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Fun, fun, fun is what we said about Ford's new tiny car, the Fiesta, when we first drove it last year. See that test here. Then on another occasion, when we tested the Ghia version, we said the Fiesta was a car with character. You can see that test here. Both of those assessments still carry weight, for the Next Car team has now tested the automatic version of the very nice looking Fiesta Zetec. It's this mid-range Fiesta, the Zetec which I prefer and that's the subject of this test. It looks great in one of the spectacular colours, Colorado Red, Sub-lime or Aquarius (which are amongst seven colour choices for the Zetec), when the optional 16" alloy wheels, spoiler and body styling kit are chosen. The subject car is a Fiesta Zetec automatic, finished in Aquarius (which is metallic blue in Ford terminology), fitted with the options mentioned in the previous sentence. The Fiesta immediately impresses you with its stylish good looks. Behind the wheel, more impressions are gained because of the good handling characteristics and the willing 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine. But we quickly discovered the automatic transmission is even better than the manual (in our view)! There can be no doubt whatsoever, that the Fiesta is a very pleasing drive. In manual form its a great drive. Like we said, it's fun, fun, fun. In the automatic form, it's even better! One reason for the fun is the rather sporting exhaust note. At around 3,000 revs you'll notice the tone is distinctly sporting and rather pleasant I might add! Standard equipment for the Zetec includes air conditioning, power exterior windows, power windows, audio with CD player (single disc), remote central locking, rear window wiper, 15" alloy wheels, front fog lights and two airbags upfront. 
Ford Fiesta Zetec Location: Bolwarra Heights NSW Click the image for a larger view |
Ford Fiesta Zetec Location: McMahons Point NSW Click the image for a larger view The Fiesta comes in three trim levels, the base model is LX (3 and 5 door hatch), the mid-range Zetec (3-door) and the top of the range Ghia (5 door hatch). Prices begin at $14,490 (RRP) for a Fiesta LX 3 door manual without air conditioning. All Fiesta models share the same willing 1.6 litre engine and transmission choices. Fuel consumption is excellent. In European tests, Ford claim 7.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle. The disc/drum brakes work well. Parking the under 4-metre long Fiesta couldn't be easier. The German designed Fiesta is gaining in popularity. It's small but it has a lot to offer, including style. There is only one fault with the Fiesta. And we've raised it previously. The Fiesta is dangerous to the driver if the said driver has long legs. Drivers of the long-legged variety will quickly learn to get into the car quite slowly and with very deliberate positioning of the left leg so as to avoid personal injury. My poor left knee took weeks to recover from the bash the knee trick, twice! The central dashboard extension is just too wide for comfort. At $24,435 (RRP as tested), the Fiesta Zetec automatic with options isn't cheap. Although without options, the Zetec is priced at $18,990 (RRP) for the manual and $21,290 (RRP) for the automatic. There are roomier cars available at this price. One of the new competitors is equally as much fun to drive, it has much better space and its controls are 'Australianised'! On this basis, the Fiesta has only its style to keep it in front. With another new competitor just months away, it seems the market for what I would call 'tiny tots' is getting very competitive. And this is great news for car buyers! There is no better position to be in, than to have a good choice to ponder. Stephen Walker | |
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