Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.0 EcoBoost review

Ford Fiesta Zetec is big on value and driving fun. 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine brings 60mpg, too

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

The Ford Fiesta never falls far outside the UK's top five best-sellers list, and part of this stems from the sheer variety of engines and trim levels available. Fortunately, there's one model that we reckon gets the balance between style, power, comfort and economy just right.

The Ford Fiesta range lineup is incredibly diverse. The hierarchy ascends through Style, Zetec, Titanium, Titanium X and the plush Vignale trim levels, with a B&O Play version of the Zetec and Titanium that adds sat nav and a powerful hi-fi system to the features list. Then there is the sporty looking ST-line and high performance ST, and the SUV-influenced Fiesta Active for those who like the idea of an SUV but not the expensive running costs.

The Zetec may only be the second rung on the Fiesta ladder but it still boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, a heated front windscreen, LED daytime running lights, a leather steering wheel and a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And that's on top of the air conditioning, lane-keeping assist, adjustable speed limiter and automatic headlights that come standard on every Fiesta.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Zetec brings far more than just the bare basics then, and is the least expensive model in the range to be offered with Ford's excellent 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. More powerful than the larger 1.1-litre engine, the 99bhp EcoBoost is perky and responsive, achieving 0-62mph in a very respectable 10.5 seconds. A 113mph top speed makes it fuss-free when cruising at motorway speeds, too.

Passengers will enjoy travelling in the Fiesta Zetec. Thanks to 16-inch wheels that are better at absorbing pothole shocks than the bigger wheels and low-profile tyres of models further up the range, it's one of the smoothest Fiestas in terms of ride quality. The latest model is far more spacious inside than previous versions, too, and runs the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza close for rear seat room, while its 292- litre boot should prove ample for the weekly shop.

Best small cars and superminis you can buy today

A trundle to the supermarket barely scratches the surface of what the Fiesta can do, with only the SEAT Ibiza coming close to the handling of the Fiesta. The sensibly priced Zetec isn't miles behind the sporty Fiesta ST where it comes to fun at moderate speeds either. It's a very easy car to drive, and its responsive controls help drivers to build up confidence – great news for younger drivers.

Drawbacks? The Zetec misses out on the larger infotainment screen that comes with the Titanium model, and no Fiesta can quite match the VW Polo for interior fit and finish. However, the Zetec is neary £2,000 less to buy than the next trim level up, and that 1.0-litre engine promises fuel economy of over 60mpg - it’s great value and cheap to run.

Verdict 4.5/5.

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

Ford EcoBoost engines: what are they and should you buy one?
Ford Puma SUV front tracking
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: what are they and should you buy one?

The UK's top 10 best-selling cars 2024
The UK's best-selling cars hero
Best cars
6 Mar 2024

The UK's top 10 best-selling cars 2024

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 used small cars 2024
The best used small cars hero 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best used small cars 2024

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