Introduction
The Ford Fiesta may have ended production in 2023, but its legacy is still hard to ignore.
It remained the UK’s best-selling used car that year, with over 308,000 units on the road. That says a lot for a budget hatchback. With strong used market demand, the big question now is whether the Fiesta still holds up in real-world use. Is it still a smart buy in 2025, or has its time passed?
Let’s have a closer look…
Quick Overview
Adviser Rating: 4.5/5
The Ford Fiesta has long been a favourite in the UK, and for plenty of reasons. It’s affordable, fun to drive, and surprisingly well-equipped considering it a small car. Trim options are broad, too. Even the base variant feels nippy when driving around the city, and we never felt it underpowered.
That said, not everything is perfect so. Rear seat space is cramped, and you’ll have to make a few compromises. Still, it’s a solid budget option.
It’s dependable, easy to live with, and above all, enjoyable to drive every day. While rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 are worth a look, the Fiesta still has its own charm.
Pros:
- Great to drive
- Comfortable and refined ride
- Good standard equipment
- Affordable running costs
Cons:
- Cramped rear seats
- Boot space is not the best
- Infotainment feels somewhat dated
Trims & Pricing
The Ford Fiesta may have gone off sale in 2023, but it left a lasting impression. It was one of the best small cars in the UK, and it’s no surprise that buyers still want one. Even though it’s no longer sold new.
There are plenty of options on the used market, so we’re not quoting exact prices. They vary depending on mileage and condition, though even higher-spec versions tend to offer decent value.
Fiestas built before 2022 were available with a three-door option. After that, all models came only as five-door. That being said, the trim range remained broad throughout, and that’s something we really liked about Ford.
Trim levels include:
- Titanium / Titanium X
- ST-Line / ST-Line X
- Active / Active X
- Fiesta ST
There’s no shortage of choice in the Fiesta range. Even though the entry-level variant covers most essentials.
Every version comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane-keeping assistance, hill start assist and more. Automatic emergency braking is not standard, however, there’s an option to include.
Titanium is the base variant, and surprisingly well-equipped. You get cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, and climate control. Titanium X builds on this further, adding the B&O system as standard, as well the heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
ST-Line trims bring the looks of the full-fat Fiesta ST without the running costs. You get sportier bumpers, bigger wheels and a lower stance.
Active versions, on the contrary, look more rugged. There’s that black cladding, roof rails and a slightly raised ride height that gives off baby SUV vibes.
Now, the top-of-the-line variant, the Fiesta ST, is a proper hot hatch. It’s quick, sharp to drive, and great fun on a twisty road.
There’s also an automatic gearbox option, however, we’d say Fiesta’s charm is in its manual gearbox. If you really want that sort of engaging driving experience. The manual controls are light and precise, so it’s perfect for daily driving, and even longer journeys.
If we had to pick one, we’d go for the Titanium base variant. It covers the basics well and gives the best bang for buck.
Performance & Drive
Adviser Rating: 4.8/5
The Ford Fiesta has long been known for its engaging driving experience, and that has not changed in the later models. It’s sharp, balanced, and very well refined whatsoever the conditions are.
Engine options are mostly petrol, with nearly all versions using a 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost unit. Earlier cars also came with a 1.1-litre non-turbo petrol, which is fine for new drivers, and there’s even a 1.5-litre diesel if you really want it.
That being said, most buyers will go with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, offered in 100hp, 125hp or 155hp outputs, with mild-hybrid tech added in later models.
We’d say the 100hp version is the well-judged option. It’s punchy enough for the motorway, light on fuel, and still good fun to drive.
The 125hp variant feels moderately powerful on hills or when fully loaded. But if that’s not something you often face, it’s probably not necessary.
The standard six-speed manual gearbox is splendid. It has a slick, precise shift that makes even slow city driving thrilling.
A seven-speed automatic is available with the 125hp engine. However, it adds a considerable amount, and is less satisfying if driving experience is your main concern.
Ride Comfort and Suspension
Ride comfort is generally very good. Standard models soak up bumps well, and the Fiesta feels settled at motorway speeds.
The ST-Line versions are firmer over rough roads and not as comfy, mainly due to their lowered suspension. However, the ride is not that harsh, and we’d say far from being a dealbreaker.
The firmer setup does make the car feel more responsive, and it still handles city driving well, unless you hit a pothole or broken surface.
Cruise control is standard on most trims. However, if you want adaptive cruise, you’ll need to add the optional Driver Assistance Pack.
The Fiesta really comes alive on country roads. The steering is quick and accurate, the chassis stays composed, and grip levels are reassuring. It never feels too powerful nor underpowered, and that’s part of its charm.
If fun behind the wheel matters, few small cars get it as right as this. Even the basic models are enjoyable, which is more than you can say for many competitors.
Interior & Tech
Adviser Rating: 4.5/5
The Fiesta’s interior does not try too hard to be quirky. Instead, it goes for a smart, simple layout that feels grown up. There are some soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and gloss black trims with chrome details, though the best materials are reserved for top-spec models.
Every version gets an 8.0-inch infotainment screen mounted high on the dashboard. It’s easy enough to use, with clear menus and a bright display that helps with navigation.
That being said, the graphics look a bit dated now, and the system lacks shortcut buttons you’d find in rivals like the SEAT Ibiza.
Still, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which makes life easier if you just want to plug in and go.
Physical controls for the air conditioning are a welcome touch. They’re simple to reach and don’t require you to faff with the touchscreen when driving.
All models come with a basic six-speaker stereo, which is fine for radio or podcasts. If you’re into your music, the optional B&O sound system is worth a look. It offers eight speakers, a boot-mounted subwoofer, and a 675W output. It’s available on most trims, except the entry-level cars, and sounds more like something you’d get in a larger, more expensive car.
Higher trims, like the Titanium X or ST-Line X, come with extra comfort features. These include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control. ST-Line models also get some red stitching and sportier trim to match their more aggressive exterior.
Rear visibility is not great, due to small rear side windows. But the Fiesta’s compact size helps when parking, and you can spec a reversing camera if you want extra help.
All in, the Fiesta’s interior is sensible, well-made, and reasonably well-equipped. It may not have the flashiest tech or plushest cabin, but everything works as it should, and it’s easy to live with day to day.
Space, Practicality, & Comfort
Adviser Rating: 4/5
The Ford Fiesta is a small car, and that does reflect in the back seats. Though, in the front, it’s quite roomy.
Even the basic variant has a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a steering wheel that adjusts for both reach and rake. That makes it easy to get comfortable.
If you want the same flexibility for the passenger seat, you’ll need one of the higher-spec X trims.
Storage is decent as well. You get two cupholders, a sunglasses holder above the windscreen, and door bins that can hold a water bottle. The glove box is a good size too, big enough for a bottle or some travel bits and bobs.
Back Seat Space and Usability
Back seat space is disappointing, though we can give it some leeway given the car’s size. It’s acceptable for occasional use, but things get tight, particularly if tall passengers are in the front. Rear legroom becomes cramped quickly. It’s not ideal for longer journeys, though headroom is fine.
Fitting a child seat is possible, and the ISOFIX points are clearly marked. That said, the narrow rear door openings make it a bit awkward to slot the seat into place, in particular if you’re dealing with a taller seat back.
Boot Size and Everyday Practicality
Boot space in the Fiesta is average for this segment. You get 303 litres, which is usable for daily shopping or a couple of weekend bags, but competitors like Polo and Ibiza offer over 350 litres. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split, and when they’re flat, the floor is level, which makes loading long items much easier. Total capacity rises to 1,093 litres with the seats down.
To sum up, the Fiesta is well sorted for front-seat passengers, with enough storage and adjustability to keep things comfortable. Rear seat space and boot capacity fall a bit short of the best in class, but for a small hatchback, it still holds up well in day-to-day use.
Fuel Economy & Running Costs
Adviser Rating: 4.3/5
Fiesta’s running costs are impressively low. It is built to be easy on your wallet, expect the hot hatch ST, since it’s made for performance.
In our test, the entry-level 1.1-litre petrol managed around 48mpg. Whereas the more popular 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine 99bhp did even better, roughly 50mpg. And the 123bhp and 138bhp variants return 49mpg and 48mpg respectively.
We also tested the 99bhp engine with the automatic gearbox, and fuel economy dropped noticeably to 42.5mpg.
In terms of efficiency, the 1.5 litre diesel outperformed every other trims. The 84bhp version averages an impressive 60mpg! Whereas the 118bhp version did slightly less at 57mpg.
Diesel models are better suited to long-distance drivers but can be harder to find on the used market.
Road Tax and Servicing Costs
Road tax is simple. All Fiestas in this generation were registered after April 2017 and fall under the same flat rate. That means you will pay £190 per year, regardless of engine or trim.
Servicing costs are reasonable as well. Petrol models with the 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.1 engines only need attention every two years or 18,000 miles. Diesel models and the sportier ST need annual servicing, with a 10,000-mile limit for diesel and 12,500 for the ST.
Ford offers a range of service plans, including monthly payment options. If the car’s out of warranty, the Ford Essentials servicing scheme offers fixed prices starting just at £169.
Overall, the Fiesta is cheap to fuel, tax, and maintain. There are more efficient small cars, but few that balance economy with this level of driving enjoyment.
Reliability & Safety
Adviser Rating: 4.8/5
The Ford Fiesta scored five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests when it was assessed in 2017. It performed particularly well in adult and child occupant protection, scoring 87% and 84% respectively.
Where it falls behind newer rivals is in driver assistance features. It scored just 60% in that area, largely because much of the kit is optional. Lane-keeping assist is standard across the range, but automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are only available as part of a paid Driver Assistance Pack. This also adds a driver fatigue monitor.
That lack of standard safety tech is in fact a weak point, particularly when competitors like the SEAT Ibiza and Toyota Yaris offer more by default.
On the reliability front, the Fiesta has a mixed but mostly fair record. Common issues are rare, and most owners report trouble-free running. It’s not perfect, but major faults are uncommon, and parts are widely available. Servicing and repairs tend to be affordable compared with other small cars.
One thing to be aware of is the diesel particulate filter on 1.5-litre diesel models. These filters need regular long drives to stay clear of soot. If the car has only done short trips, in particular at low speeds, the filter could be clogged, thereby leading to expensive repairs. It’s worth checking the car’s usage history before buying.
All in, the Fiesta is safe, reliable in most cases, and relatively cheap to maintain. It misses out on a few modern safety features, but basic protection and crash performance are still solid.
Our Verdict
If driving experience is what you care most about, the Ford Fiesta is still one of the best small cars you could buy in the UK. It’s sharp, engaging, and economical to drive, such traits you can’t easily find in most rivals.
That said, like any car, there are compromises.
Rear seat space is tight, the infotainment feels somewhat outdated, and since production has ended, you’ll need to go through the inconvenience of buying used. We get it, used cars can be a hassle. If you’re after something brand new, there are plenty of options out there.
However, if you’re on a budget and looking for a solid used buy, the Fiesta still makes a lot of sense.
We hope this review helped. For more like it, keep visiting the Car Adviser!
