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Ford Fiesta Van facelift: Test Drive Review

Date: 21 May 2013   |   Author:

P11D price: £11,870

Ford has refreshed its Fiesta Van alongside the passenger car version of its small van, with bluff and bold new front-end styling replacing the softer look of the pre-facelift model.

The redesign brings the Fiesta range in line with where the firm sees its styling heading in the future. In Ford speak, the redesign incorporates the firm's latest global design language, including "laser-cut headlamps" and "power-dome bonnet", while the rear gets a subtle re-grafting of the light cluster but nothing like the dramatic approach taken with the nose. The interior has also been revised with some relocated switchgear, although little work was necessary on what is one of the most  welcoming arrangements.

The engine line-up comprises three units, with a new 75hp 1.5-litre diesel joining the low-CO2 95hp 1.6-litre TDCi, and an 82hp 1.3-litre petrol alternative that gives the Fiesta Van a sub-£11,000 entry price excluding VAT.

The new 1.5-litre unit emits just 98g/km and offers an official consumption figure of 76.4mpg, but it's not as efficient as the 95hp 1.6 that has been optimised with Ford's various Econetic methods such as stop/start, aerodynamic tweaks and low rolling-resistance tyres. The Econetic version, available in Base or better-equipped Trend trim levels, offers 85.6mpg and 87g/km of CO2, although it costs £650 more than the new 1.5-litre engine.

Ford has introduced a number of new technologies with the mid-life revision. The optional Active City Stop system costs £210-£700 depending on model, and is designed to prevent or mitigate low-speed collisions. The Mykey technology, a £50 option, allows operators to set a speed limiter at 80mph as well as chimed reminders

at certain speeds, a maximum audio volume and the ability to make sure safety systems aren't disengaged.

The entry workhorse Base model is a little more sparse than the Trend trim, which adds items such as DAB radio, Ford's Sync Bluetooth system, and the firm's excellent Quickclear windscreen. That step up is an additional £730, but is worth it for any decision-maker spending time in the vehicle.

The refresh to the Fiesta Van gives it a blunter look, but the other changes, including the new engine and technological developments, make the baby of Ford's LCV line-up more appealing than ever.

Ford Fiesta Van facelift
Ford Fiesta Van 1.5 TDCi 75hp Base
Price (ex VAT) £11,870
Price range (ex VAT) £10,980-£13,470
Insurance group 1
Warranty 3yrs/60,000miles
Service intervals 12,500miles
Load length 1296mm
Load width (min/max) 1000/1278mm
Load bay height 806mm
Gross payload 508kg
Load volume 1.0m3
Engine size/power 1498cc/75hp
On sale January 2013
Combined fuel economy 76.4mpg
CO2 98g/km

Verdict


Blunt and bluff new nose fronts an excellent vehicle.
8/10

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