Review
The latest model presents drivers with few surprises: it looks a little like a downsized Focus and then delivers the anticipated improvements. Inside, the styling is less flamboyant than on Focus and the Mondeo-style fascia looks at home. The reinvention of Fiesta has been a success.
At the Fiesta press launch in early 2002, a senior Ford executive said: 'You cannot truly succeed as a brand in Europe if you don't get your small cars right'. For Ford, much hangs on the continuing success of Fiesta – Britain's best-selling small car – as fleet buyers get the chance to choose from an array of rivals' all-new models. Fiesta's credentials remain strong. Like all small cars, Fiesta has grown up and for lanky drivers like me (and their rear passengers), the additional cabin space is welcome. It is only slightly higher, wider and longer than its predecessor but manufacturers somehow manage to keep squeezing additional internal space out of any set of dimensions.
This model is a natural for rental fleets because it takes long journeys in its stride, continues to hack it in city traffic and has the handling composure to feel at home on country roads. The ride quality is consistently good on all types of road surface and is one of the outstanding features of the latest Fiesta.
Less impressive is Ford's 79bhp 16-valve 1.4-litre Duratec engine, which lacks the punch to make the 5-door model sparkle. The Fiesta has put on weight and the 0-62mph time has been blunted by a couple of seconds to 13.2.
Some will say it is under-powered and Ford will sell you a faster Fiesta if you pay the extra. The 1.4 needs liberal use of the five-speed gearbox in traffic but is relaxed to drive once it hits its stride on a motorway. At least, until you come to an incline. The Fleet News long-term test car has the bonus of optional 16-inch alloy wheels, six-disc autochanger and roof spoiler, which make it feel posh for a car with a sub-£10,000 on-the-road price.
Company car tax bill 2003/04 (22% taxpayer): £27 per month
