Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiesta's day of reckoning

It’s the ultimate challenge for Ford’s new baby as both three-door and five-door versions meet their key rivals in its first UK group test

 The most enduring supermini legend is reborn again! The arrival of a new Ford Fiesta means two things for the new car market: the benchmark is set to be challenged and rivals had better be ready for a fight in the sales charts.

That’s why we’ve brought together not one but two of Ford’s latest creations – it’s time for both three and five-door versions of the fresh-faced Fiesta to meet their toughest challengers. In this unique test, we will decide the best choice in both bodystyles in order to name our ultimate supermini.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As with its competitors, the three-door Fiesta places style and desirability above practicality. Our trio of great-looking trend setters
is completed by the compact Mazda 2 and SEAT’s recently launched, top-value Ibiza SC. Which will triumph when versatility takes a back seat?

Five-door superminis have grown up. They offer a more viable option for downsizing motorists than ever before, and the latest crop of range-topping models should demand no compromises.

Here the flagship-spec Fiesta Titanium meets our current class champion, the Vauxhall Corsa, and also faces Renault’s evergreen Clio. All
of our five-door models are powered by punchy diesel engines to give maximum long-distance efficiency and gutsy performance.

Let the supermini contest of the year commence!

Verdict

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,344 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £6,462 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,066 off RRP*Used from £13,249
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,321 off RRP*Used from £10,849
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Alpine might have finally delivered a premium French car that Brits will take seriously
Alpine A390 flag

Alpine might have finally delivered a premium French car that Brits will take seriously

Steve Walker thinks sports car brand Alpine could well solve the long-standing French premium car problem…  but by the back door
Opinion
1 Jan 2026
Tesla-style door handles banned in China over safety fears
New Tesla Model Y Standard - side action

Tesla-style door handles banned in China over safety fears

The Chinese government has stepped in amid concerns that retractable or flush-fitting handles are causing fatalities in crashes
News
2 Jan 2026
Fiat Panda super test: the 45-year evolution of Italy’s small car icon
Fiat Panda test - head-on

Fiat Panda super test: the 45-year evolution of Italy’s small car icon

A lot has changed since the Fiat Panda first appeared in 1980. To mark the Italian hatchback’s 45th anniversary, we brought together examples from eig…
Car group tests
1 Jan 2026