Here’s the first drive verdict on Ford’s all-new Fiesta, the most important supermini to be launched in 2008. Not only is the Fiesta Britain’s best-selling small car and the sporting driver’s choice, it’s also the backbone of loss-making Ford’s turnaround plan.
By 2010, the Fiesta hatchback will be on sale in Asia and North America (as well as Europe), a global strategy that will be rolled out to the next-generation Focus and Mondeo, as Ford battles for profitability. But has the desire to please everyone led to a mixed-up mess that will satisfy nobody? Read our first drive of the 1.6-litre petrol Fiesta to find out.
CAR is in Tuscany, Italy, driving the European version of the new hatchback. The Fiesta goes on UK sale in October 2008, priced from £8695 for a three-door Studio model running the base 59bhp 1.25-litre petrol. We tested a plush 1.6-litre Titanium spec model, with five doors, a new four-cylinder Ti-VCT petrol kicking out 118bhp and a lofty £13,195 fee. The price may be indulgent but the equipment is too: cruise control, auto headlamps and wipers, leather seats, keyless entry, Bluetooth ‘phone connectivity and big alloys are all included, to catch affluent punters ready to downsize.
That’s enough spec – tell us how it drives!
Grab the door handle and the door feels light but stiff, and shuts with a satisfying clunk. The outgoing Fiesta felt as robust as the lid on a Roses chocolates tin, so this is a vital sensation. Especially if it is to convince Americans to embrace a smaller car. Turn the steering to exit the parking lot, and the featherlight wheel spins quicker than an airplane propeller. Its direct, light approach makes low speed manoeuvring a doddle. Trouble is, once the on-the-move gearing kicks in, the steering is a let-down.
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