Ford Fiesta Titanium ECOnetic
Revised ECOnetic version of supermini proves that company is still revolutionising motoring
While the Model T attracts jaw-dropping gazes from other road users, the Fiesta passes almost unnoticed. The smartly styled supermini is a familiar sight on UK roads, so has lost a little of its visual impact. However, take a closer look and it’s clear the Ford still sets the design benchmark in this sector.
The shapely front end, rising waistline and taut proportions mean it looks great, while our Titanium trim five-door has an upmarket image, provided by its 16-inch alloys, body-coloured mirrors and tinted rear glass.
Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Ford Fiesta
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Inside, the level of comfort is in a different league to its horse and cart-inspired ancestor. There is more than enough room for passengers in the back, while the 295-litre boot is decent.
Up front, the centre console design is distinctive and well thought out, while our car’s Sony audio system adds a premium touch. Getting comfortable is easy, thanks to the wide range of wheel and seat adjustment, and standard kit on this Titanium version includes cruise control, Bluetooth and automatic wipers.
After taking the wheel of the vintage Ford, the 21st century model shows how easy modern cars are to get on with. But you don’t need to drive a Model T to appreciate how accomplished the Fiesta is. All the controls are perfectly weighted and the supermini’s considerable dynamic ability is clearly obvious from the moment you set off.
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The steering is precise and packed with feel, responding keenly to inputs, and there’s lots of grip, too. The car is more engaging to drive than any
class rival, yet this handling composure doesn’t come at the expense of comfort; it rides smoothly and is a capable cruiser.
Under the bonnet, the Fiesta’s hi-tech 1.6-litre diesel engine has nothing in common with the century-old technology found in the Model T. Recent revisions to the Fiesta range mean the 94bhp 1.6 TDCi is available only in Edge ECOnetic, Zetec ECOnetic, Titanium ECOnetic or Zetec S trims. The latter emits 107g/km of CO2, but the lesser models now put out only 95g/km – so are exempt from road tax and very affordable as company cars.
The torquey and tractable nature of the TDCi is vaguely similar to the low-revving unit in the Model T, but where the 100-year-old car is marked out by mechanical vibrations, the modern oil-burner is smooth and amazingly efficient.
The Fiesta’s five-speed gearbox has a super-slick action, while the brakes give great stopping power, and none of the drama involved in trying to slow the Model T.
In Titanium trim, the new car is pricey, at £16,245. Generous standard equipment goes some way to softening the financial blow, although we think lesser versions make more sense. Yet the Fiesta continues to rule the supermini roost – and proves Ford is still setting the standard 100 years after the Model T.
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WHY: A century after it arrived in Britain, Ford remains our favourite auto brand. The Fiesta was this country’s top-selling new model last year. It’s also the best car in the supermini sector.
