Make/ Model: Ford Fiesta LX
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Price: $16,490
Rating: 6 out of 10
Even though an all-new Fiesta is due out soon, the current models are still good value for money.
Due to its European styling and origins, the Ford Fiesta is more valuable than merely fodder for marketers. It boasts structural safety, quality and pure dynamics to make it one of the safest and best-driving vehicles in the small car class.
The Fiesta’s boxy-looking exterior tends to cloak its performance and driving abilities somewhat. While not the most attractive of bodies, the Fiesta’s shape allows for generous interior comfort and maximum space utilisation. The 1.60-litre engine is torquey enough for the Fiesta to haul a load as well as it can fit it, although it is not the quietest of vehicles at higher revs.
Of its flaws, the Ford Fiesta has some tyre noise generated on virtually any surface. It is also not the most feature-packed small car in terms of equipment. For example, the manual does not have standard ABS, although this is standard on the automatic model.
Despite these shortcomings, the Fiesta wins points for its practical design, awesome handling and reasonable running costs. Those looking for a gutsy small car for an affordable price will find that the Fiesta ticks most of the boxes.