New Launches
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 European Launch
Volkswagen’s Crafter has undergone a midlife makeover and gets a new front-end along with new Euro 5 engines… Read More
Volkswagen Amarok UK Launch
The Amarok one tonne pick-up is a Volkswagen from the ground up and from launch is available as a four-wheel drive double cab with a choice of three… Read More
Ford Fiesta Review & Buyers' Guide
£10,625 – £12,765
| Available as | Engine options | Volume (m³) | Payload (kg) | MPG |
| Van, Combi Van, ECOnetic, SportVan |
1.4TD 68hp, 1.6TD 90hp 1.3P 82hpp |
1.0 | 490 – 515 | TBA |
Our Verdict
Not the most practical van on the market, but huge fun to drive. SportVan would be our pick.
Although they’re more practical working tools, purpose-built pocket-sized cargo shifters like Fiat’s Fiorino have yet to eclipse three-door hatchback car-derived load-luggers such as Ford’s Fiesta Van.That’s despite the fact that Fiesta Van doesn’t boast a huge load area. We’re talking a modest 1.0m3, with payload capacities ranging from 490kg to 515kg depending on the model you select.
Power comes courtesy of an 82hp/114Nm 1.25-litre petrol engine, a 68hp/160Nm 1.4-litre diesel or a 90hp/200Nm 1.6-litre diesel. Available with or without a particulate trap, the last-named lump is the sole engine offered in the top-of-the-range SportVan variant. There’s also an 1.4TDCi ECOnetic model that boasts CO2 emissions of 98g/km.
ABS is a standard feature across the line-up as is Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.While Fiesta is a small van, that doesn’t mean to say that you’re short-changed so far as cab space and equipment are concerned. That’s especially the case if you opt for the SportVan.
For your money you get air conditioning, BlueTooth and knee and side airbags for the driver. Other features include Electronic Stability Programme, 16in five-spoke alloy wheels and a sports-tuned suspension with a lowered ride height.Whichever version you pick, Fiesta Van is a hoot to drive, with responsive steering, pin-sharp handling and a fast, very slick gearchange. It’s a shame that only a five-speed gearbox is available though.
If it’s performance you’re after then none of the derivatives disgrace themselves. SportVan, however, is the pick of the litter, with bags of acceleration accompanied by some fabulous sounds from the exhaust.
Service intervals are set at 12,500 miles and Fiesta Van is protected by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty.
Service intervals are set at 12,500 miles and Fiesta Van is protected by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty.
