Ford Fiesta
2017 - 2023
Our verdict
The Fiesta was – and is – a fantastic all-rounder. There's no electric version though, and it can be surprisingly expensive compared to some rivals.
Good bits
- Great fun to drive
- Perky range of EcoBoost engines
- Infotainment is easy to use
Bad bits
- No electric or (proper) hybrid option
- 1.1 petrol is sluggish
- More expensive than you might think
Price
£19k - £26k
Made in
Germany
Engines
Petrol
Tell me about it
The Ford Fiesta has been with us for what feels like a lifetime, first appearing in 1976. It’s changed quite a bit in that time, of course, and this latest model is no longer the basic runaround it once was.
There’s three main flavours of Fiesta to choose from: the sporty ST-Line, the rugged-looking Active, and the plain old regular Fiesta (which gets labelled either Trend or Titanium). There’s also a fully-fledged hot hatch version, the Fiesta ST, which we cover in a separate review.
No. Ford stopped production for good in July 2023, but there are still some ‘brand new’ Fiestas in stock at Ford dealerships. You can’t order one to your exacting specifications, but if you’re not picky about colours and equipment, there’s still time to find a brand new Fiesta.
Ford tweaked the exterior styling in 2022, and gave it LED headlights and a set of digital instruments in front of the driver – i.e, a screen instead of dials for the speedometer. Beyond that, the latest Fiestas aren’t that different from those that appeared in 2017.
The Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 208, Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio are the obvious ones worth mentioning, and are all worthy of consideration. For something more roomy, it has to be the Honda Jazz, and if you’re brand-conscious, look at the Audi A1 or Mini Hatch.
Exterior
From the outside, it’s hard to believe the Fiesta has been on sale for as long as six years. It still looks fresh today – even if there are now so many Fiestas the roads that we’ve all stopped noticing them.
Ford generously gave the car some exterior styling tweaks in 2022, a year before suddenly deciding to stop making it altogether. The changes were only skin-deep though: aside from a bigger grille, not much has changed since 2017.
At just over 4 metres long, it’s the same size as rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio. Only the Toyota Yaris and Citroen C3 are significantly shorter, with 12 centimetres between them and the Ford.
Yes. It’s relatively easy to see out of, and most models are equipped with rear parking sensors. Some models get a reversing camera, and front parking sensors are optional in the ‘Parking Pack’.
Not anymore, no. Ford kept producing the three-door model until 2022 when – much like rival offerings – it was discontinued.
Interior
There’s very little to complain about inside the Fiesta. It’s relatively well-built, though not quite as solid-feeling as some newer or more expensive rivals.
It might not be anything special to look at, but the Fiesta’s tried-and-tested interior is a masterclass in ergonomics. There are rivals with snazzier insides, but the Ford gets the basics right. It’s easy to get comfortable, while buttons and controls are clear and logically positioned too.
Yes. The seats aren’t as low as in rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208, and the roof is quite high for a car of this size. However, a Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris is easier still.
In the front, absolutely. Rear seat passengers are a little more limited, but the Fiesta will still seat four adults comfortably.
No, not completely. There’s also a noticeable ridge at the base of the seats after they’ve been folded, which makes pushing objects through the cabin difficult.
Yes. Seats feel supportive yet supple, though some trim levels get more seat adjustment than others. ST-Line models get sportier body-hugging seats which may not be to all tastes, though.
Technology and equipment
Despite the Fiesta now being at the end of its life, it still feels relatively up to date in terms of specification. The big central touch screen is standard on all trim levels, and is incredibly easy to use.
Ford aren’t all that generous with the standard equipment, so things like satellite navigation are only included on more expensive trim levels. Heated seats and steering wheel are available on most Fiestas, while the trademark Ford heated windscreen is standard across the range.
The basic ‘Trend’ trim level comes with most of the bits you’re likely to want, including LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, air conditioning and so on.
Titanium adds tinted rear windows and keyless start, though oddly not keyless entry, which appears only on higher trim levels (those with an ‘X’ in the name).
The standard six-speaker stereo system is okay, but the optional Bang & Olufsen one is well worth the (relatively) modest extra cost if you can stretch to it.
Yes, all Fiestas made since July 2019 have CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Rear parking sensors are standard from Titanium trim level upwards, while front sensors are only available as part of an optional ‘parking pack’.
Ford’s SYNC 2.5 system is very easy to use, with large graphics and logically laid-out menus. It’s largely touchscreen-based, but with a physical volume knob and a handful of buttons underneath.
Safety and security
The Fiesta, much like most cars in its class, has achieved a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating, meaning it’s effectively as safe as any other small car on sale.
It does, however, lack some of the active safety technology fitted to newer cars like the Toyota Yaris or Vauxhall Corsa.
All Fiestas get lane keep assist and stability control – as mandated by safety regulations for all new cars – but autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is only available as an option, and rear cross traffic alert isn’t available at all.
There have been some questions around the security level of Ford’s keyless entry system, leading to countless newspaper headlines about Ford Fiesta thefts. Ford says it has since remedied the issue, with a new type of key that deactivates its signal when it’s not being handled.
Yes, and it’s incredibly easy. Hit the button on the end of the indicator stalk to switch off lane keep assist.
The Fiesta Trend is arguably the most secure, with a physical flip-out key required to start the engine. Titanium, Active and ST-Line models get keyless start, but not keyless entry. Titanium X, Active X and ST-Line X have both keyless entry and keyless start.
No, Fiestas are no longer easy to steal. Newer models are equipped with an updated smart key – also available to be retrofitted to older Fiestas – that help prevent thieves stealing the cars without physically accessing the keys.
Engines and performance
Ford keeps things relatively simple with the Fiesta’s engine range: they’re all petrol, and there’s only three to choose from.
Cheapest is the 1.1-litre, but its performance is pretty limp, so is best avoided if you’re ever likely to take your Fiesta onto a dual carriageway.
For a modest sum more, the range of 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines make so much more sense. They’re all plenty powerful enough to propel the Fiesta along, and make light work of motorway journeys.
There’s a regular EcoBoost ‘100’ with a manual gearbox only, or a slightly more powerful ‘mHEV’ mild hybrid that can be had with a manual or automatic.
The Fiesta mHEV is a ‘mild’ hybrid, meaning it has a very small hybrid battery, and cannot drive on electricity alone.
No – only petrol Ford Fiestas are available. The Vauxhall Corsa e, Peugeot e-208 and Renault Zoe are electric cars of a similar size.
Ride and handling
This is the area the where the Fiesta has always excelled. It’s great fun to drive, with neat handling around corners and relatively little body roll, but manages to still soak up bumps and potholes well.
On the motorway, the Fiesta manages to feel like a much bigger car than it is: planted, secure, and dealing with lumpy bits of tarmac with ease.
If you’re looking for the sportiest-feeling car of this size, the Fiesta is the undisputed champion. If comfort is your priority, there are some slightly more softly-sprung cars available – like the Volkswagen Polo – but the Ford Fiesta is still worth considering.
The Fiesta Trend or Fiesta Titanium will be the most comfortable, with its non-sporty suspension and smaller 15-inch alloy wheels. ST-Line models get firmer, lowered suspension, and so are less comfortable as a result. Avoid ‘X’ trims with their 18-inch alloys.
Should I buy a Ford Fiesta?
The Fiesta was – and is – a fantastic all-rounder. It’s comfortable, great fun to drive, and its range of EcoBoost engines are punchy and refined. It’s spacious inside, with enough room for four adults in reasonable comfort, and refined on the motorway.
However, there’s no electric or (proper) full hybrid option, and rivals now have more safety technology as standard. And if you’re tempted by the ST-Line’s sporty looks, make sure you’re also happy with its firmed-up suspension.
The Fiesta Titanium 1.0-litre EcoBoost offers the best combination of equipment, comfort and price. If you want something sportier, the ST-Line offers proper ‘warm hatch’ thrills.