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Ford models, news & reviews
5
Handling
4
Performance
Usability
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
2.5
By Glen Waddington
First Drives
11 February 2009 10:30
Ford expects the 1.4-litre petrol version of the Fiesta to be the best-seller. And that’s fine, but we’ve a sneaking suspicion you might be missing out on the sweet-spot in the Fiesta range. The best news is that it’ll actually cost you less too, both to buy and to run. Because we’re talking about the smallest engine in the range: the 1.25.
Hold your horses. The cheapest Fiesta Studio three-door lists at £8514, and it’s a fine car because it shares the impressive virtues – space, comfort, style, finish – of every Fiesta, and is surprisingly well equipped. But it comes with a 59bhp version of that sweet little 16-valver. We’re talking about the 81bhp version, which starts at £9591 in Style trim. And that’s an important difference.
Okay, okay, don’t get carried away. This is not a hot hatch. Not with a 0-62mph figure of 13.3sec, obviously. But the rating isn’t for the raw figures; it’s about how they translate into real driving. And the fact is that this Fiesta will surprise you. And it’ll continue doing that every time you drive it, because in no way does it feel like standard 1.2-litre supermini fare.
There’s an immediate feeling of sprightliness from the moment you set off. Then torque swells from 2500rpm and carries you right past 5000rpm without feeling like the engine’s running out of breath – nail it further and it remains smooth, if a little buzzy. Take it on a motorway and it’s utterly capable of cruising in the fast lane, with power in reserve if you get cut up or hit an incline. Any speed, any gear, it’s always willing, and it’s refined with it. Plus there’s a really gorgeous burble from the tailpipe at idle.
All of which would be good enough in a 1.4-litre baby. But it’s exceptional for this engine capacity, and even more so when you consider the Fiesta’s ample accommodation – and a kerbweight of 1109kg. It’s no lightweight in any sense of the word.
>> Click 'Next' below to read more about the new Ford Fiesta 1.25
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Ford Fiesta 1.25 (2009) CAR review
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TaffyLee says
RE: Ford Fiesta 1.25 (2009) CAR review
Nice to see one of the cheaper models in the range also being (possibly?) the best. Not sure about it being the only family car though. I have a C5 Tourer and can easily fill it to bursting point and I only have one child. A Fiesta size car has no chance.
12 February 2009 18:48
Batty says
Glen, bicycles aren't really traffic are they? Next you'll be reporting that metallic colours and alloy wheels are mere frippery and we would all be best served by bathing weekly in these uncertain times. I am not a Clarkson-esque imbecile, (I have my own idioitc qualities), but 81bhp and 1100kg? Good God a tortoise has a better power to weight ratio! No more please.
12 February 2009 05:48
Padrino says
Five stars in Performance? FIVE STARS in FEEL GOOD FACTOR??? Ok, Ford's a good payer, that's for sure.
12 February 2009 02:55
daveandrews13 says
I think the news is spreading about the new Fiesta - I'm seeing an awful lot of them about. Proof that the average Joe in the street does listen.
11 February 2009 17:56
Gregg218 says
I saw the Verve concept in the flesh. I know that Americans as a whole dislike hatches but I feel this vehicle works well as a hatch and I hope that they at least give us that option. I also hope the we can get the Euro engines as I would think the pollution garbage for each continent are similar.
11 February 2009 17:02
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