MOTORING MOTORING
NEW FORD FIESTA Ford’s Fiesta has been Britain’s best sell-
ing car for many years. it’s not difficult to see why as it offers familiarity, practicality and a very good drive even in its most basic form. The new Fiesta, just launched, adds a huge dose of style and technology to the package. Priced from £9,795 the range offers the usual mix of both 3 and 5-door variants with a choice of petrol and diesel engines including the glorious new 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre petrol EcoBoost unit. Six trim levels with standard equipment across the board include electrically operated and heated door mirrors, front and rear interior courtesy lights, power front windows, central locking, electric power steering and a plethora of safety kit. Higher models extend the features list comprehensively with various options packs also available. The front of the new Fiesta sees the
most dramatic styling change with a complete new treatment although inside there are changes too. However, these are more subtle, refining the already solid design with higher quality materials and a
HONDA CIVIC Honda’s Civic hatchback competes in the
crowded mid-size car sector, and the first plus-point it scores is that it looks dis- tinctly different to rivals in the class, with a more angular and eye-catching profile. Another key strength is Honda’s outstanding reputation for reliability – the brand is normally top of all the major reliability surveys and has very loyal own- ers who tend to stick with the marque for many years. The Honda Civic is available from
£16,995, with four engine options: 1.4 and 1.8-litre petrol engines, a 2.2-litre diesel, and a superb recently-introduced 1.6 litre diesel which provides ultra-low emissions and remarkable fuel economy.
ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
WelcOMe TO The FIrsT OF a reGular MOTOrInG cOluMn WhereBY We BrInG YOu shOrT BuT InFOrMaTIVe rOaD TesTs BY The experIenceD anD aWarD-WInnInG MOTOrInG JOurnalIsT, NICK FLETCHER, WhO lIVes lOcallY. hOpeFullY, ManY OF The cars We chOOse WIll Be releVanT TO The parTIcular neeDs OF OWnInG a car In/arOunD DarTMOuTh.
more durable feel. All the usual Fiesta attributes are still present including useful space for all pas- sengers with even rear occupants having leg and headroom for longer journeys. The luggage area is good for a car of this size and has a 60/40 split rear seat to increase the load area. On the road the new EcoBoost engine
in my test car, a Zetec S 3-door priced at £15,395, is perfectly tailored for the Fiesta. It has little of the normal three-
“The new Fiesta, adds a huge dose of style and technology to the package”
pot hum and plenty of accelerative urge when required. As with all Fords, the handling is nice, responsive and sharp with comfortably compliant suspension that still retains enough tautness to provide enjoyable cross country driving. Top speed is 122 mph, the 0-60 mph time nippy at 9.2 seconds and the great news is that the combined fuel economy
This engine is for many potential buyers the pick of the bunch. Offering 118 hp, it has a top speed of 120 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 11 seconds. Fuel economy is one of its big plus-points - 78.5 mpg combined. The other ace in its pack is its class-leading low emissions, just 94g/km meaning no road tax and no congestion charges.
“The 1.6 litre diesel model costs around £20,595 and represents good value for money in the sector. “
This gives the car wide appeal - it is attractive to both business and fam-
ily users as both groups are looking to minimise their motoring costs. In 5-door mid- specification ES trim, this 1.6 litre diesel model costs around £20,595 and represents good value for money in the sector. Standard kit includes all the essen- tials - remote locking, multi-airbags, climate
95
is an impressive 65.7 mpg. There are fur- ther savings too on this model as its 99g/ km emissions figure means zero road tax! Fiesta features lots of new technology
including ‘MyKey’, aimed at setting limits for younger drivers to ease worried parents’ minds. It also offers useful features such as extended low fuel warning and limiting the maximum volume of the sound system.
Despite increasing competition our
love affair with the Fiesta shows little sign of abating. Its curvaceous design and combination of driveability and practical- ity means the blue oval has maintained its lead in the super-mini sector.•
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