Which Ford Fiesta model is best?

The Ford Fiesta has been one of the best-selling cars in the UK for a long time, this is for a number of reasons including the stylish looks, fantastic interiors, great handling and affordability.

The Ford Fiesta, originally produced at the purpose-built factory in Valencia, Spain, has seven different generations currently available with sales beginning in the UK in 1977. All seven generations are based on the same style of being a compact front wheel drive hatchback.

Whether you’re looking for a small town run-around, your very first car, or something to get your pulse racing, there is a Fiesta that suits your needs.

Within each generation, Ford decided to offer multiple trim levels. Here is a quick rundown of all of them:

First Generation (1976-1983)

• Originally only available in either a 1.0 litre or 1.1 litre petrol engine
• A sportier variant was introduced in 1981 as the XR2
• By the end of production of the first generation it was already one of the best-selling small cars in Britain

Second generation (1983 – 1989)

• This was initially released with a 1.0 and 1.1 litre petrol engine, shortly followed by a 1.3 which was available with a five speed gearbox
• Slightly larger than the first generation model and features a more aerodynamic looking front end
• The XR2 model was released in 1984 featuring improved brakes, lower and stiffer suspension, and had a punchy 1.6 litre engine twinned with a five speed gearbox

Third generation (1989-1995)

• This version was larger than the previous generation and was the first one to feature a five door model
• It also had some additional safety features available such as anti-lock brake system and airbags
• The sportier XR2i version was released with a 1.6 litre petrol engine
• This was the first generation to feature a turbo model with the introduction of the RS turbo in 1990

Fourth generation (1995 – 2002)

• This generation follows a big refresh from Ford and features a much more aerodynamic shape along with much fresher styling
• The fourth generation was facelifted in 1999 to freshen it up and provide an even more stylish design
• It was also the first model to feature the Zetec S model which was the sportiest variant available for this generation coming with a 1.6 litre petrol engine
• This was also the first ford fiesta to be available with a diesel engine

Fifth generation (2002-2008)

• This generation had a radical refresh and was larger than the previous model
• Trim levels available initially were Finesse, LX, Zetec, and Ghia
• This generation was the first to wear the ST badge. This flagship model came with the largest engine ever fitted to a fiesta which was a 2 litre petrol engine with 148 bhp. At the time it was also the most powerful Fiesta ever made
• This model was facelifted in 2005 which sharpened up the styling and updated the interior and, it also came with redesigned front and rear lights

Sixth generation (2008-2017)

• This was the first generation that went global, selling all over the world including all over Europe, Asia and North America
• This model was facelifted in 2013
• This model was the first Fiesta to feature the 1.0 turbocharged ecoboost engine
• In 2013, the Fiesta ST was released with a punchy 1.6 turbocharged engine producing 180 bhp, and was awarded Top Gear Car of the Year that very same year
• This generation was the best-selling vehicle in the UK for seven continuous years

Seventh Generation (2017-Present)

• This current generation had the introduction of a few different variants including the Active which is a crossover styled model and the Vignale which is a more luxury orientated variant
• This is the first generation to be fitted with a hybrid engine
• This generation also saw the introduction of some new technology such as active park assist, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition and the Bang & Olufsen audio system

There are also many different trim levels to choose from when it comes to the Fiesta so here is a breakdown of some of the most popular ones from the current seventh generation:

Style

This is the most basic trim level that you could opt for with the current generation. It comes with air conditioning, a digital 4.2 inch display with Bluetooth connectivity, a speed limiter and auto headlights. This trim level has since been dropped and replaced with the Trend spec.

Zetec

The Zetec comes with alloy wheels, a heated windscreen and an updated, larger 6.5 inch touchscreen infotainment system with the ability to connect to a phone. This trim level has also since been dropped and replaced with the Trend spec.

Trend

This is the current entry level specification which has replaced both the Style and Zetec models. It comes equipped with a heated windscreen, alloy wheels and air conditioning. It is also offered with an 8 inch touchscreen infotainment screen with the ability of using Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

B&O Play Zetec

This model comes in a similar spec to the Zetec model, however, it has had a few important upgrades. Firstly, the Bang & Olufsen audio system with the large 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system also comes with a built in sat nav. There is also the option to choose exclusive paint colours to really make your car stand out.

Titanium

The titanium comes with a higher specification including a wider choice of engines. As standard, the vehicle comes with electric folding mirrors, cruise control, an 8 inch infotainment screen with sat nav and sportier alloy wheels alongside other options too.

B&O Play Titanium

This is available in the same titanium spec but also with exclusive paint colours to choose from alongside the addition of the Bang & Olufsen audio system also.

Titanium X

This is available with the fantastic sound system, heated half leather seats, keyless entry, a heated steering wheel and a rear parking camera.

ST-Line

The ST-Line variants add a middle ground between the flagship ST model however, with a bit less performance and more affordable running costs. They come with a choice of engines including 140 bhp petrol engine. These come with sportier wheels and styling, firmer sports suspension and a slightly more driver oriented interior.

To discover which Ford Fiesta is right for you, take a look at our range at CarShop.