Areas for improvement: Only minor stuff...
Handling is great - always sure footed through corners with next to no body roll. Steering very direct and informative - the power assistance is weighted just right.
Engine a little uninspiring - nippy enough round town, but runs out of steam quickly on A roads. Can be a struggle joining motorways in a hurry. The engine sounds somewhat asthmatic as well, with a slight rattle on acceleration that sounds a little like pre-ignition (pinking)! To be fair it is the base model though, and presents no real problems in everyday use. Happy to charge down the motorway at 95-100 all day once up to speed! Good on petrol as well.
Interior fairly comfortable, apart from the corner of the centre console which can impede knee room for lanky 6ft legs like mine. Many complements from passengers about abundance of space in the rear.
Have to disagree with the motoring magazines in that I like the design of the dashboard - although the plastic door trims are a bit cheesy, and the light coloured upholstery does mark quite easily.
Impressed with the quality of the stereo
as well - just as well because the road noise can become intrusive at motorway speeds...
Rear windows do seem to creep open very slightly over time though - only noticeable by the increased wind noise when you hit a dual carriageway!
Had to get wing mirror glass replaced and a spare key ordered (both my fault!) - dealer service was quick and efficient.
The running costs for Ford Fiesta 1.3i Duratec Manual are normal
Other Ford Fiesta
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