The Ford Fiesta has quite a history in the industry. It’s been around since 1976 and has since then released seven generations. The latest model not only excels in distinction but also makes up for the lack of excellence in the previous model. The 2013 model includes several visual enhancements, brand new engines, and the inclusion of a three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine. All these features have been well-received by the community, becoming a top seller in the UK market. Plus the current Ford Fiesta has a range much vaster than the bigger Focus model and the “lower” Ka sister model.

Pros

The Ecoboost engine isn’t the only major addition to the latest Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta’s engine range includes 1.4- and 1.6-litre diesels as wellas 1.25, 1.4. and 1.6-litre petrols. The familiar trim levels of Zetec, Edge, Titanium, and Studio are still available but in five or three-door models. The Fiesta still provides that familiar big-car feel that’s grown up yet solid in nature; this aura and experience trumps all other cars that are just a class or two above it.

The five-door Fiesta sports a window outline that’s not too far from the three-door. Both the five and three-door carry the same body; the difference lying in the five-door’s sporty and dynamic nature. The A-pillar’s descending position from the front wheel centre allows for a shortening of the overall length. In terms of function, visibility is improved by a small quarterlight and its extension up into the rising chrome line. The sharp rearward sweep of the headlights also provides a visual impact that shortens the bonnet’s shutline. Pedestriam impact protection is allowed by the steep vertical rake, while also giving the vehicle an upmarket look that’s way better than the previous model. The most distinctive feature of the Fiesta is the roofline that sweeps in the spoiler, along with the tail lights that are positioned along the high corners.

The interior is just as dramatic and stylish. Entertainment controls are swooped away along the top side of the dashboard, dials appropriately placed in pods, the boring vertical surfaces removed, and the steering wheel featuring a sportier style. The gear lever is practically positioned next to the action, enabling drivers to move smoothly along any road condition. Subtle changes also impress just as much as the obvious ones: a small panel lies between the glovebox lid and dash top for a classier look, while some of the areas’ metallic silver and gloss back are decent on the eye.

Cons

The Ecoboost engine is available in three power outputs: 123bhp, 99bhp, and 79bhp. Although it has been fitted into the other Ford vehicles, the Fiesta experiences a noticeable vibration due to its large size. Some interpret this as characterful, while others would go for the smoothness from a four-cylinder unit. The 1.6-petrol unit also has limitations—one cannot expect fireworks given its measurement. Although the second most powerful one in the standard engine range, it comes out more as a smooth operator. Don’t set up any expectation for it being a thrill seeker on an open road.

Engine limitations aside, there’s very little reason to complain given the significant improvements done to the latest Ford Fiesta. 

                Ford Motor Company manufactured another subcompact car characterized by a front engine, front wheel drive in the year 1976. This car model was named Ford Fiesta and has sold more than twelve million units since it was launched.

                The design proposals for the car were named Blue Car, Mini Mite, Iris, The Deutschlander, and Beta, and the prototype for the car were also given several codenames including Torino, which eventually became Project Bobcat.

                The first generation Fiesta was produced in 1976 until 1983, and it was available as a three door hatchback and a three door panel van. It has been known as the first globally successful front wheel drive model of Ford, and it won the Design Council Award in 1978. It successfully overtook the Vauxhall Chevette in sales two years after it was launched, but by the year 1981, it remained next to Austin Metro.

                The second generation fiesta covers the period 1983 until 1989, which was called Fiesta Mark II. Its competitors include Austin Metro and Vauxhall Nova, and it was a donor vehicle for the Quantum Sports Cars’ 2+2 Convertible. The third generation or Fiesta Mark III lasted from 1989 until 1987, with major rivals including Peugeot 205, Fiat Uno, and Opel Corsa/Vauxhall Nova. It is available as a three and five door hatchback, a three door panel van, and a thee door high cube panel van.

                The fourth generation was codenamed BE91 and was also called Mark IV. It lasted from 1995 until 2002, whereas the fifth generation lasted from 2002 until 2009. The current model is called Ford Fiesta Mark VI, and it is under the sixth generation which was launched in 2008.