Ford Fiesta Mk7 review ~ station of gear

13 Jul, 2015 10:00am Sean Carson

The Ford Fiesta is still going strong – it’s not hard to see why this is Britain’s best-selling car

The Ford Fiesta Mk7 might have just been knocked off the top step of our supermini podium, but there’s still lots to like about the Blue Oval’s iconic compact hatchback.

With a range of engines stretching from Ford’s award winning 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo EcoBoost petrol engine to a high performance 1.6-litre turbo in the scorching Fiesta ST hot hatchback, there’s a Mk7 Fiesta model to cover almost every base. If you’re after an eco champion there’s also a very frugal Econetic diesel on offer that returns up to 85.6mpg and 85g/km CO2.

One thing that’s the same across the range is the Fiesta’s superb handling and chassis. Around town the ride is well controlled, with a soft edge to how it rides nasty bumps and potholes, but on faster country lanes it’s a riot to drive. The steering is precise and there’s a surprising amount of feedback on offer for an urban runaround.

Refinement is still good, too, even in the older naturally aspirated 1.25-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines, while the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrols – available in 79bhp, 99bhp or 123bhp depending on which version you go for – and the 1.6 TDCi diesel have smooth torque delivery which makes cruising relatively refined. However, bear in mind the only Fiesta that comes with a six-speed manual is the ST – all others get a five-speed unit as standard. Although you can go for a six-speed auto on selected engines.

The ST is available as a three-door only, and comes with a styling kit that enhances the Fiesta’s already sporty look thanks to its narrow headlights, swept back lines and gently flared wheel arches.

The rest of the range is also available in the five-door bodystyle, which adds extra practicality and doesn’t impact on the car’s rakish appearance. With a 276-litre boot, rising to 960 litres if you fold the rear seats down, the Ford might not boast as much luggage space as rivals like the Mazda 2 and VW Polo, but there’s enough room for most.

With a range of trim levels from the entry-level Studio model, including Style, Zetec, Zetec S, Titanium and the top-spec Titanium X with all the bells and whistles, equipment spec can be varied to suit your budget. If you’re after something a little bit different, there’s the pair of Red and Black Edition warm hatches that sit underneath the razor sharp Fiesta ST, too.

The Ford Fiesta not only looks sharp but is the best supermini on sale when it comes to the driving experience. A range of punchy, economical engines, sporty styling, strong practicality and affordable prices mean there’s not much to dislike about the current Mk7 Fiesta range.

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