Neither of these machines is lousy or below average in the handling department-- they’re just what North Americans are used to being sold in a cheap car.
Fiesta takes things up a notch with tighter suspension, sharper steering and a taut chassis that are apparent instantly. Right from the first curve, Fiesta’s rear end follows the front tightly. Response to inputs is more satisfying, and the car exhibits far less drama when throwing its weight around. It’s more like a go-kart and less like a wagon.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel with racing-style thumb grips was a nice touch, too. Hopefully this makes it onto the Canadian model.
Dynamically, the Fiesta’s biggest threat was the Honda Fit Sport. Both are sharp as a tack and eager to please. The Fit even boasts a slightly sportier steering rack, but the Fiesta feels like the smaller and more nimble car by a hair.
Of course, Fiesta drivers probably won’t be squealing tires or slaloming through a parking-lot-- but the handling does reinforce efforts to give this machine an above-par level of entertainment value. After all, Ford of Europe has a reputation for building a competent entry-level car.
Moving from the handling course onto public roads, the Fiesta’s sportiness didn’t invade terribly on ride comfort. The car feels composed and solid over most surfaces, albeit for some occasional choppiness on rougher streets. Engineers have struck a nice balance between ride and handling.
That’s backed up by a light and lively feel to the brakes, steering and shifter. Add in the small turning circle and good visibility, and Fiesta feels comfortable darting around obstacles on busy downtown streets. The highway ride at speed is relatively stable and planted too, and invading noise is kept well within acceptable limits for the segment.
Complaints at first glance? The rear-seat quarters are just adequate for adults, and the exposed metal on the backs of the rear seats looks pretty el-cheapo.
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| The highway ride at speed is relatively stable and planted too, and invading noise is kept well within acceptable limits for the segment. |
Fiesta takes things up a notch with tighter suspension, sharper steering and a taut chassis that are apparent instantly. Right from the first curve, Fiesta’s rear end follows the front tightly. Response to inputs is more satisfying, and the car exhibits far less drama when throwing its weight around. It’s more like a go-kart and less like a wagon.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel with racing-style thumb grips was a nice touch, too. Hopefully this makes it onto the Canadian model.
Dynamically, the Fiesta’s biggest threat was the Honda Fit Sport. Both are sharp as a tack and eager to please. The Fit even boasts a slightly sportier steering rack, but the Fiesta feels like the smaller and more nimble car by a hair.
Of course, Fiesta drivers probably won’t be squealing tires or slaloming through a parking-lot-- but the handling does reinforce efforts to give this machine an above-par level of entertainment value. After all, Ford of Europe has a reputation for building a competent entry-level car.
Moving from the handling course onto public roads, the Fiesta’s sportiness didn’t invade terribly on ride comfort. The car feels composed and solid over most surfaces, albeit for some occasional choppiness on rougher streets. Engineers have struck a nice balance between ride and handling.
That’s backed up by a light and lively feel to the brakes, steering and shifter. Add in the small turning circle and good visibility, and Fiesta feels comfortable darting around obstacles on busy downtown streets. The highway ride at speed is relatively stable and planted too, and invading noise is kept well within acceptable limits for the segment.
Complaints at first glance? The rear-seat quarters are just adequate for adults, and the exposed metal on the backs of the rear seats looks pretty el-cheapo.
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| The 1.6 litre, 119 horsepower four-cylinder engine provided smooth and flexible power thanks to dual variable camshafts. |