Reviews of the Ford Fiesta Hatchback

by: Donna Kelly

Donna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.

Ford Fiesta Hatchback Review 2021

With its striking exterior style, wide range of petrol engines and comfortable interior, it's easy to see why the Ford Fiesta is Britain's best-selling car. 

Now in its sixth generation, this popular small family car continues to offer great value for money, combining fun-to-drive dynamics with real-world practicality to take on rivals such as the Seat Ibiza, Peugeot 208, Vauxhall Corsa, and Volkswagen Polo.

Our Ford Fiesta review covers:

• Key Features
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Ford Fiesta Hatchback Key Features

• Stylish exterior design with swept-back headlights
• Modern interior cabin with eight-inch SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system
• 311-litre boot with split 60/40 rear seats
• Choice of three petrol engines with power outputs from 74bhp to 197bhp
• Five trim levels available, including Trend, Titanium, Titanium X, ST-line and ST-Line X

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

Refreshed in 2017, the Fiesta understated yet stylish exterior looks good out on the road, thanks to its swept-back headlights, rising shoulder line and familiar trapezoidal grille. At the rear, the Fiesta's horizontal taillights and tailgate give the car a different stance on the road. The latest generation model is also longer and wider than before, offering more space inside for driver and passengers. 

Inside, the Fiesta boasts plenty of head and legroom for those sitting in the front, although the optional panoramic glass roof does reduce headroom significantly. Space at the rear isn't bad either, with legroom similar to the Volkswagen Polo's, although the SEAT Ibiza and Honda Jazz offer even more space for growing families.

At 311 litres, the Fiesta's boot is large enough to fit in a weekly family shop but doesn't quite match up to the Polo, Ibiza or Jazz for practicality. Luggage space increases to 1,093 litres with the split 60/40 rear seats folded down, but the Fiesta's loading lip is still relatively high up, making it harder to lift in long or heavy items.

Other stowage options include a decent-sized glovebox, large door pockets, a pair of cupholders between the seats and a small tray ahead of the gear lever that's big enough for a smartphone. 

Interior and Trims

Improvements to the Fiesta's interior sees hard, scratchy plastics replaced with soft-touch materials for a more modern layout. Ford's eight-inch SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment screen takes centre stage at the top of the dash, while the steering wheel, gear knob and indicator stalks feel upmarket for the class. All this makes for a comfortable and refined cabin, although the SEAT Ibiza and Peugeot 208 still win for their plush materials and overall build quality.

Five trim levels are available, including the Trend, Titanium, Titanium X, ST-line and ST-Line X. 

The entry-level Trend comes with air-conditioning, Bluetooth, an eight-inch touchscreen and 16-inch alloys as standard. 

The best-selling Titanium model adds cruise control, rear parking sensors, and Ford's SYNC 3 software with sat-nav. 

ST-Line cars boast a sporty look with the top-of-the-range ST-Line X offering partial leather-trimmed sports seats, a B&O Premium audio system and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Power and Performance

Under the bonnet, there are three petrol engines to choose from, all offering punchy acceleration and excellent fuel economy. 

The entry-level 1.1 Ti-VCT with five-speed manual transmission delivers a respectable 74bhp, but the 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo is the pick of the range. Available with six-speed manual transmission and various power outputs including 99bhp, 123bhp and 153bhp, the 1.0 Ecoboost is remarkably smooth and quiet, with the 123bhp version (called Ecoboost Hybrid 125) boasting mild-hybrid tech and optional automatic transmission.

For those looking for extra power, the punchy 1.5T EcoBoost engine in the sporty ST-2, ST-3 and Performance Edition delivers with its 197bhp. 

Despite its small size, the Fiesta is as fun to drive as some sports cars, thanks to its sharp handling and light steering. The ST models offer the most fun, with excellent grip and decent composure on twisty roads. The Fiesta also deals brilliantly with bumps and potholes on the road, although its smoothness decreases when fitted with larger alloy wheels. 

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new Ford Fiesta start from £16,385 OTR* or to lease from £247.07 per month.

Fancy getting behind the wheel of the new Ford Fiesta? Car leasing offers many benefits over buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance, including fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay, no depreciation concerns and flexible contract and mileage terms. View our latest Ford Fiesta lease offers to find a deal that's right for you and your budget. 

* 'On the road' price correct at time of publication and include standard national delivery, number plates, DVLA first registration fee, VAT and vehicle tax as 1st April 2021 (as set by the government). Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.