Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Fiesta Mk5 review

The Ford Fiesta Mk5's 2002 revamp added refinement to the driving thrills

By the time the fifth-generation Fiesta made its entrance in 2002, buyers were clamouring for premium brands and upmarket design. As a result, the soft curves of the old car were ditched in favour of a more imposing, angular look that took its cues from the handsome Mk2 Mondeo.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Under the skin was a new platform that was developed in partnership with Mazda, which gave the Mk5 Fiesta a much needed boost in interior room. However, the familiar strut front suspension and torsion beam rear axle remained, as did the petrol engine line-up, meaning this model was as good to drive as ever. 

The biggest mechanical change came in the form of the advanced 1.4 and 1.6-litre TDCi diesels that were produced in collaboration with French manufacturers Peugeot and Citroen. Offering excellent refinement and economy, these gutsy engines were a far cry from the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated diesel that could trace its roots back to 1983 and, up to this point, had been the only diesel choice.

The big news for fast Ford fans was the arrival of the ST, which packed a muscular 148bhp 2.0-litre engine into the Fiesta’s compact body and featured lowered and stiffened suspension for an even more entertaining driving experience.

Climb aboard our immaculate 2005 LX model and it’s clear Ford was trying to make the car more grown-up. The upright dash has a solid look and feel, while the switchgear is shared with the Focus.

On the move you immediately notice the step up in refinement over its predecessor, while the ride is even more composed. However, the engines have to work that bit harder to overcome the extra kerbweight, while the handling isn’t quite as sharp. Still, for many buyers this was a price worth paying for the increase in practicality, comfort and upmarket desirability.

Fiesta Fact: Upmarket design and larger cabin helped broaden car’s appeal, and new turbodiesels and stability control also arrived.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,571
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025