THE FORD FIESTA has been a familiar sight on our roads for 41 years now and is one of the nation’s favourite cars. In fact, despite the previous generation Fiesta being eight years old, it was the best selling supermini in Ireland last year.
The previous generation model was also best in class in terms of driving dynamics and fun behind the wheel. So has this new Fiesta mellowed with age or is it as feisty as ever?
This new model isn’t that different looking. The grille is slightly wider and there are new wrap-around effect headlights. Gone is the bulge in the bonnet and the body’s wedge shape has been retained, it’s now just a bit softer around the edges. Overall, it’s a little bit more elegant and grown-up looking.
However, inside, the cabin has shed its awkwardness. Gone is that bank of buttons on the centre console and in place is a much more streamlined design.
The cabin has increased in size, but not by much. There is now 16mm more legroom in the back – the Nissan Micra is roomier – and the boot can hold 290 litres. As a comparison, the SEAT Ibiza can hold 292 litres and the new Micra can hold 300 litres.
Out on the road, Ford has done a great job improving the sound insulation and road and tyre noise are kept at bay and wind noise is only noticeable around the wing mirrors when travelling at motorway speeds.
My first test car was powered by the 125hp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel and when the car started up I was surprised by how refined and quiet it was – usually diesel lumps in small cars can produce quite a racket. This engine was also very smooth out on the road and the six-speed manual gearbox was slick with nice positive throws.
In terms of handling, the Fiesta is still a great drive with vice-like front-end grip and great resistance to understeer meaning fast corners in the Fiesta are fun. The steering feels direct and is nicely weighted too and body roll is well contained.
The whole car feels a little bit restrained and calmer than before. The suspension is softer too making the ride quite supple. Of course, this means it is more comfortable to drive and should appeal to a wider audience. In its regular guise, it has lost a bit of its feistiness.
However, get behind the wheel of an ST-Line model and that’s a different story. With its 10mm lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers, sporty body kit, wonderfully raspy three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and 17-inch alloys this warm hatch is a blast to drive.
Its precise steering, nimbleness and agility make it very engaging, although, again, it doesn’t feel quite as lively as its predecessor.
So, in its quest to make the Fiesta more refined and comfortable a bit of its characteristic vivaciousness has been lost – but this does mean that it is a more polished product and one that should appeal to more people.
In Ireland, the new Fiesta will be initially available in Zetec and Titanium trims with ST-Line and Vignale (yes, really) models arriving in late 2017. Pricing starts at €16,550 for the 70hp 1.1-litre petrol three-door model in Zetec trim and €17,150 for the five-door version, which Ford says will make up about 50 per cent of sales. The full-blown hot ST model won’t be here until 2018.
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