Published 06/08/2020
Published 06/08/2020
Ford Fiesta Review
What did we drive?
2020 Ford Fiesta
Engine: 1.0 Litre Ecoboost (Petrol)
Power: 125 Horsepower
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Model Line: Vignale Edition
Colour: Frozen White
Upholstery: Vignale Black Quilted Leather Seats
OTR Price: From £16,660.
Price of model driven: £23,185
Browse our latest Ford Fiesta lease deals
Engines
Ford has received serious props for their efficient and well-performing range of ‘EcoBoost’ petrol engines, which now also includes Hybrid variants. This is an option on entry-level models right up to the high-powered ST models.
There is just one diesel option available; an 85 horsepower, 1.5 litre TDCi that’ll produce between 115-120 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Here’s a full breakdown of all the engine options available:
- 1.5 TDCi (85ps) – Diesel
- 1.1L Ti-VCT (75ps) Petrol
- 1.0 Litre EcoBoost (95ps) Petrol
- 1.0 Litre EcoBoost (125ps) Petrol
- 1.0 Litre EcoBoost Hybrid (125ps) Petrol
- 1.0 Litre EcoBoost Hybrid (155ps) Petrol
- 1.5 Litre EcoBoost (200ps) Petrol – Available on ST-2, ST-3 and ST Ford Performance Edition only.
Drive
The 6-speed manual gearbox in this car is really nice, and in my opinion, is much nicer than that in the Peugeot 208 or the Renault Clio (which for the record I also thought were good). There is also a 7-Speed automatic available on certain models. We drove the 125ps 1.0 litre hybrid engine, which produces just 116 g/km of CO2.
This is all the better considering how well-powered it felt; accelerating quickly and enjoyably. It’s also a good middle-ground engine for those wanting something more powerful than the 95 horsepower, but not needing something as quick as the 155ps or 200ps in the ST’s.
You can switch between ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’ modes depending on how you’re feeling, and features such as a blind spot monitoring system, lane keeping aids and cruise control make it an incredibly easy car to drive.
Design
Mildly buggish eyes (and I mean that in the nicest way) lead the way to a sleek body with a more angular rear than you’d remember from the previous generation Fiesta. You can tell me I’m wrong, but front on I can’t help but think that it reminds me of a Tesla Model 3. As you go up the model line-up, you’re treated to chrome detailing on the Titanium and Vignale models, or a sporty body kit on ST-Line variants. Trend and ST models are available as a compact 3-door, but you’ll find that all of the other models will be an arguably more practical 5-door.
Entry-level models get 16 inch 8-spoke alloy wheels as standard, whereas Vignale models like ours have 17 inch 10-spoke alloys. In addition to Trend models, Vignale models benefit from special front fog lamps with cornering lights, as well as a unique front grille, body styling and ‘Vignale’ badges on the front, rear and threshold plates.
Inside, the cabin is centred around an eight-inch touchscreen (which is a far cry from the dated and sunken look of the previous models). The interior is a mix of soft-touch materials, with chrome surrounds and high-gloss black finishes – which, whilst looking great, scratch incredibly easily (especially around the storage compartment next to the gear lever.
The Vignale features plush quilted leather seats which are SO comfortable, with the design resembling something similar to a honeycomb. Other models will either get cloth or partial-leather upholstery depending on which model line you go for. Whilst the car is pretty airy already if you did want to, you have the option of an openable ‘Panorama Roof’. However, it's not cheap – with the option costing just shy of £1,000. However, it would be an added luxury that I think many would enjoy.
Space and Practicality
The Fiesta provides enough practicality for most who use the car for social and domestic use or even for commuting with one or two people in the car. There are ISOFIX points in the rear if you have young children, however, they aren’t the easiest of access.
I’d much prefer if they were behind little covers rather than having to root into the seat. two children or adults would be okay in the back (I think three would be too much of a squeeze) and under 6ft. The seats fold down easily in a 60:40 configuration if you need to extend the boot space.
Speaking of boot space, the Fiesta offers around a 300-litre capacity boot which is good enough for most needs. However, much smaller than that in the Renault Clio or Seat Ibiza. You’ll find a journey with three or four passengers plus some luggage will quickly fill the space, but again – it’ll be more than spacious enough for someone looking for a small hatch.
Its size also makes it incredibly practical for driving around town and parking in narrower spots. I also have three words; Folding door protectors. I repeat. Folding door protectors.
These essentially pop in and out as you open and close doors, offering that added bit of protection. These are my favourite gadget on my own Fiesta, and they have saved me from countless wall bumps and potential door scrapes. Unfortunately, these aren’t standard on anything but the Vignale but are available as part of a Mid or High Series Driver Assistance Pack.
Technology and Connectivity
Even the most basic model in the extensive lineup features a really good amount of technology and safety features. The basic kit includes:
- LED daytime running lights
- Automatic headlights
- Lane-keeping alert
- Lane-keeping aid
- Hill Start Assist
- Quickclear Heated Windscreen
- Air Con
- Choice of driving modes
- 8” Touchscreen
- DAB Radio
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
Upgrade to other models and you can get tech such as folding door mirrors, parking sensors, keyless go and entry, auto high beam assist, wireless charging and a B&O sound system.
Our Vignale is the cream of the crop in terms of driver comfort and assistance and therefore also had a rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, a parking assistant and heated front seats and steering wheel. In terms of using the technology, the touchscreen is simple and effective. However, it lacks the vibrancy of systems in competitors such as the VW Polo. The satellite navigation is easy enough to use, however, as with any touchscreen it can be a bit of a distraction on the road. Overall it is a nice system and the screen is very responsive.
Model Lines
The Ford Fiesta model line-up can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you were to take in to consideration the powerful ST-2, ST-3 and ST Performance models which boast 200 horsepower. Those are the peak performance models, but if we were to forget those for a moment and focus on the main model lines, it would go as follows:
Trend
- 16” 8-Spoke Alloys
- Privacy glass
- NCAP Pack (Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Speed Limiter, Seatbelt reminder)
- Mesh front grille with chrome surround
- Quickclear Heated windscreen
- Manual Air Con
- Driving Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport
- Ford SYNC 8” Touchscreen
- DAB Radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- LED projector (low beam) headlamps with LED Ford Easy Fuel daytime running lights
Titanium (in addition/replacement to Trend)
- 16” 10-spoke alloys
- Rear parking sensors
- Chrome grille
- Rain sensing wipers and auto-dimming mirror
- Ford SYNC3 with navigation
- Keyless start
- Cruise control and Speed Limiter
- Centre console with armrest and illuminated cupholders
- LED ambient lighting
- Leather steering wheel
Titanium X (in addition/replacement to Titanium)
- 17” 8-spoke alloys
- Partial leather seats
- B&O 360 sound system
- Wireless charging
- Driver and passenger lumbar adjust
- Driver assistance features: 4.2" TFT instrument cluster screen, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam & Driver alert
- Ford KeyFree System with Keyless Entry & Keyless Start (with Motion Sensing Key Fob)
Active Edition (in addition/replacement to Trend)
- Active 17" 5-Spoke Alloys with rough metal finish
- Black roof rails
- Rear parking sensors
- Centre console with armrest and illuminated cupholders
- Ford SYNC3 with navigation
- Rugged body styling kit with Active front wing badges
- Rough Road Suspension including increased ride 2 x 160mm Integrated tweeter & midrange height
- Selectable Drive Modes (SDM), Eco, Normal, Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Trail, Sport and Slippery
- Keyless Start with Ford Power Starter Button
- LED ambient lighting
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob
Active X Edition (in addition/replacement to Active Edition)
- Active 18" 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels Shadow Black - Machined Finish
- Silver roof rails
- Partial leather seats
- Wireless charging
- Driver and passenger lumbar adjustment
- B&O Sound System
- Driver assistance features: 4.2" TFT instrument cluster screen, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam & Driver alert
ST-Line Edition (in addition/replacement to Trend)
- Rock Metallic Light 17" 5x2-spoke alloy wheels
- Rear privacy glass
- Rear parking sensors
- Puddle lights and power-folding door mirrors
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob
- ST Sports pedals (only available on the Manuals)
- Sports-tuned suspension
- Rear spoiler (body coloured)
- Rain sensing wipers and an auto-dimming mirror
- Ford SYNC3 Nav
- Unique ST-Line upper grille & full body styling kit with ST-Line wing badges
ST-Line X Edition
- 18" 5-Spoke Alloy Wheel Rock Metallic - Machined Finish
- Partial leather sports seats
- B&O sound system
- Keyless Start (with Motion Sensing Key Fob
- Driver & Passenger Lumbar Adjustment
- Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)
- Driver assistance features: 4.2" TFT instrument cluster screen, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam & Driver alert
Vignale (in addition/replacement to Titanium X)
- 17” 10-Spoke alloys
- Vignale front fog lamps with cornering lights
- Vignale front grille & bodystyling
- Vignale rear & wing badges
- Black Quilted Leather Seats
- Heated front seats & heated steering wheel
- Rearview camera with rear parking sensors
- Vignale front door threshold plates, floor mats
- Adaptive Cruise Control (Inc. Stop and Go Auto Only)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Active Park Assist
- Front Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Door Edge Protectors
*Model lines and prices correct at the time of publication
Verdict
The Fiesta is no longer a car that is only associated with younger drivers. With efficient engines and low running costs, it now appeals to all ages. Its size makes it practical and easy to drive, and the Vignale offers that added bit of luxury that you probably wouldn’t expect a Fiesta to be able to achieve.
If a sportier drive is what you’re after, go for one of the ST variants or tackle more terrain in the Active or Active X. Alternatively, the Titanium and Titanium X offer comfort and also a good amount of technology.
A lease on a Ford Fiesta will enable you to drive this enjoyable little hatch for much less than it would cost if you were to take out a PCP agreement. Check out our latest lease deals on the Ford Fiesta here.
