Used Ford Fiesta In SA Reviewed
A few years ago, the Ford Fiesta for sale hit the headlines with its great fuel economy. But that was achieved by the 1-litre 3-cylinder engine. What is even more impressive is that the fuel economy of the 1.5-L diesel has exceeded the previous claim. Read on and find out more from this review.
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The Ford Fiesta’s history
This car comes a long way since it was first introduced in Europe and the UK in 1976. The fourth-generation model landed in South Africa in 1997 and made such a hit that it won the 'South African Car of the Year’ award the following year.
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Ford Fiesta’s good resale value
The Ford Fiesta enjoys long model cycles, which means that its models remain unchanged in the new-car market for a long time. The longer this period, the greater the resale value of such cars.
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How many models make up the Ford Fiesta range?
There are only 5 models, namely, and in order of increasing price, the Ford Fiesta 1.0 T Trend Manual, the Ford Fiesta 1.0 T Trend Automatic, the Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Trend, the Ford Fiesta 1.0 T Titanium, and the Ford Fiesta 1.0 T Titanium Auto.
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How many engine variants are there?
The range offers only 3 engine variants. Two variants are based on the 3-cylinder, 1-litre petrol engine, with the third variant being like the 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine. The transmissions are either a six-speed manual or automatic. The Trend models all have a weaker version of the 1-litre, 3-cylinder engine, producing 74 kW of power. On the other hand, the Titanium models have a more powerful version of a similar engine, with a power output of 92 kW. However, these differences are not that obvious to the public.
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General performance
The Trend 1.0 Manual can accelerate 0-100 km/hr in 10.5 seconds, reaching a 183 km/hr top speed. The Titanium manual can do the 0-100 km/hr in 9.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 195 km/hr. The slower manual 1.5 TDCi turbodiesel does the 0-100 km/hr in 12.5 seconds, managing a 175 km/hr maximum speed.
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The Ford Fiesta’s exterior
You can spot the Trend models by their 16-inch alloy wheels, whereas the more costly Titanium models have 17-inch wheels, a grille consisting of chrome bars, and LED daytime running lights. In addition, Trend models are equipped with fog lights with cornering lamps, electric and heated wing mirrors, and electric windows.
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What about the Ford Fiesta’s safety features?
It’s fitted with 6 airbags, standard ISOFIX child seat mountings, an immobiliser and a perimeter anti-theft alarm system. It also has electronic stability control and traction control, ABS braking, EBD, EBA, and Hill Launch Assist.
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If you are about to become the proud owner of a Ford Fiesta, you are compelled by law to obtain comprehensive car insurance if your new car is to be financed by a financial institution. Perhaps you’re looking for a good used Fiesta to buy instead - just make sure you buy from a trustworthy used car dealer.
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Review compiled by Prime.co.za
