Faults:

No faults yet, but obviously still running in.

General Comments:

Having been driving the previous model Fiesta for 2 years, a diesel model, I felt confident that the new car would live up to my expectations. After all, the New Fiesta was just a facelift of the previous model?

How wrong I was!

The car has by far exceeded my expectations, right from the minute I collected it.

The paintwork, in Hot Magenta, is striking. It appears a different colour in different light. It varies between magenta, purple, and burgundy. Also the finish of the paint is again impressive. It is the smoothest finish I have ever seen; not a hint of any "orange peel".

The interior is so welcoming, with everything so well placed. Most of the switchgear is standard Ford layout, so within seconds I knew where everything was. The central information panel is so useful, displaying everything from temperature, to fan speed, radio station, climate control settings, and, when the Bluetooth is activated, my whole mobile phone's contact list!

The voice activated controls are amazing. I still find it hard to believe that I can use my phone, control the radio, and the climate controls, using voice activated commands. (Of course you can do it manually - the old fashioned way!).

The 1.4 Duratec engine is quite surprising in its performance, and I would say it produces the same power of earlier 1.6 engines. Economy, at an average of 38mpg (it's still running in), is very good. More amazing is the smoothness of the engine. It's inaudible on the road, and it's quite easy to believe the car has stalled in traffic as it's so quiet. Not a hint of vibration.

Seating is extremely comfortable, although I would say that rear legroom is a little tight if the front seats were to be pushed back. O.K. for children, but possibly a little cramped for an adult. However, since this is a family car, I guess the rear seats would be occupied by children anyway. Rear seat is comfortable though.

For a standard spec car, I thought the specification was faultless - climate control, power fold mirrors, heated windscreen, heated mirrors and washer jets, cruise control, bluetooth, voice activated controls, auto headlights and auto wipers, ambient lighting, footwell lights, quality Sony stereo with 6 speakers with remote control, alarm... the list goes on.

I can honestly say that I just LOVE driving this car, and look forward to the drive to work each morning.

It's comfortable, quiet and refined.

Steering is light, and the suspension firm without being too hard. There is good feedback to the driver.

Space is far better than the previous model, and together with good storage locations, the car remains uncluttered inside. Boot is average size, taking 2 large suitcases without the need to fold the seats down.

As I say, I have only driven 900 miles in the car so far, so can't comment on longevity.

But if the first 2 months are anything to go by, this car will be with me for a long time.