13 Nov 08
The Ford Fiesta is the third largest selling car in the UK. The new version launched in October to widespread acclaim - Ford reckons it'll shift around 103,000 of them in the coming years.
So what can those thousands of Fiesta buyers expect over the first six months of ownership? In our new long-term test we aim to find out. And to kick things off, we'd like to introduce you to our brand new Ford Fiesta Zetec S...
Our engine choice
The 1.6-litre petrol engine will be the most popular in the range, so we felt this was the 'default' choice. It delivers an honest 118bhp and, with five-speed manual, it should be powerful enough for both around-town driving and motorway cruising.
Trim and equipment
We went for the three-door model in Zetec S trim. We didn't want to be too boring - sports seats, bodykit, air, CD, electric front windows, MP3 socket, powered/heated door mirror and front fog lights are all standard. We went for 'Vision' blue - essentially a light metallic blue. All this combines to make a pretty good-looking car, even if it is a little, shall we say, Essex.
We also went for the following optional extras: the Street pack with 17" alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Programme with EBA and Traction Control (£400), metallic paint (£375), alloy pedal covers (£50), side skirts (£175), Bluetooth hands-free technology and Voice Control System (£150) and Quickclear heated windscreen (£100).
