Summary
The Ford Fiesta was a small supermini-class hatchback, available in both three- and five-door body styles. This model was the final generation of car to carry the Fiesta name, launched in 2017 and was produced until 2023.
From 2017 to 2020, the Fiesta was the UK’s best-selling new car, although sales went into freefall in the second half of 2020 due to a range of factors and it was overtaken by the Vauxhall Corsa in 2021.
The Fiesta was given a mid-life facelift in early 2022, which consisted of some visual tweaks and trim changes. The three-door version was also dropped, making the Fiesta five-door-only. But the biggest news came in October 2022, when Ford announced that production of Fiesta would end in July 2023, which brought the 47-year lifespan of one of Britain’s favourite model names to an end.
There was a hot-hatch performance version of the Fiesta called the Ford Fiesta ST. We have built a separate page for that model, as it is generally reviewed separately to the rest of the range.
UK media sources rated the Fiesta highly. “It’s one of the best ‘real world’ cars around, because it ticks all the rational boxes, but also manages to be fun to drive,” said Auto Express. Reviewers liked the quality engines, which originally offered both petrol and diesel options. The latter were quietly dropped before the 2022 facelift due to slowing sales.
On the road, the Fiesta was considered the undisputed class leader for driving. “The Fiesta is a pleasure to drive, whether on a long motorway trip or a challenging country road,” said Carbuyer.
The cabin environment didn’t get the same high praise as the driving experience, either, with Car commenting: “It feels ancient compared to Peugeot’s virtual 3D cockpit.” Some testers also questioned the range of trims: “The Fiesta Active Crossover is a little pointless, the Vignale too extravagant,” said Motoring Research.
As of April 2024, the Ford Fiesta holds a Used Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 73%. Its excellent media reviews, low CO2 emissions and competitive running costs help that score, although its now-expire safety rating pulls it down somewhat.
Ford Fiesta highlights
- Fun behind the wheel
- Quality engines
- Low running costs
- Quite spacious
- Well-equipped
Ford Fiesta lowlights
- Some cheap interior plastics
- No electric or hybrid versions
- Some safety features optional
- Unimpressive reliability record
- Top models expensive
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £18,655 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2017
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Discontinued: Summer 2023
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 7.9 / 10
“With the new Fiesta Active, Ford has done a good job of adding SUV style and raising the ride height without ruining the Fiesta’s handling.”
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Model reviewed: ST-Line and Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“The new ST-Line and Vignale trim levels added to the Ford Fiesta range simply provide more choices on a model that remains just about the most complete package on the small car market, and worthy of its long-held best-seller status.”
Read review
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The new Fiesta is definitely an improvement and still the class leader, but it’s no longer head and shoulders above the pack.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Fiesta offers great value for money, and not just because it’s relatively cheap to buy. It’s comfortable, refined, practical and comes with plenty of standard kit, while the agile handling means it can easily put a smile on your face on the most mundane of journeys. With improvements made to cabin quality, infotainment and space, the Ford Fiesta is the best it’s ever been.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual ST-Line Vignale (facelift model)
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford’s revisions to the Fiesta are hardly revolutionary, but it doesn’t change the fact that it remains a strong contender. It’s the best car in its class to drive by some margin, and it’s better equipped than ever. However, the lack of a full-electric option – or even a full hybrid – might limit its appeal for buyers looking to lower their running costs as petrol prices rise.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Trend
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta Trend might be the new entry-level Fiesta, but that doesn’t mean it is short on fun and thrills.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 8 / 10
“With a strong driving experience and trendy SUV styling, the Ford Fiesta Active has a lot to recommend it – but the standard car is cheaper.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Facelift range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“While it lacks the full electric option of some rivals, the Ford Fiesta is still one of the best small hatchbacks in its class and a deserved best-seller.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta needs very little introduction, being the UK’s best-selling car. That mantle didn’t happen by accident, either, because not only is the Fiesta one of the most popular small cars there is, it’s also one of the best.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol automatic Active X
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta Active is, no doubt, a car that Ford needs to make right now but, perfectly decent as it may be, it’s not the Fiesta we’d recommend most people buy, because the regular hatchback version – perhaps an Ecoboost 125 manual in ST-Line trim – would be damned near as practical and convenient, and every bit as much fun as a Fiesta ought to be.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost MHEV ST-Line Vignale
Score: 9 / 10
“A winning formula hasn’t been altered in this round of changes for the Fiesta. Rivals may offer more space, more technology and a richer cabin, yet none of them can match the driving pleasure offered by the Fiesta.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual ST-Line X
Score: 8 / 10
“Battery boost brings small but meaningful economy gains to Ford’s stellar supermini.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Fiesta Active is a simple idea, and how sensible it seems.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 2020
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Ford Fiesta is all the supermini we’d wished for. It’s fun to drive, rewarding for enthusiasts and finally has a properly competitive infotainment system.”
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Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s a road-biased car that isn’t going to win a Dakar rally, but if its styling is a winner for you then we reckon it’s still an option that’ll have to make your shortlist.”
Read review
Score: 8 / 10
“This is a good-looking car, make no mistake.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift)
Score: 9 / 10
“Despite relatively small updates, the Ford Fiesta remains one of the top contenders in the supermini class. It’s as good to drive as ever, while its practicality and pleasant interior mean it will be a hassle-free car to live with. Though a bit expensive in top-spec form, and not quite as modern as some rivals, it remains a very capable small car.” (Ted Welford)
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Trend
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re wanting a supermini that’s great to drive and largely affordable, there is still no better option available than the Ford Fiesta. Even in low-spec guise, it handles better than just about everything its class, and is able to bring enjoyment, even despite its modest power output.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 7.9 / 10
“The economical and fun Ford Fiesta is a more complete package than ever before.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review
Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta Active adds hints of SUV style, strength and substance to the standard model without compromising comfort or driving fun”
Read review
Model reviewed: Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“The Fiesta Vignale version boasts the signature Vignale styling, with a unique front grille, chrome bodywork accents and matching alloy wheels giving it a standalone look when compared with the ‘lesser’ trims.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Vignale range
Score: 6 / 10
“With a pleasing, upmarket interior and a great driving experience the Ford Fiesta Vignale sounds like a match made in heaven. However, cheaper Fiesta models are better value for money.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta Active is designed for those who fancy a hint of off-road ability from their compact hatchback, but it’s more expensive than the standard car as a result.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta is a small car that you’ll love driving. It’s cheap to buy and run, stylish to look at and available with lots of high-tech kit, although alternatives are roomier.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: MHEV ST-LINE X EDITION
“The Fiesta remains a good-looking and fine-handling car, and the mild hybrid has a small efficiency merit, but isn’t a significant or notable upgrade.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Active B&O Play
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta range is better for this new addition, and the Active could form a more important part of the Fiesta and Focus line-up as SUVs continue to grow.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol automatic Vignale
“The Vignale Fiesta has its touches of class and lifts the car far enough above the rest of the range to justify the price. But it’s up against some capable premium rivals, making it a tricky fight for the Ford, on both heart and mind grounds.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0litre petrol manual Titanium
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta will continue to sit at the top of the supermini segment. The wider range of models and engines means there is an option for every fleet application.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.1-litre petrol manual Zetec
“As good as the Ecoboost engines are, the cheaper model shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 140hp ST-Line
“Plenty of strengths, including running costs, equipment offering and driving dynamics, but wind noise and interior quality aren’t the best.”
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Evo
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Ford Fiesta has grown up with improved refinement and updated interior tech yet still offers class-leading driving dynamics.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Many cars get larger as they are replaced with a new generation, but Ford has resisted this with its current eighth incarnation of the Fiesta.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“With a huge range of trim levels, a good selection of engines, great driving dynamics and the latest safety technology, the Ford Fiesta does everything a small hatchback needs to do – and does it well.”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta is great to drive, regardless of spec. It’s the most entertaining supermini you can buy, thanks to sharp steering and a superb chassis. Ford isn’t the clear leader it was before, though. The Renault Clio is available as a full hybrid and is polished enough to take the crown as the best all-rounder, while the SEAT Ibiza is almost as good to drive.”
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Motors.co.uk
Score: 9 / 10
“The reliable Ford Fiesta handles superbly and offers plenty of specs to choose from.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 9 / 10
“Fiesta gets chunkier and funkier off-road look”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9.2 / 10
“Still the best small hatchback for keen drivers.”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
“Nothing drives as sweetly as a Fiesta for the money and the 1-litre mild hybrid reduces running costs.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Fiesta Active X
“The Active X is still a regular Ford Fiesta – a downright superb car – but with enough tweaks to move it from supermini to crossover.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Vignale
“Britain’s biggest-selling car, the humble Ford Fiesta, has been given a luxury makeover – but it doesn’t come cheap.”
Read review
Model reviewed: ST-Line
“You probably didn’t need to read this review to know the new Fiesta is great — it’s a huge part of Britain’s street furniture for good reason. Remember – get the ST Line. It’s the best advice I’ve ever given on these pages.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Fiesta Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“Little Ford gets big-car luxuries… and price tag to match”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual Active X
Score: 8 / 10
“The obscure appeal of the supermini SUV remains a mystery, even after a drive in the likeable little Ford Fiesta Active. Likewise with the minor drivetrain flexibility benefits and tiny fuel economy gains from the mild hybrid system. Yet despite the ‘so-what’ aspects, the honed and taut appeal of Ford’s well made Fiesta remains.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
“There’s no more room in it than a standard Ford Fiesta and it costs more, but I reckon the Active will prove a surprising – if slightly confusing – hit.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual ST-Line
Score: 10 / 10
“A grown-up take on a hooligan hot hatchback. The compromise between practical and fun is a pretty perfect one.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual ST-Line X
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta mild hybrid is stunningly good to drive, practical at everything else and now goes a little further on a tank. This one is not the gateway drug into electrified motoring you might expect, but it is the best everyday supermini on the planet.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Prettier, more able, refined, easy to use and with more rounded dynamics than before.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s one of the very best small cars you can buy, but it can prove quite pricey in higher trims and the rival Volkswagen Polo just has the edge for ride comfort, safety and rear-seat space.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 64%
Safety assist: 60%
Notes on safety rating
The Ford Fiesta was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Fiesta to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.0 Ecoboost 4×2 manual Euro 6D-temp
Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.4 / 10
Model tested: 1.0 Ecoboost 4×2 manual Euro 6B
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.6 / 10
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 577
Average repair cost: £407.80
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Ford Fiesta has an above-average reliability score of 78% as of January 2024. This applies to all Fiesta models in MotorEasy’s database, which includes both this model and older (pre-2017) generations.
The most common Fiesta warranty claims relate to suspension issues, but these are relatively inexpensive to fix on average, costing less than £200. Engine and gearbox repairs are generally the most expensive claim by a considerable margin, with an average repair bill of closer to £1,000.
The average repair cost for Ford Fiesta warranty claims is about £400, which is probably more than the cost of a used car warranty, so it’s certainly worth considering. If you’re looking at a used Fiesta, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas above.
Other data points to potential issues with this generation of Fiesta. In a 2020 What Car? reliability survey, the Fiesta only ranked equal 17th out of 22 small cars. The 2021 survey was worse, where the Fiesta ranked dead last for small cars and the fifth-worst new car on sale. 2022 was no better, with the Fiesta ranking dead last in the small car category again.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 53 mpg | B | 40 – 57 mpg | B – D |
| Diesel models | 65 mpg | A | 63 – 66 mpg | A – A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 122 g/km | A | 112 – 157 g/km | A – C |
| Diesel models | 115 g/km | A | 112 – 119 g/km | A – A |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 16 | A | 7 – 20 | A – A |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £133 | A |
| Year 2 | £368 | A |
| Year 3 | £588 | A |
| Year 4 | £833 | A |
| Year 5 | £1,120 | A |
| Overall | £3,042 | A |
The Ford Fiesta is an exceptionally cheap car to run and own, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption is very good for the petrol models (B) and even better for the diesel models (A). The diesels were never very popular and discontinued after a few years, so you won’t find too many of them in the used car market compared to petrol cars.
Road tax (which is based on CO2 results), insurance and scheduled servicing costs should all be very good as well. You’ll struggle to find a car that’s significantly cheaper to run than the Fiesta, whichever version you choose.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford Fiesta has received
2022
- News UK Motor Awards – Best Used Car
2022
- News UK Motor Awards – The Sun Legend Car of the Year
2021
- The Car Expert Awards – Small Car Class Champion
- Carbuyer Awards – Used Car of the Year + Best Used Small Car
- Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Used Car of the Year + Best Small Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Small Car to Drive
2020
- Autocar Britain’s Best Car Awards – Best Small Car
- Carbuyer Awards – Car of the Decade
- DieselCar & EcoCar Used Car Top 50 – Best Used Small Car
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Used Car
2019
- Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
- Carbuyer Best Car Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
- DieselCar & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Small Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Small Car
- Honest John Awards – Best Small Hatchback
- News UK Motor Awards – Best City/Small Car
2018
- Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
- Carbuyer Best Car Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
- DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Best Small Car
- Fleet World Honours – Best Supermini + Best New Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Hot Hatchback for less than £20,000 (Fiesta ST-Line 1.0-litre 3-door)
2017
- Top Gear Awards – Best Supermini
- Women’s World Car of the Year – Best Budget Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Ford Fiesta, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A1 | Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Ford Fiesta at The Car Expert
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