Ford Fiesta

Our verdict

The Ford Fiesta is one of the finest superminis around, nearly 30 years old now but always keeping abreast. It’s a superb little driver’s car, easy to get on with and up for anything you care to throw at it.

Comfort

That amazing chassis does demand a slightly firmer ride than is ideal for UK manholes and speed bumps, but it's a small price to pay for a great all-round drive.

11 out of 20

Performance

There are tons of engines to choose from, all of them good enough. The 1.6TDCi diesel provides the right balance of poke and economy, but we'd be letting ourselves down if we didn't suggest the 150bhp 2.0-litre ST. Proper hot-hatch territory.

2 out of 20

Cool

A divisive one for sure. You could argue that the ST is a chav's nirvana, but it is a cracking little car. A rapid, understated diesel is hard to knock too.

8 out of 20

Quality

The Fiesta got an interior makeover not so long ago and looks fresh, is solidly put together and reasonably well equipped. Ford does no-nonsense with absolute aplomb.

8 out of 20

Handling

Perhaps the current Fiesta's greatest asset, it handles like nothing else that's this small and affordable. The chassis is taut and communicative, the steering direct and accurate. Makes you drive like a bit of tit sometimes though.

13 out of 20

Practicality

It's a surprisingly big car inside, with plenty of room for four. Headroom in the rear is ample too, but the inevitable downside to this is a small boot. It's always one or the other though, and split-folding rear seats make some sort of amends.

11 out of 20

Running costs

The 1.6-litre TDCi diesel is good for 62.8mpg and emits a tax dodging 116g/km of CO2. The whole Fiesta range is competitively priced too, and Ford dealers are generally good for a decent discount.

10 out of 20