Model tested: Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec 3-door
Price: £11,495
Date tested: December 2008
Road tester: Adrian Hearn

Overall rating: 91%
The new Fiesta is a seriously important car for Ford as the supermini will be sold in the USA as well as Europe. The subject of rave reviews across Europe, here's our verdict.

1. Looks
The new Fiesta has a dashing new design with the unmistakeable 'Ford face' – large headlights, a lower grille and sleek lines. It's bigger than its predecessor but also 40kg lighter.
9/10

2. Looks inside
Ford has raised the bar with the Fiesta's interior, with good-looking features and high-quality materials, giving the car a premium feel. The centre console is particularly bold.
9/10

3. Practicality
The 295-litre boot is the largest of any Fiesta yet but smaller than the Honda Jazz's segment-leading 399 litres. There's room in the back for two adults and all-round vision is good.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The previous Fiesta handled brilliantly, but the new car is even better. There's ample grip through the corners but there's a comfortable ride too. The Fiesta is up there with the Focus; it's quite simply brilliant.
10/10

5. Performance
The 1.4-litre petrol engine dishes up 95bhp and 94lb/ft of pulling power to give 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds and a 109mph top speed. The five-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
The 1.4-litre petrol engine averages 49.5mpg and costs £120 a year to tax. The Econetic edition averages an amazing 76.3mpg so it'll be ultra-cheap to run.
10/10

7. Reliability
The engines in the new Fiesta are tried and tested, while the build quality befits that of a far more expensive car.
9/10

8. Safety
The Fiesta has a five-star EuroNCAP rating and boasts the best overall score for a supermini. All cars get anti-lock brakes plus driver and passenger airbags as standard.
10/10

9. Equipment
All Fiestas have a CD player, electric mirrors, central locking and airbags; range-topping Titanium models also have electric windows, remote locking, a heated windscreen and 16-inch alloy wheels, plus sports seats climate control, tinted glass, cruise control, automatic headlamps and power folding mirrors.
8/10

10. X-Factor
This car is fantastic. Great looking, well built, with a good choice of engines and handling which would make a mockery of many a premium car. It could even have a negative effect for Ford because unless you really need the extra space the Fiesta is as good, if not better than the more expensive Ford Focus.
10/10