The Ford Fiesta forms the motoring backbone of Britain, and of many other countries, too. It was Ford’s answer to the rising success of the Volkswagen Polo, which took the original Mini concept and turned it into the modern supermini we know today.
Codenamed ‘Bobcat’ when it was conceived in the 1972, the Fiesta got its name directly from Ford’s boss, Henry Ford II. He wanted an alliterative name with a Spanish flavour to reflect one of the factories where the new small car would be built in Valencia. The rest is history and more than 17.5 million Fiesta models have been produced to date.
The Ford Fiesta was a radical car when it arrived in 1976. Its hatchback styling was a first for Ford, as was the transverse front-wheel-drive layout. It cast the mould for all Fiestas to follow and the formula has proven enduringly successful – until now. For despite Ford’s small car routinely topping the best-selling car charts in the UK over the years, in 2023 it came time for Ford to end Fiesta production.
Generations: 7
- Ford Fiesta mk7 (2017-)
- Ford Fiesta mk6 (2008-2017)
- Ford Fiesta mk5 (2002-2008)
- Ford Fiesta mk4 (1995-2002)
- Ford Fiesta mk3 (1989-1995)
- Ford Fiesta mk2 (1983-1989)
- Ford Fiesta mk1 (1976-1983)
Ford Fiesta mk7 (2017-2023)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features:
- Hybrid technology joins the petrol and diesel engine options
- Hands-free parking assistance is now an option
- Active, ST and Vignale versions broaden Fiesta’s appeal
The Mk7 Ford Fiesta is the seventh generation of this popular supermini and offers something for everyone. As well as the expected three-door and five-door body styles, Ford also turned its small car into a crossover with the SUV-like Active, and a compact luxury machine with the Vignale. On top of that, there's the Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch with its fiery 197bhp, three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine.
Other trim levels in the line-up start with the Fiesta Trend, which replaced the Zetec in 2019. The range then moves up through Fiesta Titanium, Titanium X and ST-Line/ST-Line X and finishes with the swanky Vignale. Each one comes with Ford’s excellent Quickclear heated windscreen and cruise control. The Titanium has keyless starting, while the Titanium X adds a B&O Premium Audio system, and the Fiesta Vignale has its own front grille and bodystyling.
The Fiesta Active adds 18mm extra ground clearance and has protective plastic around the wheelarches, while the Active X Edition gains larger alloy wheels, silver roof rails and the B&O sound system.
All have an excellent driving position, lots of passenger space, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard on all models. This uses Ford’s Sync system to link up to your smartphone to access apps and navigation.
Followers of the Fiesta won’t be surprised to know that this model is another that leads its class for driving fun and comfort. It has the feel of a larger car, yet is nimble around town and rear parking sensors on better-equipped models make it a doddle to park.
The engine range starts with 74bhp 1.1-litre Ti-VCT petrol with a five-speed manual gearbox. However, most buyers will head towards the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines with 99-, 124- or 153bhp, with either six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The two more powerful engines now work in hybrid with an electric motor as Ford dropped the 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel from the Fiesta range in late 2020.
Ford Fiesta mk6 (2008-2017)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features:
- The first Fiesta to come with electric power steering
- Fiesta becomes the UK’s best-selling car ever in 2014 with more than four million sales
- Centre console took its inspiration from mobile phone design
A global recession in 2008 meant small cars were more in demand than ever before, and Ford timed the launch of its sixth-generation Fiesta to perfection. It was based on the firm’s fresh Global B engineering platform, which gave it the ride and handling to make every rival seem dull by comparison.
The same could be said of the exterior and interior design. The high-set front and rear lights gave a bold look while also being less susceptible to damage in minor bumps.
On the inside, Ford made use of every millimetre of space to give passengers plenty of room. It was a stylish cabin, with a centre console designed to look like a contemporary mobile phone. It also placed all of the infotainment controls close to the steering wheel, while the ventilation buttons were laid out in clear fashion just below.
Further evidence of Ford tapping into the zeitgeist was the Sync system, introduced in later models with voice-activated connectivity, touchscreen, optional sat nav, and an aux in socket to hook up your iPod.
There were plenty of trims to pick from, starting with the entry-level Studio model and rising up through Style, Style+, Zetec, Zetec S and luxurious Titanium. Then there was the sporty S1600 and the economy-minded ECOnetic. This last model used the 1.6-litre TDCI Duratorq turbodiesel, capable of 78.5mpg and 87g/km CO2 emissions.
There was also a new 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine with variable valve timing. More importantly, this Fiesta was the first Ford to receive the more efficient three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0-litre turbo petrol motor when the car was facelifted in 2013. At the same time, Ford introduced the Fiesta ST hot hatch, with a 180bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine to deliver 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and 139mph top speed. In every way, it was the spiritual successor to the classic Fiesta XR2i, with aggressive looks and hip-gripping Recaro seats.
Strong sales of this Fiesta generation saw it become the UK’s best-selling car ever when it hit 4,105,961 sales in 2014, and it was now regularly Britain’s top-seller.
Ford Fiesta mk5 (2002-2008)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features:
- ABS anti-lock brakes as standard
- New turbodiesel engines offer greater refinement and economy
- Durashift EST automated manual gearbox fitted for first time
Ford was well aware the previous Fiesta had been falling behind its rivals for cabin space and style. As a result, the fifth generation of the Fiesta family was built on a new engineering platform developed with Mazda. It used similar suspension to its predecessor, so fine handling and comfort were carried over, but passenger room was greatly increased.
Most of the petrol engines from the last Fiesta made their way into this new model, except the base 1.3-litre unit, which was swiftly replaced by a new motor of the same size. Ford also introduced its Durashift EST automated manual gearbox, though it was not a strong seller.
Much more popular, especially with company car drivers, were the new 1.4 and 1.6-litre TDCi turbodiesels. They had been developed with Citroen and Peugeot, and made for much better refinement, performance and economy than the chugging old 1.8-litre non-turbo diesel.
Trims comprised Finesse, LX, Zetec and Ghia, but it was the Zetec-S and ST models that gave the Fiesta a welcome boost in buyers’ eyes. The Zetec-S made do with 99bhp from its 1.6-litre petrol engine, but the ST gained a 2.0-litre with 148bhp to make it a proper little hot hatch. It wasn’t as quick off the line as a Renaultsport Clio 172, but the Ford handled superbly and was the most powerful Fiesta yet. These faster Fiestas were only offered in three-door form while the other trims could be bought in three-door or five-door hatchback shapes.
Ford Fiesta mk4 (1995-2002)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features:
- New Zetec-SE engines, developed with Yamaha, gave better fuel economy and lower emissions
- Improved body stiffness gave Fiesta best-in-class ride and handling balance
- Air conditioning available for the first time to UK Fiesta buyers
Ushering in a new, more curvy style, the fourth-generation Ford Fiesta shared much of its suspension with the previous generation car. However, almost all of the engines were new and were badged Zetec-SE. These were all 16-valve motors with plenty of pep, which were happy to rev freely. They came in 1.25-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre sizes, and there was also a 1.8-litre diesel to cater for growing fleet demand. The old 1.3-litre motor also persisted for the entry-level Fiesta. All used a five-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic was an option.
Although great to drive, the Fiesta was now beginning to feel a bit cramped and low-rent inside compared to rivals. Passengers in the rear were worst affected and the boot was also now lagging behind competitors for capacity.
Ford gave the Fiesta a facelift in 1999, with new headlights to add a dash of the New Edge design philosophy first seen on the Ford Focus the year before. Buyers were less convinced by the Fiesta, though it continued to sell well. This generation also shared its platform with the Ka and Puma.
The best of the updated Fiesta range was the mildly sporty Zetec-S model, which came with a 103bhp 1.6-litre engine and firmer suspension. It handled brilliantly, even if it wasn’t that quick in a straight line. This was the closest Ford got to a hot hatch model with this generation of its supermini, and it was the last passenger car Ford built in the UK.
Ford Fiesta mk3 (1989-1995)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features:
- The first Fiesta to be offered with a five-door body
- New semi-independent rear suspension brought improved ride and handling
- Rapid RS Turbo was a rare Fiesta flop, due to hefty insurance premiums
Ford took a gamble with the third Fiesta and it paid off. An all-new platform gave a longer wheelbase to provide more cabin space, while a clever semi-independent rear suspension design gave a more supple ride and improved handling. This was a win-win.
As well as this new tech, the extra length of this latest Fiesta meant it could be offered as a five-door model for the first time in addition to the three-door model. This was vital for Ford to fight for sales with the Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.
To give the Fiesta as broad an appeal as possible, Ford offered an almost bewildering selection of trims and special editions during the mk3’s lifetime. Staples were Popular, Popular Plus, L, LX and Ghia, with Si, Classic, Azura, Quartz, Cabaret and Sapphire versions all available at various times. There was also the Courier van with no rear windows or rear seats.
The engine range started with the old 1.0, 1.1 and 1.3-litre petrols, but the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre CVH engines were more refined and economical. This Fiesta was also the first to use the new Zetec petrol engines in 1.6 and 1.8-litre forms, while a 1.8-litre diesel delivered slow but steady performance.
Hot hatch fans got a fuel-injected 1.8-litre XR2i with 105bhp and more was to come in the shape of the RS Turbo with its 133bhp engine, 129mph top speed and 0-60mph in a very brisk 7.9 seconds. Sadly, this car suffered from sky-high insurance rates and suspension that was much too stiff, so sales were sluggish. It was a similar story for the RS1800 that followed in 1992.
On a more positive note, the mk3 Fiesta had a much better-built cabin and used injection moulding for the seats to give them greater comfort and support. It also gained a steering wheel with an airbag in 1994, when the trims were simplified to base Fiesta, LX, Si and Ghia.
Ford Fiesta mk2 (1983-1989)
Bodystyles:
– Three-door hatchback
Notable features:
- All-new 1.3-litre petrol engine and a diesel option for the first time
- Five-speed manual and CVT automatic gearboxes
- Sporty XR2 gained more power but was fractionally slower than mk1 version
The second-generation Ford Fiesta was based on the same basic shell as the first, but it had a much more rounded, modern look for the 1980s. The front indicators wrapped around the softened edges of the wings, while the bonnet curved over at its leading edge. All of this made the new car around 50mm longer and a little heavier.
To counteract this, Ford introduced a new CVH (Compound Valve Hemispherical combustion chamber) 1.3-litre engine with five-speed manual transmission. It delivered 69bhp and was later replaced by a 1.4-litre version with 75bhp. The base 957cc and 1.1-litre motors remained, with the larger of this pair available with a CVT automatic gearbox from 1987.
This new Ford Fiesta range also had a bigger engine bay, which allowed Ford to install a 1.6-litre diesel engine and challenge its rivals from Vauxhall and Volkswagen in the fleet sector.
A much more integrated dashboard design was a feature of the mk2 Fiesta, though entry-point cars only had a more basic style. Trim levels comprised Popular, Popular Plus, L, Ghia and 1.4 S.
The XR2 hot hatch arrived in 1984, looking every inch the thrusting young executive's dream with bodykit, spot lights and bolstered seats. Under the bonnet was a 95bhp 1.6-litre version of the CVH engine, which was more powerful than the mk1 XR2's engine. However, this new sporty model took 9.5 seconds to cover the 0-60mph sprint, which was a smidgeon slower than the earlier XR2’s 9.4 seconds. Still, with a top speed of 109mph and good handling, few cared and this speedy model helped the second-generation Fiesta notch up nearly two million sales.
Ford Fiesta mk1 (1976-1983)
Bodystyles:
– Three-door hatchback – Five-door hatchback
Notable features:
– Spanish name comes from Ford's Valencia factory, but also built in Germany and the UK – Ford’s first ever transverse-engined front-wheel-drive car – 1.3 Supersport was forerunner of the XR2 hot hatch
This is where it all started for one of the best-selling cars in the world, and one that's regularly been the UK’s favourite car. The very first Fiesta rolled off the line in Saarlouis, Germany, but British cars came from Dagenham.
There were six trim levels for buyers to choose from, including the upscale Ghia with alloy wheels, sunroof, touches of chrome, and even headrests for the front seats. Most were more basic but offered plenty of space for four and a boot that was much larger than any of the competition.
Just like the Mini, the front-wheel-drive set-up and wheel-at-each-corner layout gave the Fiesta great handling. However, it didn’t really get the power to make the most of this, as the engine choice was between 957cc, 1.1-litre and 1.3-litre petrols, all with a manual gearbox. US buyers were offered a 1.6-litre motor, which UK customers were not given until the XR2 hot hatch arrived in 1981. This followed the short-lived 1.3 Supersport. The XR2 was no fireball, but it looked great with its bodykit, black grille, alloy wheels and large, round headlights.
Only ever made as a three-door, the Ford Fiesta still found plenty of happy customers and went on to sell 1.75 million cars by the time production ended in 1983.