Winning Ford

What we like:

Robust and compact engine that delivers more than enough grunt for the Fiesta. Excellent handling with go kart like disposition.

What we dislike:

Suspension tends to be overly soft at times over bumpier roads.

Hatchbacks are meant to be fun, lively and easy to drive around an urban landscape. In this, the Ford Fiesta seems to excel. The Fiesta achieves this with its brilliant powerplant. Despite its modest capacity of 998cc, the little turbocharged three cylinder engine produces 99bhp which is plenty considering its modest 1.2 ton weight.

At 170Nm of torque from 1,400rpm, the car feels quicker than its 10.8 second sprint time suggests. Around the bends, the Fiesta feels pleasantly positive and willing to change direction at a moment’s notice. Steering feel is right on with the car responding exactly as the driver intended.

While Ford has managed to package comfort together with driving fun, there are some limitations to it. We found that the front end tends to dip a little too much when cornering over bumpier roads or when cruising over highway expansion gaps.

But there’s no doubt the engine enjoys being spanked. Though no paddle shifts are available, the gearbox copes well in automatic mode and always seems to find the right gear.

Currently there’s no news on when the Fiesta ST will make it to our island or if ever at all. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This might not be the range topping model but it’s the best compromise between performance, comfort and of course road tax and COE.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline