Ford Fiesta Titanium review
The top-spec Ford Fiesta Titanium is great to drive and comes with plenty of kit
The Ford Fiesta Titanium family includes the Fiesta Titanium ECOnetic and the Fiesta Titanium X, and is Ford’s range-topping trim. Even the standard Fiesta Titanium doesn’t scrimp on goodies, with power-fold mirrors, puddle entry-lights, cruise control, climate control and DAB radio with ford SYNC all featuring. The Zetec trim might be a better bet though, as it's great value.
While the Ford Fiesta Titanium ECOnetic offers one of the lowest CO2 at 85g/km, the Titanium X comes loaded with equipment, such as heated partial leather seats and keyless entry with power start button.
Both the Titanium and Titanium X models are available with Ford’s excellent turbocharged 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol in either 99bhp and 123bhp guises . There’s also a 1.6-litre TDCI diesel that promises 85.6mpg economy when fitted to the super-green Fiesta Titanium ECOnetic.
The standard Titanium can also be had with the naturally aspirated 79bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost and the sluggish 74bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel. Both three- and five-door options are offered, plus the choice of a five-speed manual or Ford’s six-speed Powershift twin-clutch automatic gearbox.
The Fiesta Titanium has always been brilliant to drive, and nothing has changed in that respect. What has changed is its head-turning kerb appeal. Its rakish profile and bold styling ensures that it remains one of the most stylish, efficient and refined cars in its class. And gadgets like the SYNC system and optional Active City Stop keep the Fiesta Titanium at the cutting edge of technology, and once again Ford has set a new benchmark for the rest of the class to follow.
Used - available now
2013 Skoda
Roomster
78,264 milesManualPetrol1.2L
Cash £4,250
2012 Ford
Fiesta
81,897 milesManualPetrol1.2L
Cash £3,450
2013 Volkswagen
Polo
39,378 milesManualPetrol1.2L
Cash £6,950
2011 SsangYong
Korando
49,858 milesManualDiesel2.0L
Cash £4,450Its smart five-bar chrome grille and slimmer headlamps - that incorporate the stylish LED strips - ensure the Fiesta Titanium looks bigger and wider. At the back, the distinctive light clusters add flair to the smart design.
Other signs of the Fiesta Titanium’s move upmarket are dotted about the cabin. Inside, you’ll find an attractive, neatly designed and logically laid-out dashboard. Quality is good, too, with decent fit and finish, plus plenty of soft-touch materials. However, some of the plastics used in the lower half of the cabin are a little hard and scratchy and aren’t quite up to the same standard as those in a VW Polo, but the gap is narrowing.
A gloss black ‘flow through’ insert joins together the dash and centre console, which adds to the plush interior. Redesigned door handles make the window switches easier to reach, plus there is an addition of a centre armrest. And there’s plenty of adjustment on the seat and steering wheel, so it’s easy for drivers to get comfortable.
The Fiesta Titanium also gets some cool gadgets too, including the SYNC Bluetooth streaming system that pairs to your mobile. Plus, there’s MyKey – a personalised key that allows owners to alter settings like the traction control and maximum speed, which is ideal for parents wanting to keep tabs on teenage drivers. And the Active City Stop autobrake system – optional - is also the first of its kind in this class.
The sleek Ford Fiesta is even better to drive than it is to look at. Poised handling and excellent refinement give the car a grown-up feel. It’s the sharp chassis that shines brightest where the Fiesta Titanium is concerned. The electrically assisted power-steering is beautifully weighted and direct, allowing you to place the agile Ford with pinpoint accuracy. Add in the strong grip, superb body control and slick gearshift, and the standard Fiesta is as fun to drive as many hot hatches.
Yet the really good news is that this nimble handling doesn’t come at the expense of comfort and refinement. Big bumps and potholes are smoothed out by the supple suspension, while the interior is well insulated from wind and road noise. Our favourite EcoBoost engine emits a characterful thrum when extended but even this small petrol unit is pleasantly smooth and quiet at other times.
Ford has also worked hard to improve safety, with the Fiesta Titanium now benefiting from seven airbags, stability control and hill-start assist. All this helped the car achieve a five-star Euro NCAP score.
