The 2009 Ford Fiesta was part of the sixth generation of Ford’s all-conquering supermini, which was the version of the car that really kicked things up a notch. All previous Fiestas had been among the best cars of their type to drive, but the Mk6 stood head-and-shoulders above its rivals thanks to the incredible combination of comfort and sharpness on display. The Mk6 also upped the Fiesta’s game in a variety of other areas, too: it couldn’t claim to be a class-leader on practicality, interior quality or technology, but it was closer to the best in those areas than any Fiesta before it. No wonder it spent so many years sitting at the top of the sales charts.

Strengths:

Sensational balance of comfort and fun
Affordable to buy and run
Huge selection on the used car market

Weaknesses:

So-so interior quality
Not quite as practical as some rivals
Reliability and warranty were merely average

Is the 2009 Ford Fiesta better than the 2009 Vauxhall Corsa?

If driver appeal forms any part of your buying decision, then yes. Not that the Corsa is bad, you understand, far from it. However, the Fiesta displays such an incredible level of dynamic polish that it has every contemporary rival soundly beaten. It’s so good that it puts many more expensive cars to shame. Not only that, but huge improvements in practicality, quality and technology make the Mk6 a much better all-rounder than ever before.