Used Ford Fiesta Review (2017-2023) MK8
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Brilliant fun to drive
- Great all-rounder
- Good level of practicality
- Model line-up can be confusing
- Popular, so you won't stand out from the crowd
- Entry-level models are fairly basic
What's the Ford Fiesta like?
There's a confusingly wide range of models in the present Ford Fiesta range built from 2017 – and most of them are powered by the same engine.
That's extended further by the fact that it’s available as a 3 or 5-door hatch, and as the mild SUV-looking Active or the very swift and sporty ST.
It has been – as most people know – one of the best-selling new and used car for many years, and that's because it’s such a good all-rounder and has consistently been rated better than other great superminis like the VW Polo.
The Fiesta looks good, and it’s well-built, reasonably priced, decently spacious inside, and really good fun to drive.
Engines
With this latest model, diesel options were dropped to leave an all-petrol powered range.
Obviously, the diesels – both 1.5-litre TDCIs – are still available used. They have either 85 or 120bhp and are capable of over 60mpg.
Five of the petrol engines are the same size – EcoBoost 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbos – and the remaining one is a 1.1-litre. This has 75bhp and can do 53mpg, but it's very slow, taking 14.2 seconds to reach 60mph from rest.
The 1.0-litre turbos start with a 95 or 100bhp version that covers the sprint in 10.5 seconds and can do 56mpg.
Then come two models with 125bhp. The first is a straight turbo that gets to 60mph in 9.1 seconds and can do 50mpg, and the second is a mild hybrid petrol/electric that takes 9.3 seconds to 60mph but can do 56mpg.
Finally, comes a 155bhp version of the diminutive turbo that can reach 60mph in 8.6 seconds and yet still do 55mpg.
Driving Experience
Obviously the higher powered models are the better performers, but all are huge fun to drive with very agile handling, fantastic grip, and superbly informative and precise steering.
Cornering is safe and sure with little body roll, and yet comfort is right up there with the best in class too.
The Fiesta has long been revered for this superb combination of comfort and handling prowess, and many make it the benchmark for other superminis to aim at.
Peter Hayward
The quality of the ride helps to make it very easy to live with on the rough town roads we face every day, and parking and manoeuvring are very easy, with a tight turning circle and a stall prevention system.
Out on the motorway, all models can hold their own, but the base 1.1-litre has no performance to spare.
Practicality and Equipment
Interior space is good enough for four adults to ride in comfort, with decent legroom and well-shaped supportive front seats.
However, a slight downside is a lack of headroom for tall passengers in the back, and the optional sunroof also cuts headroom in the front quite drastically.
Although there are 3 and 5-door models, think twice before buying a 3-door if you have young children. Getting them into child seats is quite the challenge.
Most models come with voice activated multimedia, and with Active City Stop – Ford’s automatic emergency braking system designed to prevent low-speed accidents.
Titanium models get audio remote control, loads of airbags, alloys, an alarm, sat nav, steering reach and rake adjustment, height adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, folding back seats and heated mirrors.
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The Ford Fiesta is a supermini that offers a fun driving experience, good all-round capabilities and sleek looks. Suited to a variety of lifestyles, there's no wonder the Fiesta is one of the best-selling cars ever made.
