Ford Fiesta Hatchback 2002-2005

The fifth generation of Ford Fiesta arrived in 2002 and failed to create the big buzz that the Ford was expecting. However, eventually, the 5th generation has grown to be the best selling Fiesta to date. It wasn't easy, mainly because the car as new was almost as expensive as the bigger Focus. However, the Fiesta managed to address the issues that had plagued the first four generations and that proved to be the decisive factor in its success.

Pros and Cons:

• Fun to drive
  Great classic design
  Reliable and cheap to run

• Interior design is too conservative

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Exterior and Interior

The exterior of the car is surprisingly conservative for a Ford. At the time the 5th generation Fiesta appeared, the Ford designers were still playing with their "New Edge" design concept and although they claimed they had implemented some new edges in the 4th generation Fiesta model, they actually never did. The Fiesta is the only car in the European Ford's line-up that hadn't been affected by the divided opinion of the New Edge concept. The 5th generation is very far removed from the Focus, Puma and other "edgy" Fords as well and if anything, Ford have tried to tone it down a little.

What the Ford designers have achieved quite cleverly, is positioning the Fiesta so far from the previous generations and the other Ford models that it seems as almost a car on its own, a car that doesn't want to co-exist with the remaining model lines. In the coming years this approach has proven a clever move as the 5th generation Fiesta has attracted a much wider audience. It's not a 'girls' car any more ‐ the Fiesta can be driven by a self-conscious male, the car is very popular with car hire companies and it has also distracted many senior customers from the Nissan Micra.

The interior of the car might be a little bland but it is certainly the peak of style and quality compared to the previous Fiestas. It took them "just" 4 generations and 26 years for the message to stick. And the message was simple: we don't want hard rattling plastic and low-quality textiles in our cars. Interiors on the previous Fiestas have been appalling ‐ the 5th generation beats them all with the softer plastics and thicker fabric. It may not look as hip or refined as some more expensive cars but it's everything that a car needs. It's also a very versatile car, it comfortably sits 4 adults and the modest 268litre boot space transforms into 945litres with the seats folded down.

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Engines

There is a wide range on engines available with Ford. Many of them have been derived from the older generation Fiesta but there are brand new units too. Petrol engines include: 1.25-litre 74bhp, 1.3-litre 59bhp, 1.4-litre 79bhp, 1.6-litre 99bhp, 2.0-litre 148bhp. There are only two diesel engines in the range which consist of a 1.4-litre 67bhp and 1.6-litre 89bhp.

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Performance and Economy

The basic Fiesta engines have been borrowed from the previous generation. There are, however, the brand new 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines and two Duratorq TDCi common rail diesels that were built in a joint venture with Peugeot. Those diesels are a treat and they provide decent power and remarkable fuel-efficiency. The smaller diesel can achieve close to 60mpg in the urban cycle and close to 70mpg outside the town. The hearty 1.6-litre diesel delivers 54mpg in the city and 67mpg on a highway.

The new 1.4-litre unit is the best choice from the petrol engines. It is much more modern that its 1.25-litre and 1.3-litre competitors and delivers around 40mpg in the combined cycle.

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What it's like to Drive

The Fiesta is comfortable and fun to drive and this makes it different from the previous generations. The driver's position is convenient and adjustable and it provides an excellent visibility. The ride is quite firm, but the suspension adapts to bumpy roads quite well and with the firmness comes a slightly sporty feel, something that other European superminis are simply missing. The car feels confident both in the city and on a highway and is versatile enough to deal with anything normal driving will throw at it.

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Faults and Repairs

It's a reliable car. Ford really did a good job on the 5th generation Fiesta. There's very little that can go wrong. Maintenance and repair costs are usually lower compared to larger Ford models and similar minis of other manufacturers.

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