Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.5
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
3.8
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a small car that puts a smile on your face every time you drive it? The Ford Fiesta might be exactly what you need. This compact hatchback has been Britain’s favourite small car for years, and for good reason. It combines brilliant driving dynamics with practical everyday usability, wrapped up in a package that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone downsizing from a larger car, the Fiesta offers something special.
The moment you get behind the wheel, you’ll understand why driving enthusiasts rave about the Fiesta. It handles like a much more expensive car, with sharp steering and excellent body control that makes even mundane journeys feel engaging. The interior is modern and well laid out, with Ford’s SYNC infotainment system keeping you connected. Rivals like the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza offer their own charms, but neither quite matches the Fiesta’s driving appeal.
What makes the Fiesta truly special is how it manages to be both practical and fun. The boot is a decent size for the class, the engines are efficient, and running costs are reasonable. Yet it never feels like a compromise or a purely sensible choice. Ford has created a small car that genuinely enjoys being driven, whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling country roads. It’s this blend of practicality and personality that has kept the Fiesta at the top of sales charts.
What's the Ford Fiesta Like to Drive?
The Ford Fiesta offers a range of efficient petrol engines that prioritise fuel economy without sacrificing driving enjoyment. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo is the star of the range, available in various power outputs from 95 to 125 horsepower. Even the entry-level version feels peppy around town and has enough grunt for confident overtaking. The 125hp variant offers genuinely brisk performance, reaching 60mph in under 10 seconds while still returning excellent fuel economy figures.
Where the Fiesta truly excels is in its handling and ride quality balance. The steering is beautifully weighted and accurate, giving you real confidence on twisty roads. The suspension manages to soak up most bumps and potholes while keeping the car flat and composed through corners. This makes it one of the most engaging small hatchbacks to drive, with a level of dynamic polish that puts many more expensive cars to shame. Whether you’re commuting through busy city traffic or enjoying a weekend drive, the Fiesta delivers an involving and refined experience that never gets boring.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
Inside the Ford Fiesta: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Fiesta and you’ll find a cabin that feels more upmarket than the price suggests. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by Ford’s SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system in higher trim levels. The materials used throughout feel solid and well chosen, with soft-touch surfaces on key contact points. The driving position is excellent, with good seat adjustment and clear sightlines all around. Even the base models come with essentials like air conditioning and smartphone connectivity.
The front seats provide good support for longer journeys, and there’s adequate space for most adults. One of the Fiesta’s strengths is how quiet and refined it feels on the move. Road noise is well suppressed, and the engines are smooth and unobtrusive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard on most models, making it easy to integrate your phone. The climate control system works effectively, and the overall build quality feels robust. Higher specification models add features like part-leather seats and ambient lighting that enhance the premium feel even further.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Fiesta?
The Ford Fiesta is one of the most economical small cars you can buy, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious drivers. The efficient EcoBoost engines regularly achieve 50+ mpg in real-world driving, which translates to lower fuel bills each month. Insurance groups are also very reasonable, typically ranging from group 5 to 15 depending on the engine and trim level. This makes the Fiesta particularly attractive for younger drivers who often face high insurance premiums.
Purchase prices are competitive, with the Fiesta offering strong value compared to premium rivals. Ford’s extensive dealer network means servicing and parts are widely available and reasonably priced. The brand’s reputation for reliability helps keep unexpected repair bills to a minimum. car finance options are readily available, with attractive monthly payment plans that make ownership more affordable. When you factor in the strong resale values that Fiestas traditionally hold, the total cost of ownership becomes very appealing, especially for first-time buyers or those looking for dependable, economical transport.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
Is the Ford Fiesta Practical for Everyday Use?
The Fiesta manages to pack impressive practicality into its compact dimensions. The 292-litre boot is reasonably sized for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or a couple of small suitcases. The rear seats split and fold to create extra cargo space when needed, making it possible to transport larger items like flat-pack furniture. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage cubbies and cup holders to keep your everyday items organised and within reach.
Where the Fiesta shows its small car limitations is in rear passenger space. While children will be comfortable, adults might find legroom a bit tight on longer journeys. However, for couples or small families making shorter trips, it’s perfectly adequate. The compact external dimensions are actually a major advantage in urban environments, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces much easier than with larger vehicles. For many used Ford cars, the Fiesta represents the sweet spot between practicality and convenience, offering enough space for most daily needs without the bulk of a larger car.
I’ve had my Fiesta for two years now and it still makes me smile every time I drive it. The handling is fantastic and it feels so much more expensive than it actually was. Fuel economy is brilliant too, I’m getting over 50 mpg easily.
The Ford Fiesta remains the benchmark for small cars that prioritise driving enjoyment without sacrificing everyday practicality. It combines sharp handling, efficient engines, and solid build quality into an appealing package that suits a wide range of buyers. The modern interior and comprehensive technology features ensure it feels contemporary and well-equipped. While boot space isn’t class-leading, the Fiesta excels in the areas that matter most for daily driving.
You choose the Fiesta because you want a small car that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its engaging dynamics and refined ride quality make it genuinely enjoyable to drive, whether you’re commuting or exploring. The strong reliability record and reasonable running costs add practical appeal to the emotional attraction. For anyone seeking an affordable car that delivers both efficiency and driving satisfaction, with flexible financing available through car finance options, the Fiesta should be at the top of your shortlist.
A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
