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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.

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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

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