budget-friendly models:

Style 1.1L 75PS (2017-2019)

• Initial cost: £5,800-£7,000
• Insurance: Groups 4-5
• Simple maintenance regime
• Basic but reliable spec
• Ideal first car choice

Zetec 1.1L 85PS (2017-2020)

• Purchase: £6,500-£8,000
• Better equipped than Style
• Low insurance groups (5-6)
• Good parts availability
• Strong reliability record

What Is The Typical Lifespan Of Major Components (Transmission, Engine, Electrical Systems)?

The Ford Fiesta’s major components show impressive longevity when properly maintained.

The 1.0 EcoBoost engine typically exceeds 150,000 miles with proper care, while the simpler 1.1 naturally aspirated unit can push beyond 180,000 miles.

Timing belt changes are crucial around 60,000-80,000 miles (or 5 years), and turbochargers generally last 100,000+ miles with regular oil changes.

What are the most expensive common repairs reported by owners?

The most expensive common repairs for the 2017-2023 Fiesta primarily center around the EcoBoost engine and transmission components.

Owners frequently report timing belt replacements as a significant scheduled expense, typically costing £400-£500 around the 5-year/50,000-mile mark. The dual-clutch automatic transmission can require attention around 70,000 miles, with repair bills ranging from £800-£1,200.

Which Model In This Generation Has The Lowest Depreciation

The ST-Line and Zetec models with the 1.0 EcoBoost 100PS engine consistently show the strongest residual values in the 2017-2023 Fiesta range. An ST-Line typically retains around 65-70% of its value after three years, while the Zetec holds onto 60-65% – both significantly better than the class average.

Competitors

The Ford Fiesta’s key rivals in the supermini segment include the Volkswagen Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, and SEAT Ibiza as its main competitors.

The Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, and Hyundai i20 also compete in the same market space. At the premium end, it faces competition from the MINI Hatch and Audi A1, while value alternatives include the Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, and Toyota Yaris. In this crowded segment, each competitor targets slightly different buyer priorities, from premium feel to value for money.

Honest Strength And Weaknesses

The Fiesta holds a competitive position in running costs compared to its rivals. The 1.0 EcoBoost (100PS) achieves 45-50mpg in real-world driving, matching the Vauxhall Corsa’s 1.2 turbo but slightly behind the VW Polo 1.0 TSI’s 47-52mpg. Insurance costs are generally favorable, with the Fiesta Zetec sitting in groups 4-10, lower than the Polo (8-11) but similar to the Corsa (5-9).

Strengths:

• Class-leading handling makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive
• 1.0 EcoBoost engine delivers impressive real-world economy (45-50mpg)
• Strong build quality for its price point
• Extensive dealer network keeps maintenance costs reasonable
• Good equipment levels from Zetec trim upwards
• Strong safety features as standard
• Holds value well for a mainstream supermini

Weaknesses:

• 292L boot is smaller than key rivals (Polo: 351L, Ibiza: 355L)
• Rear seat space tight for adults on longer journeys
• EcoBoost engines need strict maintenance adherence
• Some cheap-feeling interior plastics in lower cabin areas
• Base ‘Style’ models feel sparse on equipment
• Higher insurance costs for younger drivers
• Infotainment can be laggy compared to newer rivals

Living With the Car

The 2017-2023 Fiesta established itself as the benchmark for supermini driving dynamics while offering good everyday practicality. Build quality shows clear improvements over previous generations, particularly in cabin materials and assembly. The 1.0 EcoBoost models offer the best balance of performance and economy, while Zetec trim provides excellent value with good equipment levels.

Most Comfortable Features

• Well-shaped front seats with a good adjustment range
• Supple ride quality (especially on 16-inch wheels)
• Effective noise insulation at motorway speeds
• User-friendly infotainment from Zetec up
• Heated windscreen (a real bonus in winter)

Suspension And Wear

The suspension maintains its composure well over time, typically needing attention around 60,000-80,000 miles. Front struts can show wear earlier in urban-used examples, while rear dampers generally last longer. Models with larger wheels (17-inch+) may require earlier suspension attention.

Suspension And Ride Comfort Does It Deteriorate Over Time?

The MK4 Sportage’s suspension system shows predictable wear patterns over time, particularly in higher-mileage examples. Front struts typically begin showing signs of wear around 60,000-80,000 miles, while rear shock absorbers generally maintain their composure longer. Models with 19-inch wheels tend to show earlier signs of suspension wear compared to those with 17-inch wheels.

Family Friendliness

The Fiesta works well as a small family car with its 292L boot, wide-opening doors, and clear ISOFIX points. While rear space is tighter than some rivals, the practical interior layout and durable materials make it suitable for family use, particularly in five-door for

Our Recommendation And Buying Guide

Here are our buying and inspection tips for the Ford Fiesta MK7.