Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Fiesta 2010 - long term test

Listen up! Our supermini’s voice recognition system has proven a massive hit...

Pros
  • WHILE it lacks hot hatch pace, the Fiesta is a riot to drive. The perfectly weighted and precise steering combines with an agile chassis to serve up plenty of smiles per mile. Adding to the fun is the free-revving 1.4-litre engine and slick gearshift. Voice controls (right) work well, while standard cruise control is great for motorway journeys.
Cons
  • THERE’S little to dislike about the Fiesta, although it’s not without fault. For instance, the backlighting for the stylish dials can’t be adjusted, and the display is too bright at night for my eyes. And the Easy Fuel filler flap often causes petrol to spill when you’re at the pumps. Plus, at £15,145, it is expensive for its class.
Find your Ford Fiesta
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Do you ever get the feeling that nobody’s listening to you? Even when you shout as loud as you can, your message never gets through.

On days like these, it’s always a relief to climb back into our long-term Fiesta. You see, no matter how many breakdowns in communication I’ve endured, our Ford is always ready to listen.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As part of its optional Technology Pack (£150), the Fiesta is equipped with voice controls – and the sophisticated kit works surprisingly well. Normally reserved for bigger cars, it allows you to adjust the Ford’s audio and climate controls, without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Operating the system couldn’t be easier: you simply press a button on the indicator stalk and speak. Using a pre-selected list of voice commands you can switch between radio, CD and iPod, as well as skipping music tracks. If it’s too hot, then ask for a reduction in temperature and, as if by magic, the air-con kicks in! It takes a little while to get used to, but once you’ve learnt the prompts for the various functions, the kit really helps to take the strain out of driving.

However, even this is overshadowed by the Technology Pack’s neatest inclusion: Mobile Navigation. Instead of an expensive built-in sat-nav, the Fiesta comes with an SD memory card, which contains mapping for most of Europe. This is plugged into a compatible mobile phone that is then paired to the Ford’s standard Bluetooth system.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

31,180 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £20,500
View Model 3
Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

12,963 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £25,700
View Model Y
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

41,588 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,100
View Puma
Tucson

2023 Hyundai

Tucson

31,009 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £18,200
View Tucson

There’s also a GPS receiver unit, mounted in the windscreen above the rear view mirror. To plan a route, you punch the destination into your handset, then follow the spoken commands and direction arrows, which are displayed in the centre console-mounted screen. At £150 this addition is a lot cheaper than traditional built-in units, and much less messy than aftermarket devices that leave wires trailing across your dashboard.

The sat-nav has been a boon in recent weeks, as the Fiesta has been criss-crossing the country on numerous assignments. In fact, the white machine has been so popular with colleagues, I’ve barely seen it, which is a cause of constant disappointment.

As a road tester, I’m in and out of lots of cars, but few match the Fiesta’s driving thrills. Mind you, Ford’s pricing policy means the supermini almost costs as much as models from the class above. Our flagship Titanium is £15,145 (before you add any options). And our fuel return of 35.8mpg is 11.1mpg down on its 1.6-litre diesel predecessor.

This doesn’t detract from the Fiesta experience. But by the time you read this, our white three-door will be back at Ford. I tried asking the blue oval bosses to extend its stay, but I don’t think they were listening...
 

Extra Info

“It’s not hard to see why the Fiesta is at the top of the sales charts. Even on my short commute, the Ford feels great to drive, thanks to its light and responsive controls and perky 1.4-litre engine. My only criticism is the poor rear visibility, which makes parking tricky.”
Dawn Tennant- Picture Editor

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,875
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,499
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Used Skoda Fabia (Mk4, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: great value, comfy and spacious
Used Skoda Fabia - front

Used Skoda Fabia (Mk4, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: great value, comfy and spacious

Used car tests
22 May 2025
Cupra Leon review
Cupra Leon - front action

Cupra Leon review

In-depth reviews
10 Mar 2025
Used Vauxhall Astra (Mk8, 2022-date) buyer’s guide: popular hatch is more tempting than ever
Used Vauxhall Astra Mk8 - front

Used Vauxhall Astra (Mk8, 2022-date) buyer’s guide: popular hatch is more tempting than ever

Used car tests
7 Mar 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025