Ford Fiesta review (2017-2023)
The virtues of good value, practicality and being great to drive have cemented the Ford Fiesta as one of Britain’s best-selling cars. Offering great value across the range with a line-up of strong engines and up-to-date tech, the Fiesta makes as much sense in your head as it does in your heart. Find out all about it in our Ford Fiesta review here.
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Pros
- More familiar than David Beckham
- Affordable to buy and run
- Great interior
Cons
- Predictable choice
- Could have more boot space
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
The Fiesta got a cabin make-over in 2017, with a step up in materials and equipment. Older cars have more buttons, newer cars have a touchscreen system.
Older, lower-spec models may be geared for learners (they can be a bit spartan inside), and new, top-spec models are full of gadgets you might expect from a bigger, more premium car.
In the middle, you'll find most Fiestas. Decent equipment, like Ford’s brilliant ‘Quickclear’ heated windscreen, and the latest connectivity options.
Driving position
The 2017 revamp also increased interior space, although older models aren’t bad for room.
The driving position is excellent, with plenty of adjustments in all directions and good visibility.
Tech and features
Recent versions have higher equipment throughout the range, with features like air-con, Bluetooth and sat-nav in most models.
Top Vignale cars have heated leather seats and an eight-speaker B&O stereo.
All post-2017 Fiestas get a nice, chunky steering wheel and clear instruments, but the biggest lift to the interior is the reduction in clutter – namely, buttons on the dash – for a much simpler, tidier layout.
The modern touchscreen system integrates several features into one place, offering phone connectivity and iPad-like control.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
It’s by no accident that the Fiesta is Britain’s number one selling car, and why it remains one of the most popular used options now Ford has stopped making new ones.
Being developed and built on the European continent means Ford engineers pretty much purpose-built this small hatchback for the challenges of British roads.
Handling and ride comfort
Sleeping policemen, potholes and bumpy B-roads are all tended to in the Fiesta’s setup, meaning every version feels at home here.
That’s why UK drivers generally find the Fiesta very good to drive – the steering and gear changes are light and easy to use and give good, precise feedback.
It responds well to brisk country driving, buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. Even the least sporting versions have punchy, characterful engines.
Ford kits all Fiestas with a strong suite of driving assistance technology, including lane departure warning and an adjustable speed limiter, so long-distance driving shouldn't be a concern.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
Boot space
The Fiesta hatchback’s boot space has always been roughly average for the class, offering room for a couple of full-size suitcases when the parcel shelf is removed or, if you’re good at Tetris, a couple of golf bags.
The Fiesta gets a big wide tailgate, even wider in recent models.
A variable loading floor is an option on some too, but note that the Fiesta has a rather high loading lip.
Handily, the available space almost triples when you lower the back seats.
Rear seats
Five-door versions are obviously easier for rear-seat access and have a bit more space in the back too.
They generally suit families looking for roomy interiors to fit everything from the kids’ car seats to luggage for family holidays.
Three-door Fiestas look sportier, are cheaper to buy and offer slightly better fuel economy (due to being a bit lighter), so they make sense if you don’t need to use the back seats very often.
Safety
The Fiesta’s safety kit has gradually been improved over the years.
Since 2017 it has included high-tech options like automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.
Perhaps more useful for most users, parking sensors and cameras are offered as options in many versions.
The 2017 version also received a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP when it was tested.
Running costs
Our rating: 7/10
Fuel economy
With such a wide range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, there is a Fiesta to suit most requirements.
Fiestas with Ford’s surprisingly punchy 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine offer around 40mpg on a run, but thanks to the use of its clever fuel-saving technology, the 1.5-litre ST model can be slightly more frugal on the motorway.
Diesel models are, as you’d expect, the best for economy, averaging over 60mpg if you’re behaved on the motorway.
Reliability
As the tens of thousands of examples out on Britain’s roads at any one time show, the Fiesta is a tough and reliable car, no matter the specification.
Cars that are looked after properly will obviously be the most trouble-free, although if you do have any problems, Ford’s vast dealership coverage does at least ensure easy access to servicing and repair sites.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
7/10
The Fiesta is nice to drive, good to travel in and easy to own.
It has been Britain’s long-term number-one car model for a reason and has been designed to excel on our unique mix of roads, acting as a great, practical all-rounder at a competitive price.
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