I am a great fan of the auto box, especially in today's often-grid-locked driving environment, and as I liked the Fiesta's visual design and its dynamic driving feel, I was set for a treat. But I was wrong - at least in one way. Let me make it clear that the Fiesta is a great car, probably best in class for all-round driving appeal and a generous level of standard equipment. However, it was the gearbox that was the disappointment.
It is a four-speed unit that has an old-fashioned feel to it, and the changes were not always smooth - in fact often quite sharp when accelerating from low speed. Of course, in daily driving you would get used to it, but when you realise that you pay several hundred pounds extra to get an auto gearbox, and that it delivers poorer fuel economy, you start to think that maybe the Fiesta is at its best in manual form. My test model was the 1.4 litre petrol-powered 95 hp Zetec version, costing £15,112.
Performance is unspectacular, with a top speed of 103 mph and a slow 0-60 mph time of 13.9 seconds. Fuel economy is officially 43.4 mpg combined, though I could manage only 33mpg during a test week of mixed driving. However, there are many plus-points too. The Fiesta is beautifully built, with a real quality look and feel to it. It drives and handles very well, with a smooth compliant ride, pin-sharp cornering and assured stability. Its very comfortable, and the cabin is nicely designed, very functional, and roomy.
The exterior styling is eye-catching and elegant, and all-in-all the Fiesta feels a bigger, better car than you would expect from the small-hatch sector. In Zetec specification, equipment includes alloys, front and side airbags, remote locking, air-con, anti-lock brakes and chrome detailing. In manual form, the Fiesta has to be on anyone's short-list, if not at the top. With a move-it-yourself gear-stick, it makes perfect sense as a pretty, practical everyday hatchabck. But in my view, it is the lumpy auto-version which lets it down.
