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

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,283 off RRP*Used from £25,726
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,429 off RRP*Used from £19,899
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,054 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £4,049 off RRP*Used from £12,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Motability’s definition of a ‘premium’ car is outdated, and here’s why
Tom Motability opinion

Motability’s definition of a ‘premium’ car is outdated, and here’s why

Our consumer reporter believes Motability needs to get with the times and reasses what it classifies as a premium car
Opinion
28 Nov 2025
Exclusive car stereo test: are premium car audio upgrades worth it?
 Car Audio test - VW driving

Exclusive car stereo test: are premium car audio upgrades worth it?

We listen to what the experts at Richer Sounds think about car companies' regular and upgraded stereo set-ups
Features
1 Dec 2025
Suzuki e Vitara vs Ford Puma Gen-E: new EV aims to tame Ford’s big cat
Suzuki e Vitara vs Ford Puma Gen-E - front tracking

Suzuki e Vitara vs Ford Puma Gen-E: new EV aims to tame Ford’s big cat

The e Vitara is Suzuki’s first EV. How does the newcomer shape up against the electric version of Ford’s best-selling Puma?
Car group tests
29 Nov 2025