Ford Fiesta Style 1.25 3dr Car Review - May 2013

One weakness of opting for this version of the Fiesta is that the engine does feel a little weedy, with the acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in a long 16.9 seconds, while the top speed is just 94mph. While the engine may not be the most exciting in the range, the handling is excellent with steering that responds immediately and accurately to any turn of the wheel, while it also corners very well with the suspension keeping any body roll in check. There is also plenty of grip that is reassuring when you are taking the car through the corners on a twisty road.

The centre console is generally well designed and easy to navigate, although as with many touch-screen systems getting to some functions can be a little awkward to do while driving. Getting comfortable in the car is easy with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, with the seat going back a fair way to accommodate taller drivers.

Attractive looks is one of the key selling points of the Fiesta, and the large grille at the front end is flanked by dynamically styled headlight clusters that do give the car a pleasing aspect from the front. The lines are sleek and do angle back towards the rear end, with the chunky rear bumper and tail light clusters climbing up the rear pillars also helping with the stylish look of the car. One disappointing aspect is that there are no alloy wheels included as standard, especially considering that this isn't the entry level version of the Fiesta.

Electric windows in the front and air conditioning are expected in the car, and considering the appeal to younger drivers it is possible to tailor the behaviour of the car to the ignition key. This includes a speed limiter and seat belt alerts encouraging new drivers to get into good driving habits straight away. On the whole however, the level of equipment does feel a little disappointing.

Small hatchbacks such as the Ford Fiesta are never going to be the most spacious, but the back seats are not too cramped with headroom a little tight for taller passengers, while getting in and out of the three door version is a little ungraceful. The boot is a reasonable size, but the real practicality in the Fiesta comes in its small stature and how easy it is to drive around town.

One of the highlights with this version of the Fiesta is that it isn't tight with the level of safety equipment, coming with seven air bags including a driver's knee air bag, which is a nice feature in a small car. Along with ABS and stability control, these have helped the car to achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests. Ford also has a very good record when it comes to reliability, which is very reassuring for those looking for hassle free driving.

One of the main reasons that people will be drawn to this version of the Fiesta is that the list price of £11,495 is very competitive and can often be negotiated for a further discount, while offering a few more luxuries than the Studio trim. The low price means that the 1.25 litre engine isn't the most technologically advanced and doesn't have the efficiency seen elsewhere in the range, as it offers a reasonable average 54.3mpg.

The car does hold its value quite well when it comes to selling up, and a rock bottom insurance group certainly helps younger drivers to keep a few more pounds in their pocket. The car is delivered with a reasonable on the road package of a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty and a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy.