Ford's evergreen Fiesta
Ford Fiesta is still going strong after three decades - Richard M Hammond checks out a secondhand version of the evergreen Fiesta.
In 2002, the new Fiesta was the latest in a long line of successful small Fords all bearing the same name.
A bulkier exterior, roomier interior and healthy array of trim levels soon saw plenty of previous generation models being traded in.
The 1.25-litre petrol replaced the original 1.3-litre unit in 2003, the ST was introduced in late 2004 followed by the 1.6 TDCi in 2005. Models were facelifted in 2006 and power steering and ABS added as standard.
Here's what you need to know if you are looking for a used version:
Engines:
There's no shortage of engines to choose from: four petrol and two diesel versions are available in the current range which means you can opt for frugality, frightening ferocity, or a more tractable middle ground.
The 1.25-litre petrol is a little wheezy at speed but the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and diesel versions are both eager performers, with the turbo diesels just edging it on the motorway. The 2.0-litre, 150bhp unit in the ST is a monster compared to the others.
Exterior:
Earlier models were accused by some of being a little plain and dowdy. Understated is probably closer to the mark - the Fiesta's been an attractive proposition for three decades and Ford didn't want to scare off the customer-base with an outlandish redesign.
Obviously mindful of getting left behind in the style department it was given a facelift in 2006, with new lamp units front and rear and a new front bumper design.
Interior:
The Fiesta's innards were revamped along with the exterior and given softer plastics and what the brochure no doubt would have referred to as "refreshed ergonomics". That's not to say the original interior wasn't up to scratch.
While hardly luxurious earlier versions have a hard wearing and functional interior that will stand abuse well. Buttons, dials and switches are all well placed and solid to the touch.
A raised driving position feels awkward at first, but actually eliminates the feeling of being in a small car and offers good all-round visibility.
Driving:
Fiestas have always driven well, and the latest version is no exception with responsive point and squirt steering and firm handling. The ST is admittedly something of a lunatic, but does hyperactive impishness well if that's your thing.
The others simply offer inspiring road holding and will eat up shopping centre carpark speed humps without wallowing or clunking to excess.
Ownership:
A Ford dealership is never far away, and being such a popular model parts are easily obtainable and inexpensive. Having let somebody else bear the bulk of depreciation, the best option is probably one of the diesel engines that give similar performance to the petrol engines while burning less fuel.
They're also a better bet around town, with less gear changing and throttle pumping required to make slow progress.
What to look for:
Fiestas are to have done high miles as a family run-around, but watch for trolley dings and multi-story scratches and scuffs.
Check the history for skipped services and be mindful that low mileage isn't always a positive: the engine may have been pushed hard from cold on the school run everyday.
Interiors are likely to have been subjected to kids too, so make sure trim is firmly attached and seats are free of Ribena stains.
By Richard M Hammond
