Review
So it may only have been a journey of 170 miles there and back, but a few years ago I would definitely have opted for a bigger and more comfortable car from our long-term fleet to do that kind of mileage.
I would have preferred the bigger car not only for its comfortable seats but also for its CD player and air-conditioning. Yet the Fiesta gets all that, apart from the comfy seats.
They're OK but the seating position is high and the squabs end too soon for my legs. That's not uncommon with a small car so it's only a minor grumble. And the Fiesta proved to be a more than adequate driving companion.
It was nippy and swallowed up miles of the A14 and M6 with ease. I certainly wouldn't baulk at the prospect of an even longer trip in it.
So far, my time with the Fiesta has been trouble-free. You may remember from previous reports that the car had a couple of problems, mainly a blown exhaust and a faulty heater.
It seems those faults are well in the past now and we can look forward to many miles of hassle-free motoring.
The Fiesta is a smart-looking car, although unassuming rather than funky like some of its rivals, and the inside uncluttered and simple but easy to use. More user-friendly than hi-tech.
I've enjoyed my time with the Fiesta and I have to admit it offers a far better ride than I had anticipated.
Its optional larger 16-inch alloy wheels ensure there's plenty of grip when the need arises and the 1.4-litre petrol engine has loosened up nicely, providing ample power for that size car.
Company car tax bill 2003/04 (22% taxpayer): £26 per month
