More information, a brief history and our verdict on the Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is a hugely desirable small car that has been Britain’s best-selling car for several years. Its rivals include the Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza, Hyundai i20 and Vauxhall Corsa. 

The Fiesta sits in Ford’s range as the most affordable and smallest model, although on the used market you can buy or lease the even smaller and cheaper Ka+.  Whether you’re looking to buy a used or a new Ford Fiesta, there’s plenty of choice and reasonable prices. 

Ford offers the 2022 Fiesta in various different versions. There’s the standard model, which is now five door-only, the ST hot hatchback and the Active model. This features rugged styling additions to make it a bit like an SUV. If you do want a ‘proper’ small SUV, though, Ford offers the Fiesta-based Ecosport and Puma models. 

The Ford Fiesta has been on sale in the UK since 1977, and quickly became a household name. Buyers loved the fact that it was an affordable small car that was also well-made and fun to drive. Rivals eventually caught up, but the Fiesta remained one of the best-sellers.

That formula still lives on today, after eight generations, 45 years and more than 16 million Ford Fiestas sold. With more competition than ever, the Mk8 Ford Fiesta is still one of our very favourite small cars thanks to its brilliant ride and handling, punchy yet efficient engines and big car levels of technology. 

Ford Fiesta models, trims, specs, engine sizes and more

The Ford Fiesta is available in a variety of styles and trim levels and with a range of engines. On the used market there are three and five-door Fiestas for sale, but the latest 2022 model is five door-only. 

Most Ford Fiestas are powered by petrol engines, with the latest model also available as a mild hybrid. There are also diesels on the used market if you want the ultimate fuel efficiency.

There are a huge number of different Ford Fiesta versions and trim levels on the used market, so we’ll focus on the latest 2022 model for those looking to buy or lease a new car.

Now petrol-only, the 2022 Ford Fiesta can be had with a cheap to buy and run non-turbo petrol engine. However, the majority of Fiestas sold come equipped with the excellent 1.0-litre Ecoboost turbo petrol engine. 

• Ford Fiesta 1.1L Ti-VCT petrol: The entry-level Ford Fiesta gets a naturally aspirated 1.1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It makes just 75PS and can only be had with a five-speed manual transmission. 0-62mph takes 14.5 seconds, with official combined fuel economy of 53.4mpg. 

• Ford Fiesta 1.0L Ecoboost 100PS: Most Ford Fiestas sold use the entry-level Ecoboost engine, which is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder putting out 100PS. Available with a six-speed manual transmission, it can sprint from 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds yet matches the 1.1 for miles-per gallon at 53.3mpg. 

• Ford Fiesta 1.0L Ecoboost 125PS mHEV: The most powerful engine in the 2022 Ford Fiesta lineup is the 125PS version of the 1.0-litre Ecoboost unit. It features a mild-hybrid (mHEV) system, which uses a small electric motor and battery charged while braking and coasting to boost fuel economy. Going from 0-62mph in 9.4seconds, it also manages 56.5mpg on the combined cycle. It’s also the only Fiesta available with a Powershift automatic gearbox. 

• Ford Fiesta ST 1.5L Ecoboost 200PS: As a fast and fun hot hatchback, the Fiesta ST gets a 200PS output from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. With a six-speed manual transmission, it’ll complete the 0-62mph sprint in 6.5 seconds but also manage 44.1mpg combined. 

If you’re looking to buy or lease a used Ford Fiesta, you’ll find further engine options including the frugal 1.25-litre engine, a punchy 140PS Ecoboost petrol engine and the ultra-efficient 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine. 

Nissan Qashqai features as standard & optional extras

The most affordable model is the Ford Fiesta Trend. Aimed at young drivers with low pricing and affordable insurance, its standard equipment includes 15-inch alloys, air-con, LED headlamps, selectable drive modes, cruise control, lane keep assist and an 8-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 

Most buyers will spec up to the Ford Fiesta Titanium. This still has 15in alloys but in a two-tone finish, while there’s also privacy glass and a chrome and satin front grille. Further to that there is keyless start, Intelligent Speed Assist, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and auto high-beam.

Those after a sporty look at an affordable price point should go for the Ford Fiesta ST-Line. It affd further kit including 17in alloys, a unique ST-Line grille, a bodykit with a rear spoiler, sports suspension and rear parking sensors. 

Sitting at the top of the range is the Ford Fiesta Active, with an SUV-inspired design. It gets 17in alloys, rugged body styling with bespoke badging, rough road suspension with a taller ride height, special cloth upholstery and keyless start.

The Fiesta Titanium, ST-Line and Active are also available with the high-spec Vignale package. This upgrades the wheel size further, while adding LED rear lights, climate control, part-leather seats with heating, a heated steering wheel, a rear-view camera, keyless entry and start and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. 

The Ford Fiesta’s exterior dimensions are:

• Length: 4040mm
• Width: 1735mm
• Height: 1493mm
• Ground clearance: 130mm, or 150mm in the Active model