Equipment
The mid-rage Titanium specification is probably the sweet spot of the new Ford Fiesta range. As standard it gets a quality infotainment system, which includes a large eight-inch touchscreen display with satnav, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, two USB sockets and emergency assistance.
The 16-inch alloys provide a better ride than the bigger wheels on more expensive models, and you also get cruise control, climate control, auto headlights, auto wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electrically-folding door mirrors and privacy glass.
For an extra £1,350 you can option up to the Titanium X specification, which adds a superb Bang & Olufsen ten-speaker stereo system, partial leather seats, heated steering wheel, reversing camera, electric rear windows for five-door models and keyless entry. A better option is probably to just get the B&O stereo for £300.
The new Ford Fiesta range is yet to be put through its crash-testing paces by Euro NCAP, but cars like the new SEAT Ibiza have set the safety standard very high. The Fiesta gets lane-keeping assist as standard, but – unfortunately – autonomous emergency braking is only available as part of an extra-cost pack for an additional £200.
Better than: Audi A1, MINI hatch, Volkswagen Polo
Not as good as: Nissan Micra, SEAT Ibiza, Skoda Fabia
Summary
The small car class is one of the toughest in the marketplace. Despite the huge growth in SUVs, the majority of news cars sold in the UK are from this category. The new Ford Fiesta range is a big step forward, but other rivals have also made great leaps. Will it be enough to keep the Fiesta atop the sales tables for another eight years?
The new Fiesta has leapt ahead of its major showroom rival, the Vauxhall Corsa, but on the horizon is a minty-fresh new Volkswagen Polo, as well as the new SEAT Ibiza. For those who find the Fiesta’s styling a bit too familiar, the new Citroën C3 is also a worthwhile alternative and the new Nissan Micra is another competitive option.
Car buyers in this segment have probably never had it so good. The new Fiesta is definitely an improvement and still one of the class leaders, but it’s no longer head and shoulders above the pack.
Ford Fiesta Titanium – key specifications
Models tested: Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Test Date: June 2017
Price: from £16,145 on-road (petrol), £17,875 on-road (diesel)
Insurance group: 38
Engine: Petrol, 1.0-litre three cylinder; Diesel, 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 100hp (petrol), 120hp (diesel)
Torque: 170Nm (petrol), 270Nm (diesel)
0-62mph: 10.5 seconds (petrol), 9.0 seconds (diesel)
Top speed: 114 mph (petrol), 121mph (diesel)
Fuel economy (combined cycle): 65.7 mpg (petrol), 88.3 mpg (diesel)
CO2 emissions: 97 g/km (petrol), 89 g/km (diesel)
Key rivals: Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris
