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Car trim reviews

Ford Fiesta Zetec S

“When fitted with the company’s 123bhp EcoBoost engine, the Ford Fiesta Zetec S is an excellent alternative to a proper fast hatchback, because it has sporty styling touches, is quick, but also frugal.”

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The Ford Fiesta Zetec S is the model up from the Ford Zetec and gets a number of sporty touches that give it a more striking look. It gets bigger 16-inch alloy wheels, a full body kit, sportier front foglights, a more aggressive grille, rear spoiler, and sports suspension.

The interior also gets some sporty touches, including sports seats, metal pedals, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel. Convenience kit includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, a front armrest, illuminated cupholder, perimeter alarm, and trip computer.

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The Ford Fiesta Zetec S can be specced with either Ford’s 94bhp 1.6-litre diesel, or the company’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. The diesel returns very impressive economy of 85.6mpg and gets from 0-60mph in 12.9 seconds. But, getting 65.7mpg, the EcoBoost is still frugal, while 9.4 seconds to get from 0-60mph is usefully quicker.

Good points

The Ford Fiesta Zetec S gets sporty looks that make it hard to distinguish from the fast Ford Fiesta ST. The Zetec S gets a full bodykit and alloy wheels, and the sporty touches continue inside, too, thanks to sporty seats, metal pedals, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.Get behind that steering wheel and the driving experience will not disappoint – the Fiesta managing to be both comfortable and fun to drive. Filling up at the pumps won’t wipe the smile of your face either, as both models of the Zetec S are cheap to run.

Bad points

Picking fault in the Ford Fiesta Zetec S is no easy task – it is good looking inside and out, frugal, quick and well specced. So any criticisms that we can level at the Ford Fiesta Zetec S apply to all other Fiestas. So, the price could be cheaper compared to rivals such as the Kia Rio and Hyundai i20, and the car’s boot is smaller than those in key rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa.The Fiesta is also quite tight in the back for rear-seat passengers, although that is to be expected in this size of car.

What you get

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

Recommended optional extras

  • Sat-nav
  • Power-folding mirrors

Our choice

The Ford Fiesta Zetec S can be specced with the company’s 123bhp EcoBoost engine that means it is pretty quick, but also capable of 65.7mpg, and is free from paying road tax.

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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.

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