Ford Fiesta (09 on) - Review

Those after a compact, manoeuvrable van for transporting smaller loads should take a serious look at the Ford Fiesta Van. As you’d expect, much of it is based on the Fiesta car, and this is a very good thing. It’s agile and simple-to-drive, with a cleverly designed cockpit and tactile controls. Furthermore, it’s available in a range of trims and engines to suit your needs and your budget. Low running costs and a strong reliability record means there isn’t much not to like about the Fiesta Van.

The Fiesta Van has taken much of its interior styling from the regular Fiesta model, and this makes one of the best van interiors available. The excellent stereo system deserves special mention; it’s a simple and well-designed set-up with myriad, but easy to use, functions. You also get steering wheel-mounted controls as standard. There’s also a choice of dash colours depending on which trim level you pick. Sport trim gets a contrasting silver trim, while the other specs get a plain black dash. The front seats are very supportive and comfortable, while the sports seats fitted to the Sport van version have adjustable lumbar and hold you in place very well when taking a corner at speed.

Ford’s smallest van is very easy to drive. Handling and ride are similar to the regular Fiesta, giving it the edge over the competition. The steering is nicely weighted and direct, while not being too cumbersome around town thanks to its 10.2m turning circle. There’s a choice of four engines, each mated to a five-speed gearbox. The cost-effective choice is the ECOnetic, which has a 1.6-litre diesel engine. Power is rated at 93bhp while torque is 205Nm. Zero to 60mph takes 12.2 seconds while top speed is 110mph. For a slightly more performance-focused approach you could opt for the ‘Sport’ model. This comes with the same 1.6-litre engine, the same power and the same torque but is tuned slightly differently. The result is 0-60mph in 11.8 seconds, while its top speed is 109mph. This engine may not have much more power or torque, but it pulls extremely well at any speed thanks to its 50Nm over-boost function, which gives you a helping of extra go when you plant your foot on the throttle. A 1.4-litre diesel that produces 68bhp and 160Nm can be ordered for standard and ‘Trend’ vans. 0-60 takes 14.8 seconds while top speed is 101mph. Finally, standard or ‘Trend’ models can also be ordered with a 1.25-litre petrol engine. This makes 80bhp with 114Nm of pulling power. It’ll accelerate to 60mph in 13.3 seconds and go to a top speed of 105mph.