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Don Booker MBE drives the more refined and smarter Ford Fiesta
By Don Booker MBE
 There was a time when a Ford small car had only three gears, had a windscreen wiper attached to a rubber pipe and was only available in black. The Ford Fiesta changed all that.
It all started in 1976 when it was part of a mission to build a new European small car with more modern features. The mark two came in 1983 and it went on to be the first small vehicle to offer diesel power, anti-lock braking and a driver’s airbag.
The Fiesta has carried more “Best” titles than George Best had on his soccer shirt, and now we have a new model that is more attractive, safer and refined. But you pay an extra £600 if you want five doors.
There is no doubt that the new version is an eye-catcher and will attract the glances of the younger motoring public. The rear, however, carries a look of so many other superminis.
Ford showed us a very futuristic Verve concept can and now it is everyday reality in the shape of the new Fiesta which shares the platform with the Mazda 2.
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Look at and drive the newcomer to realise what bit improvements have been made, especially with the steering which is light yet solid. It is the first electric power-assisted steering system to be used on a Ford in Europe.
Under the bonnets are 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines in turbodiesel and petrol form, plus a 1.25 petrol which starts off the pack at £8,695 and in economy guise offers over 52mph.
Prices rise to £13,095 for the 1.6 TD which gives over 67mpg, and all prices are £155 less than the equivalent predecessors. Insurance is cheaper and the cars should be worth more when they are sold in future years.
Heading the new range is the ECOnetic, a 1.6-litre turbo diesel which is very low on emissions and gives over 76mpg from the 89bhp unit. The cost: £12,595.
If you think you have seen the centre console design somewhere before, you certainly have, because the layout was inspired by the mobile phone. Everything is easy to reach and operate with the steering wheel adjustable both for height and reach.
There is plenty of room for the average person in the front, but when I had to transfer to the rear for a chap who said “I can’t ride in the rear”, then things were a bit tight.
There are five trim levels from Studio to Titanium, and the Ghia badge has gone. There is Ambient lighting which offers a strip of red light above the glove box.
There was a time when a Ford had a touch of cheapness to keep prices down for potential buyers, but over the years people have demanded a bit more luxury. With the Fiesta, they have got a fantastic package with something to satisfy everyone.
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