FORD FIESTA

This generation of Ford Fiesta was one of the UK’s best-selling cars throughout its life, and it’s easy to see why the moment you sit in one. It has excellent comfort, space and quality in the cabin, while the driving manners outshine all of its rivals. This version of Ford Fiesta went on sale in early 2013 with sharper styling and a host of new features. The front end received Ford’s trapezoidal grille plus ‘laser-cut’ headlights with daytime running lights. The interior also gained minor tweaks with revisions to the centre console and trim. All of this makes it as good a used buy as it was a sound new car choice. The most important addition was the inclusion of the 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine in 100PS and 125PS outputs, which had premiered in the Ford Focus. A winner of the ‘International Engine of the Year’, award. The Ford Fiesta is extremely nimble and composed, which makes it ideal for town and motorway driving. Ride quality was improved through a combination of more compliant suspension and deeper profile tyres. And friction was taken out of the steering, making it feel sharper from the straight-ahead position. There was plenty of new technology including ‘SYNC,’ which provides Bluetooth and USB connectivity, voice control and emergency assistance. There are few small hatchbacks on the UK market that come close to matching the Ford for all-round ability, efficiency and comfort. The Ford Fiesta is driver-friendly, spacious and great fun on the road. Standard kit is also impressive, with base models getting air-conditioning, hill-start assist and a body coloured rear spoiler.