Ford Fiesta (08 on) - Review

The range kicks off with a 1.25-litre petrol with 60bhp or 82bhp. However neither version is particularly fast, with 0-62mph times of 16.9 and 13.3 seconds respectively making them better suited to driving in town. The 96bhp 1.4-litre is slightly faster, with a 0-62mph time of 12.2 seconds, yet still manages to return a respectable 49mpg. The 120bhp 1.6-litre is the fastest engine in the range and is ideal for buyers looking for something sporty. It's not a hot hatch, but its revvy, pleasing nature offers a good turn of speed - 0-62mph comes in 9.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 120mph. A 1.4-litre TDCi is the entry-level diesel. It's punchy, refined and offers plenty of low-down power for effortless overtaking - plus it's capable of an impressive 67mpg. There's also a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel and special mention should go to the ECOnetic version (powered by the same engine) which is exempt from Road Tax and capable of 78mpg. In June 2009 an automatic Durashift gearbox was added as an option on 1.4-litre petrol engined models.

Out on the open road, the Fiesta is great fun to drive. It feels agile, the steering is precise, it corners crisply and there’s very little bodyroll. Back in town, the little Ford is easy to park and has a tight turning circle, making three-point turns easy. Then there's 'stall prevention', a nifty little innovation designed to help drivers in low speed manoeuvres by increasing engine revs - it means you should never find yourself caught out at the traffic lights again. Get it onto the motorway and you can see why the Fiesta is seen by many as a 'small big car'. It's very stable, cruises easily and doesn’t feel out of place. The ride is good too, although the Zetec S has a firmer set-up and is aimed at buyers looking for a sportier car.