Test driving the Ford Fiesta Trend – Small car simplicity and bang for your buck

The small car market is a crowded space and one where value for money is almost always at the top of the buyer’s shopping list, getting bang for your buck makes a big deal when you’re looking for a small car and on a tight budget.  The new look and style of the Ford Fiesta make it a compelling option in the sub $20,000 range.

I am coming at this from experience.  A couple of years ago we had a precise budget to spend and wanted a small car.  We considered the Barina, the Fiesta and the Mazda 2 (I just didn’t want a Yaris!).  The Mazda 2 won me over, it had good looks and we were able to drive solid value.

Dollar for Dollar compared to today, the value you’re getting in these small cars is almost beyond belief.

The 10 Minute test drive

The new Ford Fiesta has a great new look, starting at the nose with that Aston Martin inspired grill, shaped in great looks all the way to the tail lights.  It’s this styling which will win over a lot of buyer’s, because you want to look like you spent more than you actually did – the Fiesta sure is that.

Inside, the styling is improved, and you get a real sense of quality that again speaks to the value for money shoppers.

On the road you’ll feel a strong wheel which offers good feedback on the road, very direct steering which isn’t too soft but is easy on the arms.

It’s a comfortable ride on all types of roads, while the layout of the dash puts everything you need at your fingertips.

For some reason Ford seem intent on putting world record equalling numbers of buttons on the centre stereo controls and at all angles and shapes it does take some getting used to.  The small infotainment screen is inset into the dash so far away it seems tiny, however when compared to models that have come before it it’s still a vast improvement.

Bragging Rights

You’ve seen the ads, Ford SYNC really is the bragging rights feature of the Fiesta.  Voice commands to control the simplest of features, as well as really a sincerely simple to connect Bluetooth hands-free for your phone.  At this size and price, these are cracking good features.

Lasting Impression

The styling will not age, this is a classic look drawn into the modern era – no crazy bubbles or boxes, just smooth lines and a great look.  We reckon it’s got the looks for men and women to be happy with, compared to the Mazda 2 and Yaris which really do lend themselves to a more feminine look we say.

The Hip Pocket

There’s three variants in the Fiesta range with two transmission options for each.  Our Trend this week was an Auto, bringing it in at just under $20k

Model	Engine	Transmission	MLP*
Ambiente 5-door	1.5-litre Duratec	5-spd manual	$15,825
	1.5-litre Duratec	6-spd PowerShift	$17,825
Trend 5-door	1.5-litre Duratec	5-spd manual	$17,825
	1.5-litre Duratec	6-spd PowerShift	$19,825
Sport 5-door	1.0-litre EcoBoost	5-spd manual	$20,525
	1.0-litre EcoBoost	6-spd PowerShift	$22,525

EFTM Rubber Stamp

The good looks and Ford SYNC features make this an easy one to award the Credit rubber stamp to.