Ford Fiestas are subcompact “supermini” vehicles manufactured by Ford at overseas plants. The Ford Fiesta Zetec S is an especially sporty addition to the Fiesta line. It offers superior handling and a choice of either petrol or diesel engines. This car is mainly designed as a family vehicle, not for speed. But it makes a good show of being a sports car, combining such different prerogatives as economy, convenience, and reasonable speed and power in one package.
The car has a 1.6 liter engine which puts out 118 bhp, and has continuous and independently variable valve timing. The CO2 output is only around 140g/km, which makes it environmentally friendly. The fuel economy is improved over the earlier model – getting 5.9 liters/100 km (or 47.7 mpg in U.S. terms) as opposed to the previous 6.5 liters/100 km. It has a very easy and even feel, making for smooth accelerations and an overall athletic finesse to the ride.
One of the strong points of the Fiesta Zetec S is the suspension, which works together with an increased frame rigidity. It uses stronger steel at key points which gives the suspension a firmer base and allows for greater certainty and smoothness on turns and bumpy roads. In addition this car is also about 40kg lighter than its predecessor which also assists in better handling.
The steering is electric rather than hydraulic. This makes the handling a bit less dynamic, but the steering is still precise and responsive. Moreover the new steering saves on gas consumption, which is, again, one of the big advantages of the vehicle.
Looks wise the Zetec is also “sharpened up” over the previous editions. It has a sleeker overall shape than the old one – with pointier head lamps and redesigned rear lights, new bumpers, and side moldings that taper toward the ffront of the vehicle. These aren’t huge changes, but they are enough to give the design that extra assertiveness that makes it “sporty,” and gives it a certain new zing and appeal. The is also a remodeled roof spoiler and new alloy wheels.
The interior is leathery and modern looking. It has a console with cell-phone like controls, continuing the sleek, sporty theme. The only drawback to the interior, perhaps, is the hard plastic on the dashboard console and on the doors, which looks a bit cheap compared to the overall style of the rest of the vehicle. But these are easy to overlook as the total impression is stylish, sharp, and sophisticated.
This car is a great blend of characteristics and should appeal to the young go getter and family traveler alike.