Ford Fiesta - TopCarNews

Ford Fiesta (2017 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Ford Fiesta is a small supermini-class hatchback, available in both three- and five-door body styles. The current version launched in 2017 and immediately assumed the best-selling UK car status of its predecessor.

In fact, 2020 marked the 12th year in a row that the Ford Fiesta (across three generations) has been the UK’s top-selling car – although that will come to an end in 2021 as sales have fallen amid fierce competition from the Vauxhall Corsa and production headaches caused by supply shortages.

There is a hot-hatch performance version of the Fiesta called the Ford Fiesta ST. We have built a separate page for that model, as it is generally reviewed separately to the rest of the range.

UK media sources rate the Fiesta highly. “It’s one of the best ‘real world’ cars around, because it ticks all the rational boxes, but also manages to be fun to drive,” says Auto Express. Reviewers like the quality engines, which are now all petrol with previous diesel options axed. But while the range includes mild hybrids, there are no full-electric or proper hybrid versions.

On the road, the Fiesta is considered the undisputed class leader for driving. “The Fiesta is a pleasure to drive, whether on a long motorway trip or a challenging country road,” says Carbuyer.

Reliability doesn’t appear to live up to the driving experience, however. In a 2020 What Car? reliability survey, the Fiesta only ranked equal 17th out of 22 small cars. The 2021 survey was worse, where the Fiesta ranked dead last for small cars and the fifth-worst new car on sale.

The cabin environment doesn’t get the same high praise as the driving experience, either, with Car commenting: “It feels ancient compared to Peugeot’s virtual 3D cockpit.” Some testers also question the range of trims: “The Fiesta Active Crossover is a little pointless, the Vignale too extravagant,” says Motoring Research.

As of December 2021, the Ford Fiesta holds an Expert Rating of 79% based on 46 reviews. A facelifted model is due to arrive in early 2022, which will consist of some visual tweaks and trim changes, but will be a lightly updated version of the current car rather than an all-new model.

Ford Fiesta highlights

Fun behind the wheel
Quality engines
Low running costs
Quite spacious
Well-equipped

Ford Fiesta lowlights

Some cheap interior plastics
No electric or hybrid versions
Some safety features optional
Unimpressive reliability record
Top models expensive

Key specifications

Body style: Three- and five-door hatchEngines: petrol
Price: From £16,645 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2017Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active rangeScore: 7.9 / 10“With the new Fiesta Active, Ford has done a good job of adding SUV style and raising the ride height without ruining the Fiesta’s handling.”
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Model reviewed: ST-Line and VignaleScore: 8 / 10“The new ST-Line and Vignale trim levels added to the Ford Fiesta range simply provide more choices on a model that remains just about the most complete package on the small car market, and worthy of its long-held best-seller status.”
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Score: 8.6 / 10“The new Fiesta is definitely an improvement and still the class leader, but it’s no longer head and shoulders above the pack.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Ford Fiesta offers great value for money, and not just because it’s cheap to buy. It’s comfortable, refined, practical and comes with plenty of standard kit, while the agile handling means it can easily put a smile on your face on the most mundane of journeys.”
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Model reviewed: TrendScore: 8 / 10“The Ford Fiesta Trend might be the new entry-level Fiesta, but that doesn’t mean it is short on fun and thrills.”
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Model reviewed: Fiesta Active rangeScore: 8 / 10“With a strong driving experience and trendy SUV styling, the Ford Fiesta Active has a lot to recommend it – but the standard car is cheaper.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Ford Fiesta needs very little introduction, being the UK’s best-selling car. That mantle didn’t happen by accident, either, because not only is the Fiesta one of the most popular small cars there is, it’s also one of the best.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual ST-Line XScore: 8 / 10“Battery boost brings small but meaningful economy gains to Ford’s stellar supermini.”
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Model reviewed: ST Performance EditionScore: 9 / 10“This car is routinely our favourite hot hatchback, almost regardless of price and even without these modifications.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“A car as uncommonly good to drive as this will never stray far from unqualified recommendation in this magazine but, for a modern supermini, it cannot be a golden ticket, either.”
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Model reviewed: Fiesta Active rangeScore: 9 / 10“The Fiesta Active is a simple idea, and how sensible it seems.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 2020Score: 8 / 10“The new Ford Fiesta is all the supermini we’d wished for. It’s fun to drive, rewarding for enthusiasts and finally has a properly competitive infotainment system.”
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Model reviewed: Fiesta Active rangeScore: 6 / 10“It’s a road-biased car that isn’t going to win a Dakar rally, but if its styling is a winner for you then we reckon it’s still an option that’ll have to make your shortlist.”
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Score: 8 / 10“This is a good-looking car, make no mistake.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual TrendScore: 9 / 10“If you’re wanting a supermini that’s great to drive and largely affordable, there is still no better option available than the Ford Fiesta. Even in low-spec guise, it handles better than just about everything its class, and is able to bring enjoyment, even despite its modest power output.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.8 / 10“The economical and fun Ford Fiesta is a more complete package than ever before.”
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Model reviewed: Fiesta Active rangeScore: 8.8 / 10“The Ford Fiesta Active adds hints of SUV style, strength and substance to the standard model without compromising comfort or driving fun”
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Model reviewed: VignaleScore: 8 / 10“The Fiesta Vignale version boasts the signature Vignale styling, with a unique front grille, chrome bodywork accents and matching alloy wheels giving it a standalone look when compared with the ‘lesser’ trims.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Vignale rangeScore: 6 / 10“With a pleasing, upmarket interior and a great driving experience the Ford Fiesta Vignale sounds like a match made in heaven. However, cheaper Fiesta models are better value for money.”
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Model reviewed: Fiesta Active rangeScore: 7 / 10“The Ford Fiesta Active is designed for those who fancy a hint of off-road ability from their compact hatchback, but it’s more expensive than the standard car as a result.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Ford Fiesta is a small car that you’ll love driving. It’s cheap to buy and run, stylish to look at and available with lots of high-tech kit, although alternatives are roomier.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: MHEV ST-LINE X EDITION“The Fiesta remains a good-looking and fine-handling car, and the mild hybrid has a small efficiency merit, but isn’t a significant or notable upgrade.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Active B&O PlayScore: 7.8 / 10“The Ford Fiesta range is better for this new addition, and the Active could form a more important part of the Fiesta and Focus line-up as SUVs continue to grow.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol automatic Vignale“The Vignale Fiesta has its touches of class and lifts the car far enough above the rest of the range to justify the price. But it’s up against some capable premium rivals, making it a tricky fight for the Ford, on both heart and mind grounds.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0litre petrol manual TitaniumScore: 7.8 / 10“The Ford Fiesta will continue to sit at the top of the supermini segment. The wider range of models and engines means there is an option for every fleet application.”
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Model reviewed: 1.1-litre petrol manual Zetec“As good as the Ecoboost engines are, the cheaper model shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 140hp ST-Line“Plenty of strengths, including running costs, equipment offering and driving dynamics, but wind noise and interior quality aren’t the best.”
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Evo

Score: 8 / 10“The new Ford Fiesta has grown up with improved refinement and updated interior tech yet still offers class-leading driving dynamics.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“Many cars get larger as they are replaced with a new generation, but Ford has resisted this with its current eighth incarnation of the Fiesta.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“With a huge range of trim levels, a good selection of engines, great driving dynamics and the latest safety technology, the Ford Fiesta does everything a small hatchback needs to do – and does it well.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Ford Fiesta is great to drive, regardless of spec. It’s the most entertaining supermini you can buy, thanks to sharp steering and a superb chassis. Ford isn’t the clear leader it was before, though. The Renault Clio is available as a full hybrid and is polished enough to take the crown as the best all-rounder, while the SEAT Ibiza is almost as good to drive.”
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Motors.co.uk

Score: 9 / 10“The reliable Ford Fiesta handles superbly and offers plenty of specs to choose from.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active rangeScore: 9 / 10“Fiesta gets chunkier and funkier off-road look”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9.2 / 10“Still the best small hatchback for keen drivers.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active X“The Active X is still a regular Ford Fiesta – a downright superb car – but with enough tweaks to move it from supermini to crossover.”
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Model reviewed: Vignale“Britain’s biggest-selling car, the humble Ford Fiesta, has been given a luxury makeover – but it doesn’t come cheap.”
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Model reviewed: ST-Line“You probably didn’t need to read this review to know the new Fiesta is great — it’s a huge part of Britain’s street furniture for good reason. Remember – get the ST Line. It’s the best advice I’ve ever given on these pages.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Fiesta VignaleScore: 8 / 10“Little Ford gets big-car luxuries… and price tag to match”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual Active XScore: 8 / 10“The obscure appeal of the supermini SUV remains a mystery, even after a drive in the likeable little Ford Fiesta Active. Likewise with the minor drivetrain flexibility benefits and tiny fuel economy gains from the mild hybrid system. Yet despite the ‘so-what’ aspects, the honed and taut appeal of Ford’s well made Fiesta remains.”
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Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range“There’s no more room in it than a standard Ford Fiesta and it costs more, but I reckon the Active will prove a surprising – if slightly confusing – hit.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual ST-LineScore: 10 / 10“A grown-up take on a hooligan hot hatchback. The compromise between practical and fun is a pretty perfect one.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual ST-Line XScore: 9 / 10“The Ford Fiesta mild hybrid is stunningly good to drive, practical at everything else and now goes a little further on a tank. This one is not the gateway drug into electrified motoring you might expect, but it is the best everyday supermini on the planet.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Prettier, more able, refined, easy to use and with more rounded dynamics than before.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Ford Fiesta is superb to drive, smart inside and well equipped – it’s one of the very best small cars.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Active range“Why buy the Active over the regular Fiesta? Apart from reasons of style, there isn’t much, other than slight improvements to visibility and useability in slippery conditions. It costs more to buy and run, too – on the whole, we prefer the standard hatchback.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The seventh-generation Ford Fiesta is a very good all-round small car. It’s ideal for pottering around town and for longer jaunts, is great to drive, feels mature and offers impressive safety levels. It’s not quite perfect, though, thanks to limited rear passenger and boot space.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2017

87%

ADULT OCCUPANT

84%

CHILD OCCUPANT

64%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

60%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Model tested: 1.0 Ecoboost 4×2 manual Euro 6D-temp
Date tested: February 2019

8 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

4.4 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

Model tested: 1.0 Ecoboost 4×2 manual Euro 6B
Date tested: February 2019

1.1 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

6.6 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford Fiesta has received

2021

The Car Expert Awards – Small Car Class Champion
What Car? Awards – Best Small Car to Drive
Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Used Car of the Year + Best Small Car

2020

Carbuyer Awards – Car of the Decade
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Used Car
Autocar Britain’s Best Car Awards – Best Small Car
DieselCar & EcoCar Used Car Top 50 – Best Used Small Car

2019

Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
Honest John Awards – Best Small Hatchback
Carbuyer Best Car Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
News UK Motor Awards – Best City/Small Car
Fleet News Awards – Best Small Car
DieselCar & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Small Car

2018

Carbuyer Best Car Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
Fleet World Honours – Best Supermini + Best New Car
DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Best Small Car
What Car? Awards – Best Hot Hatchback for less than £20,000 (Fiesta ST-Line 1.0-litre 3-door)

2017

Top Gear Awards – Best Supermini
Women’s World Car of the Year – Best Budget Car

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