Ford Fiesta Zetec – Long Term Conclusion
January 23, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Well it’s been five weeks and some 2500 kilometres since we picked up the keys to the all-new Fiesta Zetec but sadly, as with all good things, this one too must come to an end.
But before we say goodbye, we promised you some more driving notes on the smooth new hatch and not to disappoint, covered a range of country driving with a little more purpose on board to get a good feel for how Fiesta responds when driving for driving’s sake.
It’s one of those things many people don’t seem to enjoy any more, and perhaps petrol prices and the lack of spare time have much to do with this, but to me at least, the pleasure and relaxation found it a long country drive is quite understated and funnily enough, although you’d not expect it, pleasurable and relaxing driving can be achieved in the new Fiesta.
Out in the foothills of Mount Dandenong in Victoria are some challenging and twisty roads that will rather quickly show up any flaws in a car’s handling characteristics and best of all, especially in a car of this size, these roads are enjoyable at the speed limit.
Pleasantly, the Fiesta is an enthusiastic performer, despite its seemingly small 1.6-litre engine, and perhaps best of all, has a great note from the twin tube pipe under heavy acceleration, making the higher end of the tacho an enjoyable place to spend time.
The five-speed gearbox is a cinch to use and although the throw is a little longer than I would have preferred, for a car of this price range it is a real surprise. Quick of shift and exact in placement every time – unlike some competitors I could name.
Clutch uptake is precise, but not so short as to be burdensome in stop-start traffic and offers enough feel to provide a sense of involvement in proceedings, again something not often experienced in a light hatch.
Progressive brake pedal feel with sharp response means you develop a rather natural connection with the car’s stopping abilities fast being able to quickly get a feel for exactly how much pressure is required to maximise your stopping distance.
The ABS is well calibrated with a slightly later threshold than expected meaning a little rear lock up can be expected if you brake late in to a corner. It’s one of the trappings of a disc/drum combination but in no way effects the car’s stopping capabilities – in fact I feel it enhances them to a degree.
Fade is minimal, and you really do have to punish the brakes to notice this, and once again it’s more pronounced in the rear, but until we get discs all round is bound to happen. But don’t stress, there aren’t too many Fiesta owners who will ever drive hard enough to experience this.
Couple the smooth experience inside the cabin to the grippy, VW Polo GTI like handling outside and the Zetec is a recipe for fun unlike anything else in this price bracket without a turbo.
Keen turn in, minimal body roll and excellent poise ensure the car remains flat and balanced, even when pushed. Lift off oversteer can be achieved if you’re enthusiastic and I even felt an inside rear wheel up on a couple of occasions.
Steering feedback is true and well weighted and a touch of rain doesn’t affect the handling nearly as much as you’d expect, only demonstrating a touch more understeer when it’s damp underfoot.
Fortunately this is quickly remedied by the optional ESP system, as fitted to our press car, or by lifting off the throttle. Though a little more intent from under the bonnet wouldn’t go astray, when kept in the northern end of the tacho there’s more than enough fun to be had – plus you get to keep your license – we can only hope Ford do an XR4 variant sometime soon.
Now I know where this will end up, so I’m going to beat you to it. Yes, the Fiesta and the Mazda2 share origins in platform so to be fair, I did drive both on the same day and I’ve got to say I stand by my call – the Ford wins.
The drive is decidedly more European, as you’d expect, the handling is flatter and the performance more spirited – and who doesn’t enjoy that. I’m not saying the Mazda2 isn’t any good, because it’s brilliant, but as a driver’s car the Fiesta Zetec wins hands down.
It’s a shame to see it go, and for the money asked, this car gives a lot back. To anyone shopping the light hatch segment whom enjoys a bit of a drive now and then, go and test drive this car – and let me know when it lands in your garage.
Print it: 
Marcus, good to see you’re an open minded individual so in tune with the dynamic landscape of both the car industry and the buying public. So nearly all car reviewers, SME’s in their field, are bogans at the moment. The Dala Lama, who talks up world peace, is a bogan. Dieticians that talk up the mediterranean diet, are bogans. Stephen Hawking, who talks up blackhole radiation, is not one of the worlds leading scientists, no he’s actually just a bogan, complete with a loud ‘zorst and fully hectic sound system on his pimping wheelchair. Until you’ve actually driven the latest Fords’, then please don’t feel offended when no-one takes your views seriously.
I test drived the Zetec on Friday, ordered it on Saturday, picked it up on Tuesday. It is a great small car. There’s just one thing I’m not very satisfied with is the seat. It isn’t very comfortable. I would pay an extra to get a better seat. I squeezed the dealer delivery charged from the poor salesman, $1495 down to $295. Everything else is at standard price. I don’t know if it is the cheapest price you can get but I’m happy with it.
Hmm, my post doesn’t make too much sense. I meant to say ‘using your logic, the Dalai Lama..’. Don’t think the Dalai Lama drives a Ford, to be honest, but he does know a thing or two about world peace.
Delta, thats not bad for a model thats just been introduced. It is a cracking good car, the seats are very euro though.
Delta,
Sounds like you got a pretty good deal, I paid $22957 driveaway for the zetec.
No matter how good the new Fiesta is, NO WAY should you be paying more than a Focus for 1.
That just not make sense and is poor value
My 2-cents worth [inc. GST]
Cheers
F-0
Marcus, Jap cars are not as reliable, people like to talk up Japan made cars as if they were invinsible, sorry to burst the bubble but this new quality Ford Fiesta is an awesome package, so up yours Marcus, some idiots here are so jealous of euro Ford designing great cars of late, get over it numbskulls..
YES THANKS FORD I WANT ONE >>>> OH WHAT A CAR >>>> FORD FIESTA !!!!!!!
NEVER BUY JAPAN MADE CARS >>>> HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Frugal_One
Until you have driven one, dont bother with your argument. I have driven both the Focus and Fiesta. The Fiesta had more to offer in the overall package, same amount of cabin space, was a more refined drive than the Focus, better handling and more fun to drive.
Ford really do have a lot of class leading cars now. Very very good range.
Marcus, the new bogan is a Toyota driver..
Please cut the crap. Keyboard nazi’s like you are making the average Toyota buyer/owner look bad..
Cabin plastics in a Yaris are worse than the Fiesta, the engine… no comment..
Marcus Says:
January 27th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
“…Japanese cars have the best build quality, reliability and resale values.”
So then by your reconing the Fiesta is crap and the “Jap” Mazda 2 is the best??
Even though they share chassis and they’re both to be built side by side in the same factory?
Just proves your uniformed bias.
Andrew M,
You’re totally wrong when you say the Swift has a ‘non existent’ boot, compared to the Fiesta…
The Swift has a standard removable floor shelf, which once removed, substantially increased the rear load capacity.
I have fully studied BOTH cars and the ‘boot’ is VERY similar on both.
The body shape on each car is very different, which results in differing space utilisation…also the wheel arches intrude further into the Fiesta load area.
While the Swift may appear small in the rear, in real world use, it’s virtually the same as others in the ‘light’ segment.
IMHO, I wouldn’t buy a Fiesta because it’s built in Thailand….I’m sorry, but after owning many different cars, you can’t go past the build & paint quality of cars fully imported from Japan.
The Swift is one of the last small cars to be built in Japan and it SHOWS…go into a showroom and look for yourself.
Andrew M, your ‘missus’ knows a quality product when she sees one!