Kid with character - Ford Fiesta VI (2001-2008)

Would you like to buy a city car and enjoy the ride? You don't have to overpay for a fashionable Mini. The inconspicuous sixth generation Fiesta can be a pleasant surprise, but its purchase and subsequent use do not drain the wallet.

In 1998, Ford changed forever. The compact Focus has been the driving force behind change. It proved that attractive design and excellent driving performance can be standard in an open-air car. The larger Mondeo followed a similar recipe. In 2001 it was time for the Fiesta.

Designers of the urban hatchback abandoned smooth curves. Cleaner lines and a larger body made the sixth generation Fiesta more solid than its predecessors. The development of "kids" observed in recent years and the lack of design frills has aged the Ford representative in the B segment.

Inconspicuous appearance - an effective smoke screen. Just turn the key and drive up to the first corner to unlock the secret of the Fiesta. This is above average driving performance, which was obtained thanks to the suspension with a classic design - an independent front and a torsion beam at the rear. Ford engineers have also managed to achieve the same amount of power steering, which is a rarity in the B segment. Usually, a lightly working steering wheel is put on to facilitate maneuvering. The elastic chassis does not limit comfort too much in the basic versions. In more expensive options with large diameter wheels, handling is more important than comfort.

The Fiesta will not disappoint those looking for a practical vehicle. The interior is very spacious and ergonomic, although poorly soundproofed. Just as the body does not knock you down with its unique design - it is closer to the restrained Mondeo than to the extravagant Focus. The aforementioned space in the cabin should be enough for four adults. The 284 liter body is one of the best results in the class. The spacious trunk of the Fiesta has developed despite the body length of 3,9 meters - some competitors have a few centimeters longer bodies. The driver will appreciate the small Ford for its simple and easy-to-read cab, high-mounted gear lever and good visibility. People who place a lot of value on aesthetics as well should take a look at the 2005 facelifted Fiesta, which looks a bit better thanks to redesigned interior details.

The equipment, as in the case of other Ford models, depended on the equipment versions. The base ones were attractively priced, but only offered one airbag, power steering, and an adjustable steering column. It is worth the effort to find the best version, which will be not only more convenient, but also safer. Unfortunately, their number in the secondary market is limited. Dealership prices, such as the Ghia variant, fluctuated around the level at which the Ford Focus started. For those interested in buying a city car, the costs are usually the most important. However, those who could put up with the expense got a "baby" with air conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers, leather accessories and even a heated windshield. Fans of stronger impressions should pay attention to the Sport and ST varieties. The latter hid a 150 hp engine under the hood. 2.0 Duratec. A factory spoiler package, 17-inch wheels and heavy-duty suspension make the Fiesta ST one of the hottest B-segment cars. Of course, the most eye-catching model in the lineup is rare and expensive.

Most used cars have 1.25 (75 hp), 1.3 (60 and 70 hp), 1.4 (80 hp) and 1.6 (100 hp) engines. Despite the different power and capacity, all units consume an average consumption during normal operation. Ok. 7 l/100 km. Almost two liters less flows through the cylinders of the Fiesta diesel hearts - 1.4 TDCi (68 hp) and 1.6 TDCi (90 hp) - the fruit of the creative work of PSA engineers. Everything has been written about French diesels. They were praised for their efficiency, there were complaints about the turbo lag in smaller ones, their high survivability was emphasized. If there is a failure, it is usually hardware or seals such as injectors.

Ford Fiesta VI fuel consumption reports - check how much you spend at gas stations

It is worth choosing a drive depending on the planned method of operation. Fiesta with engines below 70 hp feel best in the city. More durable allow you to enjoy driving. Even when loaded, they will also stand the test of the road, but a smooth ride will require frequent use of the shift lever. Customers could choose between precise and high quality manual transmissions, classic "automatic" transmissions and Durashift EST automated transmissions. The last two are rarely found on the secondary market.

There are many unflattering jokes about the durability of Ford products. In the case of the Fiesta, they do not apply. According to the German TUV, this is one of the leaders of the least emergency vehicles, ranking from 5th to 27th among almost 120 models. ADAC says the Fiesta breaks down just as often as the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo. This is an excellent review given the opinions these models enjoy.

The source of the greatest problems is the propulsion equipment. In particular, the ignition system - coils, wires and spark plugs. ADAC specialists regularly detect cases of breakdowns in the engine ECU, lambda probes and fuel pumps. The hitch pins are the most sensitive point of the suspension, while the clutches in the transmission fail surprisingly quickly.

Author X-ray - what owners of the Ford Fiesta VI complain about

Vehicle users are primarily concerned about corrosion, which they love. engine compartment and fenders. During the test drive, it is worth listening to the Fiesta's mechanisms for mechanical knocking. If it is a defect of the suspension, the repair will not take long, nor will it put a significant burden on the pocket. They also fail relatively often steering gears - they seem loose, and the system is depressurized. In both cases, the service bill will be high. The average build quality allows the salon to "feel" in the perennial Fiesta. In addition to creaking plastic, problems with electrical appliances and electronics are also common. In the three-door version, the seat lift mechanisms regularly fail. Troubleshooting can be annoying, but it's crucial that the Fiesta's most expensive parts don't fail, which has a positive effect on operating costs.

At the beginning of the century, B-segment cars began to develop intensively. Weak engines, poor equipment and shaky suspension are a thing of the past. Fiesta is a great example of change for the better. Nearly a decade after production began, it remains an attractive yet unassuming car.

Recommended engines:

Gasoline 1.4: 80 HP still not enough to see the limits of the Fiesta chassis. However, this is enough to travel dynamically and relatively economically. Weaker Ford engines force you to use high revs often. As a result, the results under the distributor differ significantly from those declared by the manufacturer. In the combined cycle, the 1.4 engine burns on average 7,2 l / 100km

1.6 TDCi diesel: Due to the price, buyers usually chose the Fiesta with a weaker 1.4 TDCi turbodiesel. Several years of operation eliminated significant differences. As a result, for a little more money you can buy a Fiesta 1.6 TDCi, which rides noticeably better than its weaker sister, consuming almost the same amount of fuel. The failure rate of both units remains low. More often than not, investments fail. Unlike more powerful diesels like the 109hp TDCi Focus, it's not very complex, making repairs easier and cheaper.

advantages:

+ Above average driving performance

+ Spacious interior

+ Low failure rate, no major failures

Disadvantages:

- Average quality of interior finishing

– The secondary market is dominated by cars with weak engines

– Modest equipment of many copies

Prices for individual spare parts - replacements:

Lever (front): PLN 160-240

Discs and pads (front): PLN 150-300

Clutch (complete): PLN 230-650

Approximate offer prices:

1.3, 2003, 130000 11 km, thousand zlotys

1.4 TCDi, 2002, 165000 12 km, thousand zlotys

1.6 TDCi, 2007, 70000 20 km, thousand zlotys

2.0 ST, 2007, 40000 25 km, PLN

Photos by Now_y, Ford Fiesta user.