Ford Fiesta hatchback

Drive

The Fiesta – like all of Ford's family cars – is great to drive. Whether you're popping to the shops or battling with city traffic, the Fiesta always feels nimble and quick to respond. However, this is not at the expense of comfort, as the Fiesta's outstanding suspension set-up simply floats over bumps and potholes. Buyers should remember that the Zetec S and Sport+ models have firmer suspension, which is a little less comfortable. All engines run smoothly, but it's the 1.25 and 1.6-litre petrol versions that impress, while the five-speed gearshift is light and slick.

Comfort

The Fiesta really does feel as quiet, comfortable and refined as a more expensive car – including those like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Even at motorway speeds there's little in the way of wind, road and engine noise, which helps make the Fiesta a relaxing place to be. The comfortable seats offer plenty of support and further isolate the occupants from the outside world, so long journeys can be completed with ease. The compact steering wheel is worth a special mention, as it offers a wide range of adjustment. It means even the tallest, largest drivers can find a comfortable driving position.

Reliability

Electronic stability control is standard on all models, although you’ll have to pay extra for curtain airbags – which protect in the event of a side impact. Even so, the Fiesta scores five out of five in the Euro NCAP test. Watch the Ford Fiesta crash test here. The new car is a step up from its predecessor in terms of interior build quality, too, and as of summer 2010, there have been no VOSA recalls issued.

Practicality

Buyers who regularly travel with families should really go for the five-door Fiesta, as access to the rear seats in the three-door model is poor. It's also worth noting that accommodation in the rear is compromised by the curvy shape of the Fiesta's roof. Neither leg nor headroom is particularly generous. With nearly 300 litres of stowage space, the boot will swallow a bulky suitcase, but struggles with family kit such as prams or carry cots. It's possible to fold down the rear seatbacks, but the 979-litre space it creates is awkwardly shaped, as there's a step in the floor.

Value for money

Recent revisions to Ford's pricing structure have brought the Fiesta back into line with rivals in the supermini class. Only the Hyundai i20 offers more equipment for your money. Go for the mid-range Zetec model and it's quite well equipped however, with air-conditioning, electric windows and remote central locking as standard.

Running costs

Low running costs are an attractive proposition with the Fiesta. Servicing is reasonably priced and only required every year (or 12,500 miles), while insurance is either less than or the same as its predecessor's. Fuel economy is impressive, too, especially in the ECOnetic model, which received updates in 2012 that bring CO2 emissions down 87g/km and improve fuel economy to 85.6mpg. That makes it one of the cleanest combustion-engined cars on the road.