Ford Fiesta CL 2009 review

Why do people say something is 'as cute as a button'.

A button isn't cute. It's a fiddly, slippery thing thats entire life is dependant on a strand or two of cotton thread.

It will break at the most inopportune time, causing grief to the wearer. Nothing about a button is cute.

A Fiesta, however, IS cute.

Even the first model easily fell into the `cute' category and was so alluring that thousands were sold to young ladies seeking style and sensibility. 

Exterior

The latest is a bit more edgy in shape, but it still has the characteristics of the first model.

Teardrop headlights and high, slim tail lights combine with the `bunched up' wedge profile of the Fiesta to make it a distinctive addition to the traffic.

Subjectively, the three-door is prettier. It conveys a more sporty nature. The five is obviously more practical.

The CL manual model tested comes with 15-inch steel wheels covered by silver-painted plastic covers. Again, practical — but not necessarily an elegant look. 

Interior

Edgy on the outside, interesting on the inside. The dashboard is neat, modern and very user friendly.

Yes, there is a conflict of materials and colours but it works. There are even sections of soft-feel material on the dash that really lifts the car's perceived quality.

There's also plenty of storage spaces — including a hinged pocket on the lower right-side of the dash — and a glovebox capable of accepting more than a glove.

Driver's of all sizes should get comfortable in this car. The driver's seat is height adjustable and the steering wheel can adjust in both tilt and telescopic.

Visibility is fine and parking is good because you can sense where the tail end is abruptly cut off. The small triangles of glass just forward of the front doors aid side vision.

The front seats get surprisingly long cushions to support the thighs, which is very welcome for anyone spending a lot of time behind the wheel.

There's room in the back for two adults with sufficient head and legroom, though like most of its rivals, the Fiesta seat is firm and shapeless.

Shoppers will rejoice with a huge boot that is both deep and long. The seat is split-fold to boost cargo room.

I disliked the tinny clang of the doors closing. Unusually, the rear hatch closes with a solid thump.

The boot's hatch is generous in the size and height of its opening but may be difficult for smaller people to close.

Ford provides a space-saver spare though a full-size wheel can fit. The test car had an optional “full-size” 80km/h-limited 175/50R14 Goodyear Duraquip spare that appears physically as big as the 195/50R15 road wheel.

If you drive in the country, get this Duraquip version or, better, ask for a proper tyre. 

Models and pricing

The CL five-door manual model tested here is the entry-level version with a $16,490 sticker price.

You may save $740 by forgoing two doors but if you have any more than two friends, you may end up regretting that saving.

Ford add more goodies for the LX ($18,490) and Zetec ($20,990). Autos add $1500 but the engines are only 1.4 litres, not the 1.6 units fitted to all the manual models. Deduct $740 for the three-door models.

Electronic stability control, traction control and five extra airbags — taking the number to seven — cost $1000 as a package and no owner should leave the showroom with out it.

Drivetrain and chassis

For those of you who came in late, the Fiesta is basically a Mazda2 and that's all good news.

The front-wheel drive baby gets an 88kW/152Nm 1.6-litre engine for the manual transmission model.

But opt for the auto and the engine is a smaller 71kW/128Nm 1.4-litre unit.

Ford claims 6.1 litres/100km for the manual and 6.9 l/100km for the auto with CO2 emissions starting at a low 143g/km.

The chassis is very simple with conventional design and components that indicate simple and inexpensive servicing and repair. 

Equipment

The CL's list of features is a string of “A” in the Ford brochure. A stands for Accessory.

But there is airconditioning with a pollen filter, electric front windows, heated and electric mirrors, and a single-CD with MP3 compatibility, an iPod jack and audio controls on the steering wheel. 

Driving

The Fiesta will perform a lot better than you may expect.

The 1.6-litre engine is a torquey, quiet and frugal little unit that has a pleasing kick at about 4000rpm. The gearbox is a conventional five-speeder with accurate shifts and, together with the clutch, a light operation.

Fuel economy on test was 7.2 litres/100km but I was enjoying the engine and could have done a lot better. Sorry.

Handling is surprisingly secure. This is a light car and can move about a bit in sidewinds however displays none of this nervousness through the bends.

The steering is overly light but it all feels comfortably connected. People who enjoy a drive will wear smiles equally as wide as owners ho just want a cheap-ish commuter.

The brakes are front discs and rear drums but there's no complaint from me about their performance.

I liked the ride comfort of the Fiesta mainly because I was expecting a light, thumpy ride. But it's all tied down neatly and the car will soak up bumps without a worry.