Ford Fiesta (08 on) - Review

The Fiesta is generally comfortable for all on board with good legroom. The seats are well sculpted and supportive making them ideal for longer motorway trips but, while headroom is good for those in the front, the sloping roof shape means that it’s not as generous for those in the back - a taller passenger’s head will brush the roof lining. Excellent sound proofing means road, wind and engine noise aren’t a concern plus all models get an excellent sound system and the powerful air conditioning will keep the interior cool on even the hottest of days.

The Fiesta's boot is much bigger than before and should meet the needs of most small families, however it's still not as practical as many other cars of this size - there's a high lip and the seats don't slide, tumble or fold totally flat. On the plus side a neat innovation first seen on the Mondeo and Focus is Ford's Easyfuel system. It does away with a conventional cap (it’s fixed permanently to the flap, which means you don’t get petrol or diesel on your hands) and it's impossible to fill it with the wrong fuel – it will only allow the right nozzle into the fuel pipe, so you won’t become one of the 250,000 people who mis-fuel their car each year. Keyless entry and start - where you don't need to get the key out of your pocket to enter or start the car - is an option.

The driving position is very comfortable and should suit most drivers thanks to its multiple adjustments and a steering wheel that can be adjusted for height and reach. The dashboard not only looks good – thanks to its clear dials and mobile phone-inspired sound system – but is extremely easy to use on the move. The ventilation system is controlled by three dials and the stereo is easy to use thanks to steering wheel mounted controls on some models. Forward visibility is generally good and there’s a decent view from the wing mirrors, however the design of the rear means visibility isn't great when reversing.