Faults:

No faults at all.

General Comments:

When we were looking for something to replace our tired (but great) 106 XSi, it never even occurred to us to check out the Zetec-S. There we were wandering around our Ford dealer when this shiny Colorado Red example just leapt out. To be honest, the looks alone half sold us, but the test drive finished the job.

This car is a total joy to drive, and will delight anyone who is remotely enthusiastic about driving. I didn't think I'd find anything that handled as well as the 106, but the Zetec-S does. On pure steering feel and response (and ONLY that I mean), it is scarily close to my friend's Lotus Elise, and proves that power steering done properly is perfectly OK! The result is a car with almost telepathic responses on a twisty road, and which handles with confidence, control and total ease. Ride is a bit harsh, but the trade off is fantastic body control at speed.

The engine is a bit under-endowed, but is sweet, economical and eager. It has lovely clout and an enthusiastic growl between 3,500 and 5,500 RPM, and makes the Fiesta feel quite lively in most "real road" situations. Also, the 5 speed box has a short throw, with a lovely slick, mechanical feel to it. Only when accelerating hard on an open, straight road does its lack of outright BHP show through. The flip side of this however, is a rock solid 35 MPG and insurance group 8E! Bit of a bargain really!

The Fiesta was the base for the Puma which has been often touted as having one of the finest front wheel drive chassis' around, so it's no surprise the car is good. The Zetec-S takes these qualities and combines them with insurability, low running costs and almost Germanic build quality. Sure it won't ripple the tarmac, but it's useable, balanced and every control oozes feel and feedback allowing you to drive it hard and fast in complete safety. Last but not least it looks rock hard. Nice one, Ford!

Faults:

Only little silly problems!!

There is an annoying little rattle coming from the dash.

Other than that, no real problems.

General Comments:

This is my first car and its great. It drives smoothly and the handling is very responsive.

Acceleration is decent in the lower gears, although it gives up somewhat as soon as you slip into 4th or 5th.

For the slightly taller driver, this car has to be one of the best in its class. The seats are comfortable and sporty and pedals are a reasonable distance apart. The new face-lift has also done it a great deal of good, looking more modern and sporty. The interior of the car is very spacious and roomy with exceptional drivers vision and a sunroof. Head room in the back is rather limited, with anyone over 5'10 having to lean forward to avoid putting their head through the rear window!

Boot space is very spacious. I suspect very good for getting the shopping in!

I have not really had any problems with this car at all and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a small economical (up to about 50 miles per gallon) car.

From my point of view though, one of the best features of the car has to be the sound system that comes with it! The sound is amazing to say it's a factory fitted standard! Great nippy little car.