Skip advert
Advertisement
Car trim reviews

Ford Fiesta Zetec

“The Ford Fiesta Zetec is reasonably priced and gets alloy wheels and chrome exterior trim that make it stand out from the basic model.”

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

We’re big fans of the basic Ford Fiesta thanks to its great looks, decent levels of equipment and excellent driving characteristics – which mean it is lots of fun to drive.

In many ways, opting for the Ford Fiesta Zetec model simply refines all of these qualities. It looks smarter and more upmarket, thanks to its alloy wheels and splashes of chrome, rather than the plastic wheel trims and dark exterior plastics you’ll get on the basic model.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The interior looks nicer, too – metal-finish grab handles for the doors replace the basic model’s plastic items, and the Zetec also gets attractive ambient lighting and a restyled central console. Ford Fiesta Zetec buyers can choose between cheap petrols or slightly more expensive – but very economical – diesels. The 1.0-litre petrol EcoBoost manages to be both spritely, as well as frugal, and the engine’s perky nature matches the fun-driving experience of the Fiesta.

Good points

The Ford Fiesta Zetec is a great choice because it builds on the Fiesta’s natural strengths. Opting for Zetec spec means you get 15-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, and chrome trim on the outside – all of which work together to give the Zetec a more premium look than the entry-level Ford Fiesta Style.The same is also true inside, where Zetec spec means you get a leather-trimmed steering wheel and handbrake, plus the company’s classier ‘flow through’ centre console, and attractive ambient interior lighting. Zetec cars now also come with Ford SYNC, which connects your mobile phone to the car's infotainment system via Bluetooth. Zetec models also get Ford’s handy Quickclear heated windscreen – which can shift even ice in seconds – and a trip computer.

Bad points

In the past, we criticised the Fiesta Zetec for lacking side curtain airbags and a deactivation switch for the front-passenger airbag, but both are now fitted to the new model. All Fiestas also come with MyKey, which allows the owner to limit the speed of the car when it’s started using a pre-programmed key.The Fiesta’s boot could also be bigger and its price is slightly high compared to some rivals.

What you get

  • Alloy wheels
  • Folding rear seats
  • Passenger & Driver airbag
  • Front side airbags
  • Front fog lights
  • Manual air conditioning
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Height adjustable driver's seat
  • Single CD player
  • AUX stereo input
  • Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

  • Active city stop
  • Deflation detection system

Our choice

The 99bhp EcoBoost petrol may cost around £1,000 more than the basic engine, but it is more economical, quicker, free from paying road tax, and worth the extra for if you can afford it.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best road tax-free cars 2024
The best road tax-free cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Best road tax-free cars 2024

Top 10 best small cars and superminis 2024
The best small cars and superminis 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best small cars and superminis 2024

Ford Fiesta review (2017-2023)
Facelifted Ford Fiesta driving
In-depth reviews
16 Oct 2023

Ford Fiesta review (2017-2023)

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024