Ford Fiesta 1.1 Zetec 2017 first drive

Launched in 2008, the outgoing Ford Fiesta must go down as one of the most successful cars ever built by Ford, not just in Europe, but globally. In the UK, it’s been the best seller in its class for the past eight consecutive years and one million have been sold in the UK in total.

Its replacement is larger, but not by much, at 70mm longer and 13mm wider. The exterior design isn’t a step change, either - more a subtle evolution of the existing shape, and unlike the bigger Ford Focus, you can still choose between both three and five-door versions. The main news is that the interior has been given a major overhaul. 

The old audio unit, with its slightly bewildering array of buttons, has gone and in its place there’s a large, slightly incongruous 8.0in floating touchscreen on the dash. Plenty of technical options are available, too, including a full suite of advanced driver assistance features, including automated parking, cruise control and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection.

Core models are the entry-level Style and Zetec, with the rest of the range split into two threads: sports and luxury. Sports models include the ST-Line and ST-Line X, with the 197bhp ST due next year. The luxury models comprise Titanium, Titanium X and the Vignale, which is due later this year. We've previously tested the ST-Line X trim with a 138bhp 1.0T Ecoboost engine.

A hook-up with premium audio maker B&O means you can order a Fiesta with a 10-speaker, nine-channel, 675W audio system as an option or by buying specific models, such as the B&O Play Zetec Series or B&O Play Titanium Series. 

The engine line-up is championed by the outstanding three-cylinder 1.0T Ecoboost in both 99bhp and 123bhp versions as before. Both come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 1.5 TDCi diesel has been carried over in both 84bhp and 118bhp forms, despite there being little demand. At the entry level, a 1.1 Ti-VCT naturally aspirated version of the three-cylinder engine is available with 69bhp in the Style and 84bhp in the three-door Zetec tested here. Both come with a five-speed rather than six-speed gearbox 

The good news is that the Fiesta’s outstanding handling, ride and steering qualities are unaffected by the increase in size; if anything, they’re even better than before. The steering is light enough for easy parking but loads up nicely in corners to give plenty of feel. Grip is good and that much is telegraphed back through the wheel, making quick drives on twisting country roads fun and confidence-inspiring, even in the wet. There’s little body roll but, despite that, the ride is supple and effective damping ensures there’s no skittering on poor surfaces. As before, brakes are powerful, if oversensitive, and would benefit from more pedal feel.