Long-Term Review- Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec

Since it has been 3 years since I got my first car I decided to write up a big long-term review on what life is like with my car covering all areas of driving and owning this vehicle. 

Driving

On the road the Fiesta is a joy to drive indeed. The 1.4 Zetec engine gave 79 BHP new, and it certainly feels like it still has 79 BHP, overtaking even in 4th or 5th gear isn’t as difficult as you’d think. But it’s in the corners where the Fiesta really shines. On sweeping bends, it feels stable and the lack of body roll in corners just encourages you to keep on driving with enthusiasm and the steering is nicely weighted as well, the words poised and balanced describe this cars handling perfectly. The gearbox is also fantastic, it has a nice firm action that encourages you to drop a cog and give it some welly out of bends, it’s also a nice and tall lever rather than short and low down, you know where it is aand can shift gears effortlessly. Then there’s the brakes, their strong and the pedal feels firm and not like a wet sponge at all, I’ve been surprised by just how strong they are plenty of times, they, much like the steering are confidence inspiring. But when I’m not thundering along and just driving sedately, the Fiesta is just as good. It is quiet if not quite silent, at a steady 50 MPH there is a bit of wind noise but there’s no tyre roar though the lack of a 6th gear means the engine is rather loud when getting towards the national speed limit. I’d also add that the ride is acceptable, it doesn’t iron out bumps, but I’d hardly call it firm or harsh either. Overall, driving the Fiesta is a pleasure on good roads but even when just chugging about A-B it does its job perfectly well.

Interior

Inside, the Fiesta is a bit gloomy. There are a few splashes of silver on the gear lever and radio but everything else is pure black plastic. That said, everything feels solid and chunky, except the flimsy heater controls. Having regularly commuted 50-minute journeys to and from University I can say with certainty that the Fiesta is a comfortable place to sit and drive, I’ve never arrived at university or back at home with back ache or anything of the sort and anyone up to about 6’5 can fit comfortably in the front or back. Now space was always an issue with the previous Fiesta, particularly in the back, but this one has had a full row of 3 in the back with no complaints and the boot is perfectly suitable for me and could easily fit a hypothetical weekly shop no problem at all. The Fiesta was a car that could be specced up really well, though this one isn’t as luxurious as it could have been, but a CD player, heated rear screen, electric windows and 2 airbags do their job just fine, but some air-con would be appreciated in the inevitable 30c summers.

Styling

When it was new, journalists thought the Fiesta was dull. But I think this generation of Fiesta has aged very well. It is a very smart looking car, the Focus/Mondeo-esque front maintains the Ford family image but the high mounted rear lights remind me of the Fiat Punto whilst the overall car is taller than its predecessor allowing for the previously mentioned better rear space. Plus, whilst this is the slightly longer 5 door model, I must say it doesn’t spoil the looks of the car at all.

Reliability

Whilst my customer satisfaction survey research indicated the Fiesta was average across all areas of reliability and build quality, this car has most certainly exceeded my expectations, clearly the careful usage by the previous owner and regular oil and tyre checks by me have kept this car in good order. The only real issue was the battery failing, twice. But a new battery solved that, any other new parts such as brake discs and lights were simple changes (full kudos to my dad for fitting those new parts). 

Verdict

Whilst the Fiesta wasn’t my first choice of first car, it has most certainly impressed me with its driver appeal, reliability and easy maintenance. Overall, I’d happily buy another Ford, most likely a Puma 1.7 Coupe, but if and when I do sell this car, it will be a sad day indeed.

Performance: 3/5

Driver Appeal: 4/5

Styling: 3/5

Interior: 2/5

Value: 4/5

Mileage: 53,400

Faults: Occasionally squeaky dashboard & flimsy heater control