The Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec Euro 5 3dr is a compact hatchback known for its agile handling, stylish design, and practicality. The Fiesta has been one of Ford’s most popular models, and the 1.25 Zetec variant offers a good balance between efficiency, performance, and everyday usability. Here’s a detailed overview of this model:

Design and Exterior

  • Styling: The Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec features a modern and dynamic design, with a sporty, youthful look. The car’s compact dimensions and aerodynamic shape make it ideal for urban driving.
  • Exterior Features: The Zetec trim adds some stylish touches, including 15-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents around the grille, body-colored door handles, and mirrors. The 3-door configuration gives the car a sportier appearance compared to the 5-door variant.
  • Lighting: The car comes with halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, and front fog lights, which provide good visibility and enhance the vehicle's appearance.

Engine and Performance

  • Engine: 1.25-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine.
  • Power Output: Produces around 82 horsepower.
  • Torque: Delivers approximately 114 Nm of torque.
  • Transmission: Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
  • Performance: The Fiesta 1.25 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 13.3 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 104 mph. While not a performance model, it offers adequate power for city and suburban driving.
  • Driving Dynamics: The Fiesta is renowned for its sharp and responsive handling, making it one of the best-driving small cars in its class. The steering is precise, and the car feels agile and composed on both city streets and country roads. The suspension is well-balanced, providing comfort without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

Interior and Features

  • Seating: The interior of the Zetec trim is well-designed, with supportive front seats that offer good comfort for longer drives. The rear seats are compact but can accommodate two adults for short trips.
  • Dashboard and Controls: The dashboard is intuitive, with logically arranged controls. The materials used are of good quality for a car in this class, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas.
  • Infotainment: The Zetec trim includes Ford’s SYNC infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/AUX inputs, and DAB radio. The system is easy to use and includes voice control for hands-free operation.
  • Comfort and Convenience: Key features include air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electric front windows, and a trip computer. The rear seats are split-folding, which allows for flexible cargo space when needed.

Safety and Technology

  • Driver Assistance: The Fiesta Zetec comes equipped with features like rear parking sensors, hill start assist, and Ford’s MyKey system, which allows parents to set speed and audio limits for younger drivers.
  • Safety: It includes multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), and ISOFIX mounting points for child seats. The car has a strong safety record, making it a secure choice for families.

Fuel Economy

  • Efficiency: The 1.25-liter engine is economical, achieving around 49-54 mpg (UK) on combined cycles. This makes it a cost-effective option for daily commuting and longer trips, with relatively low CO2 emissions for its class.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Excellent handling and driving dynamics, making it fun to drive.
  • Economical with good fuel efficiency and low running costs.
  • Modern and stylish design with a sporty 3-door layout.
  • Practical interior with a good level of standard equipment.
  • Strong safety features and driver assistance technologies.
Cons:
  • Modest performance, especially on highways or when fully loaded.
  • Rear seat space is limited, particularly for taller passengers.
  • The infotainment system has a small screen by modern standards.
  • Boot space is average for the class but can be expanded with folded rear seats.

Practicality and Usage

  • Space: The Fiesta offers a practical cabin for a compact car, with reasonable headroom and legroom in the front. The rear seats are more suited for children or short trips with adults. The boot has a capacity of around 290 liters, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
  • Driving Experience: The Fiesta 1.25 Zetec excels in urban environments, thanks to its compact size, light controls, and excellent maneuverability. It’s equally comfortable on the motorway, though the engine is better suited to city speeds.

Summary

The Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec Euro 5 3dr is an ideal choice for those seeking a stylish, practical, and economical small car. Its strong points are its sharp handling, comfortable interior, and efficient engine, making it well-suited for both city driving and longer journeys. While it’s not the most powerful variant in the Fiesta lineup, the 1.25 Zetec offers a great balance of features, economy, and driving enjoyment, all wrapped in a stylish and well-built package.
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