Ford Fiesta Zetec 2006 Review

We're the first to confess we're not huge fans of small cars with automatics, but the sporty Fiesta Zetec stands out as an exception to this rule.

Even hooked up to the four-speed auto is a cracker.

It goes off!

• All Fiestas get the same 1.6-litre DOHC 16 valve engine that delivers 74kW of power at 6000rpm and peak torque of 146Nm at 4000rpm. May not sound like much but combined with the car's relatively light weight it delivers a lively power to weight ratio.
• Our four-speed auto test vehicle weighed in at a modest 1089kg, about 25kg heavier than the manual model.
• For the mine's bigger than your's crowd, having the same donk as the entry level model kind of takes the shine off the sports machine but that's life.
• What you do get with Zetec is sports suspension. Combined with larger diameter wheels fitted with low profile tyres it makes for significantly better handling.
• The sports kit delivers a firmer ride, with sharper handling and a more precise steering feel.
• The kit drops the ride height, with stiffer springs and dampers, revised suspension bushes, larger diameter front anti-roll bar and a stiffer rear suspension twist beam.
• 16-inch seven-spoke alloys are fitted with 195/45 R16V low profile tyres,
• Fuel consumption from the 45-litre tank is a claimed 7.5L/100km using standard unleaded petrol, compared with the manual's 6.8L/100km.
• Performance is sharp and the engine is a real buzz saw, revving all the way to 7000rpm in third gear without forcing a gear change. An overdrive lockout button can be thumbed to keep the car in third.
• Ford has given the car a makeover, with changes to bumpers and grille, new head lights, new tail lights, thicker body side mouldings and body coloured handles and mirrors.
• Airconditioning is now standard across the range.
• The front spoiler is quite deep and easily scraped on dips and driveways unless the driver is careful.
• Standard equipment includes ABS anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution, but not brake assist which shows in the amount of pedal force required under heavy brakling.
• It's worth noting too that the car misses out on rear disc brakes, but in a small car it is the front brakes that do most of the work anyway.
• Front driver and passenger airbags are also standard.
• We found the sound system in our test car a little temperamental in dealing with burned CDs, but it produces better than average sound.

  VERDICT: No hesitation recommending this little beauty. Offers plenty of performance even when you opt for the convenience of automatic transmission. Not quite as roomy as Barina but heaps more fun to drive by a country mile.