Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Our Fleet Test Drive: Ford Fiesta - 6th Report
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Our Fleet Test Drive: Ford Fiesta - 6th Report

Date: 06 May 2009   |   Author: Tom Webster

Two Fiestas
Category: Supermini
P11D price: £12,744
Key rival: Vauxhall Corsa

When we tested the 1.4-litre Fiesta in middling Zetec trim recently we awarded it a hefty 'first drive' score of 9/10. This got us thinking - had we made the right choice in fully speccing our live-in 1.6-litre version of the Ford supermini?

After all, one of the attributes both share is impressive handling - it means fun can be had at any speed, so the lack of horsepower isn't felt when nipping around town.

The Zetec is well equipped, with an aux input and leather trimmings dotted around the efficiently laid out cabin, and if our long-termer was purely performing the task of an urban commuter we'd be perfectly happy with this. However, as it is fulfilling the role of a downsizer it needs to be so much more.

And one area where our decision to choose the top of the range Titanium spec is on the motorway, because cruise control comes as standard.

The inclusion of this and the USB point (in addition to the standard aux input) make motorway cruising more acceptable in the little car, although still not ideal.

Of course, the more generously equipped Fiesta comes at a cost - a P11D increase of just over £1000 is the headline figure. However, nigh on identical RVs, emissions in the same 15% tax band and a fuel economy difference of just 1.6mpg means running costs are barely any higher.

Plus, while the bigger 120PS 1.6-litre doesn't bring total motorway refinement it is infinitely happier sitting at 70mph.

As a standard supermini the lower-powered Fiesta is well deserving of its 9/10 score. But we still feel confident that our top-of-the-range model best eases the transition from life in a bigger car.

Ford Fiesta 1.6i Titanium 5dr manual
Mileage5002
Claimed combined consumption47.9mpg
Our average consumption33.8mpg
P11D price£12,744
Model price range£8514-£12,744
CO2 (tax) 132g/km (15%)
BIK 20/40% per month£32/£64
Service interval12,500mls
Insurancegroup 6
Warranty3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space (min/max)295/975 litres
Engine size/power1596cc/120PS
Top speed/0-62mph120mph/9.9secs
Why we’re running itCan downsizing be
done without the
downsides?
PositiveDriving enjoyment,
luxurious ‘big car’
spec levels
NegativeNot at home at
high speeds, centre
console buzzing noise



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