Used Ford Fiesta cars

There’s no doubting the iconic status of the Ford Fiesta. One of the most common sights on UK roads for decades, the Fiesta saw seven generations produced after first arriving on the market in 1976. 46 years on the market saw it reach an unparalleled level of popularity, and despite ceasing production in 2023 it remains the most sold car in the UK. With more than four million units sold, the Ford Fiesta has had a cultural impact that few, if any, cars can match.

From its Mk1 to the launch of its final generation in 2017, the Fiesta, has seen a massive range of iterations. Primarily a hatchback, the Fiesta has also been sold as a panel van, a sedan and a saloon. The Mk7 range includes the Fiesta Active, a crossover SUV, and the Fiesta Vignale, a luxury alternative.

The Mk7 Fiesta won Carbuyer’s Car of the Year in 2017 and has a host of awards to its name. As a streamlined, compact hatch, the Ford Fiesta is well suited to navigating tight urban streets, with the well-tuned suspension needed to handle city life. That said, its reliable power beneath the bonnet means it’s just as adept at taking on sprawling highways or winding country lanes.

The Fiesta remains an extremely favourable option for those looking for a well-made car that can transport the whole family and easily nip around town. It competes with other popular family hatchbacks such as the Vauxhall Corsa, the Škoda Fabia and the Volkswagen Polo.

Ford Fiesta updates and facelifts

Across more than four and a half decades on the UK market, the Ford Fiesta has gone through seven generations and many facelifts. First produced in 1976, it was available as a three-door hatchback and a three-door panel van. The same applies to the Mk2, which launched in 1983, while the Mk3 was the first Fiesta to include a five-door model in its range.

The bubbly design of the Mk4, launched in 1995, was a step away from the previous generations, but this too included a five-door model, as well as a four-door sedan. The fifth generation changed design once more in 2002, reverting to a boxier look than its predecessor.

The final two iterations, the Mk6 (2008) and Mk7 (2017) brought the Fiesta well into the 21st century with sporty, streamlined body designs that appealed to a new, younger generation of drivers. Its final facelift in 2022 saw it finally remove the three-door option, leaving just the five-door Fiesta as the last on the market before it ceased production a year later.

Practicality and style of the car

Throughout the years, the range of Fiesta models has meant that the car can cater to the needs of all sorts of drivers, from the family-oriented to those seeking a speedy hot hatch. The most popular and well-known Fiesta is the hatchback version though, and the Mk7 iteration is both stylish and practical in equal measure.

Despite its compact size, the Mk7 Fiesta offers 292 litres of space in the boot with the seats up. This closely matches its rival the Vauxhall Corsa, which has 309 litres of space. With the rear seats down, the capacity rises to 1,093 litres (beating the Corsa’s 1,081 litres) and a 60/40 split between them allows for a third passenger and extra storage space – handy for a family getaway, or for bulkier items.

The Fiesta Active adds a little more space in the boot, coming in at 311 litres. With the rear seats down though, it matches the standard Fiesta, coming in at 1,093 litres. However, the Fiesta Active also offers an increase in towing capacity. While the standard Fiesta can tow up to 900kg braked, the Active increases this figure to 1,000kg. Both options are therefore capable of pulling a small caravan.

Running costs

Attractive in part thanks to its reasonable running costs, the Ford Fiesta reflects its economy with comparatively low road tax and low insurance groups. Buyers can expect to pay £180 a year on road tax, and their Fiesta to sit between insurance groups 10 and 17. This compares with its rivals; the Vauxhall Corsa sits in insurance groups 10 to 23, while the Volkswagen Polo starts at group 1 and reaches up to group 12.

How a used Ford Fiesta drives

Throughout its time on the market, the Mk7 Ford Fiesta offered a range of petrol and diesel engines, and in its last iteration included mild hybrid technology.

Initially, there were two diesel options available on the Fiesta: a pair of 1.5-litre turbodiesel engines. The entry-level option offers 83bhp and could achieve 0-62mph in 12.5 seconds. The more powerful of the two increased its output to 118bhp, and a 0-62mph time of 9 seconds. Ford discontinued the latter in 2019, while the less powerful diesel was available until 2021.

Petrol options for the Fiesta were widely available until Ford ceased producing the model altogether. The entry level option was a 1.1-litre, 73bhp engine was discontinued during the earlier days of the Mk7’s lifespan. The most popular option was the turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder, which was available with three different levels of power. The fastest delivers 155bhp and has an extremely impressive 0-62mph time of just 6.5 seconds. Unsurprisingly, this was the choice for petrolheads that were looking for speed from their Fiesta. It is also this version that offers mild-hybrid technology, improving the efficiency of the car as well as adding extra power.

Other power options deliver 100bhp and 125bhp, so both of these are also quick off the mark. All three of the 1.0-litre petrol engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, though the mid-range engine is also available as a seven-speed automatic.

Engines and official MPG

2013 - 2017

2017 - onwards

Features you can expect in a Ford Fiesta

Interior

For an accessible car, the Ford Fiesta packs plenty of perks in as standard. The interior design is as stylish and sturdy as its body design. A combination of soft plastics and a sturdy, well-made dashboard create a classy feel for the Fiesta. Its robustness is matched by the sleek upholstery and comfortable seats. Upgrade the trim levels above the standard and you can expect the addition of sport seats or an all-leather interior depending on your preference.

The Fiesta includes a range of cubbies throughout the cabin, adding to its practical nature. Large door bins help to reduce clutter, and there’s plenty of legroom for both front and rear seat passengers. The Fiesta can carry five adults comfortably, though the back is better suited to three children for long journeys.

Since its launch, the Mk7 has included a well-built infotainment system and throughout its lifespan, the tech has improved to include the likes of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a host of other features. There are also physical controls on the dash, which are strategically placed for ease of use without creating a cluttered feel on the dash. Upgrade trim levels and you can also expect a B&O sound system and Ford’s SYNC 3 technology for the infotainment – which itself offers touchscreen capabilities.

Technology

A raft of tech is integrated into the Mk7 Fiesta as standard, which is another win for a car known for its reasonable costs. Drivers can expect a tyre-pressure monitor, speed reminder and lane keeping assist even at entry-level, as well as automatic headlights.

From mid-entry trims and above, there are further welcome additions including a rear-view camera and parking sensors, as well as the impressive active parking assist feature. Blindspot warning and autonomous emergency braking feature on higher-entry trim levels.

Safety

The Ford Fiesta Mk7 earned a five-star rating from Euro NCAP for its impressive levels of safety. It has an adult occupant safety rating of 87%, and a child occupant rating of 84%. This scored higher than the Vauxhall Corsa’s four-star rating and adult score of 84%, while also rivalling the Škoda Fabia’s five-star score with an adult score of 85% and child score of 81%.

ISOFIX mounts in the rear make the installation of child seats simple – another welcome addition for a car that combines practicality, safety and style.

Trims available on the Ford Fiesta

You’re sure to find the perfect used Ford Fiesta for you, with trims ranging from the budget-conscious Eco to the performance, feature-rich ST. And if you’re in need of a little luxury, the chrome-adorned Vignale is a dazzling choice.

• Fiesta Studio
• Fiesta Style
• Fiesta Zetec
• Fiesta Zetec S
• Fiesta Trend
• Fiesta Titanium
• Fiesta Titanium X
• Fiesta ST-Line Edition
• Fiesta ST-Line X Edition
• Fiesta Active Edition
• Fiesta Active X Edition
• Fiesta Vingale Edition
• Fiesta ST-1
• Fiesta ST-2
• Fiesta ST-3
• Fiesta ST Performance Edition

Ford Fiesta Studio

The Fiesta Studio was originally launched in the UK market in 2011 and was dropped from production in 2016. The Studio is a no-thrill, basic car with very little in the way of ‘in-car’ gadgetry. Equipped with body coloured spoiler and front and rear bumpers, the Studio certainly looks great for its low-price tag. The Studio has electronic power assisted steering (EPAS), Ford’s Intelligent Protection System, and anti-locking brakes with EBD and EBA. In terms of gadgets, radio/CD player with USB and AUX inputs and electronic heated door mirrors are as much as you get, while driver and passenger airbags are fitted along with curtain and side airbags.

Ford Fiesta Style

The Fiesta Style was released alongside the Studio and comes fitted with the same features, plus the addition of air conditioning and lowered suspension. This trim had a slightly higher price compared to the Studio but was another low-cost entry model of the Fiesta. Like the Studio, it was also discontinued in 2016 but you can still occasionally find this efficient cheap run-around for sale at a bargain price.

Ford Fiesta Zetec

The Zetec comes equipped with 14-inch, 5x2 spoke alloy wheels. As with the other entry level trims, the Zetec comes with electric power assisted steering and EBD and EBA brakes. It carries on from where the Style left off and is fitted with lowered suspension and driver, passenger and side curtain airbags for maximum safety. It also features a heated windscreen and heated electric mirrors for those frosty mornings, while it comes with same no-frill CD/radio player with the usual connectivity of AUX and USD. The Zetec was the base model from 1998 all the way through to 2019 when it was replaced by the Trend.

Ford Fiesta Zetec S

The Zetec S, as the name suggests, is the Zetec with a few additional options as standard. The Zetec S comes with the larger 16-inch, 12-spoke alloy wheels and a full body style kit. Many of the other features are the same as the base model but with the addition of a rear spoiler, trip computer and Bluetooth hands-free as standard.

Ford Fiesta Trend

The Fiesta Trend is the current entry-level trim from Ford. Released in 2019, the Trend brought with it 16-inch alloy wheels, an infotainment system that provides access to DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart mirroring. Heated windscreen, air conditioning, trip computer and cruise control are also fitted as standard. As with any entry level trim, the car is a lot less feature-rich compared with the higher trim levels, but is great value for its price range.

Ford Fiesta Titanium

The Titanium trim is an attention-grabbing option, even without the body kit that some of the other trims sport. Instead, the Titanium comes with chrome detailing on the exterior, LED day lights and 16-inch alloy wheels. Unlike the other trims mentioned, the Titanium comes with electric folding mirrors and a premium Sony stereo that is Bluetooth-ready so it’s easy to connect to your chosen device. Automatic features are found throughout the Titanium, including automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and automatic headlights. Cruise control assists the driver further, making the Titanium a great option for whatever the journey. The Titanium comes with the option of two engines: the EcoBoost petrol and EcoBoost turbo diesel, which both feature Ford’s Ecoboost management system to create a truly efficient drive.

Ford Fiesta Titanium X

For such a small car, the Titanium X is packed with goodies, many of which you would expect to see on a larger car. The list of features is impressive with such highlights as a reversing camera, part-leather seats, front and rear electric windows, and a leather height-adjustable steering wheel – all topped off with a stunning metallic paint. There is the option for a sat nav which isn’t included as standard, but on top of the usual features, the Titanium X is a real technologically packed motor.

Ford Fiesta ST-Line Edition

The ST-Line edition provides all the styling and features found in the ST edition performance trims but without the performance engine and less of the thrills that are associated with the ST trims. It is a perfect way of getting the ST look but without the additional investment.

Ford Fiesta ST-Line X Edition

The ST-Line X brings together the design of the ST-Line and the luxury features from the Titanium X series. Ford have hand-picked the best of both worlds when allocating features, including an 8-inch screen (larger than the 6.5-inch touch-screen), the inclusion of ApplePlay and Android Auto signal. Part-leather sport seats and a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel provide the interior with a visually sportier feel. The exterior is just as impressive with 17-inch alloys as standard, but with the option to roll around on 18-inch alloys if preferred. With 123bhp under the bonnet, the ST-Line X doesn’t have the power of its purebred ST cousins, but it’s rapid enough for most.

Ford Fiesta Vignale

The Vignale edition is Ford’s luxury trim that is available across models. The Vignale badge now acts as more of an add-on to the various other trims and affords the car with a host of luxury options, such as a Bang & Olufsen sound system and leather interior.

Ford Fiesta ST

The ST is the first ‘entry level’ of the three ST trims. The ST from Ford was designed to compete with the Mini Cooper S, VW Polo GTI and Suzuki Swift. Ford Fiesta ST is the most spirited trim in the line and has stiffened suspension compared to other Fiesta trims. When combined with the nippy 200hp 1.5-litre engine under the bonnet, the Fiesta ST really does take on the hot hatch mantle; a definite departure from Fiesta’s reputation as a practical, sensible run-around. Features-wise, you won’t be disappointed, as the ST is not only souped-up under the bonnet, but it’s also kitted out with a whole host of tech and upgrades as standard. Fitted with Recaro front seats and 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels, the ST design body kit and twin exhausts gives the Fiesta its distinctive design. It also has all the features found in the Titanium, including the Sony DAB and hands-free Bluetooth.

Ford Fiesta ST-2

When new, the ST-2 was only fractionally more expensive than the ST-1 but was fitted with a lot more bang for your buck. That’s why there tends to be more of this used Fiesta ST available on the second-hand market than the ST-1. The ST 2 has part-leather Recaro seats instead of the full cloth that are in the ST-1; they can also be heated in the ST-2. On top of that, the ST-2 is equipped with a better Sony stereo system for improved sound quality. You also get rear tinted windows, keyless ignition and LED daylight running lights.

Ford Fiesta ST-3

Finally, the ST-3 is the top-level trim, making it the Fiesta with the most features as standard. These include automatic wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry and ignition as well as climate control and cruise control. Unlike the other trims, the ST-3 also comes with sat nav as standard.

Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition

The Fiesta ST Performance edition is an addition above the flagship ST-3. Ford decided to make further improvements to their top-level trim ST-3 and produce an even higher spec (limited to just 600 units) version. The differences between the ST-3 and the ST Performance are fairly minimal with the most obvious being that the ST Performance is only available in the vibrant orange paint. Other than the eye-catching orange, the ST Performance alloy wheels are of a different design that are lighter and shave 7kg off the car’s weight. Unsurprisingly, the ST Performance comes with the ‘Performance pack’, also available with the ST-3 as standard, giving the ST Performance the addition of the Quaife limited-slip differential, launch control and shift light.

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