New Ford Fiesta 2018 Review - the best small car? | Mat Watson Reviews

The new Ford Fiesta is here. In this video I take it for a full test drive, check out its new tech and see just how practical it is. The big question is though - is it better than the new SEAT Ibiza and does it do enough to take on the forthcoming Volkswagen Polo? Well watch my review and make up your own mind. In this video I am testing the three-door version in ST Line specification with the 1.0-litre ecoboost turbo petrol with 140hp. Needless to say I do a 0-60mph test to see just how quick it is, and check its economy too - but can I get close to the claimed figures from Ford?
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[@carwow]

Save £2,000 on a Ford Fiesta with Ford’s scrappage scheme. Find out how here: www.carwow.co.uk/guides/buying/ford-scrappage-scheme-what-cars-qualify?KZbin&Make-ford-scrappage_scheme-Type-guides

[@jordanbell4420]

why are you promoting a scrappage scheme? Do you have any idea how many perfectly good cars were scrapped in the old scheme (such as classic Mini's, Audi Quattro's, and Mercedes SEC's, to name but a few)?

[@K9B8H6]

But can it escape from a bad guy in a corvette in a mall

[@chawrakaxom559]

96KHA98 but is it green?

[@K9B8H6]

STAR LORD no i dont thinks so

[@yeshwantdasari2075]

STAR LORD no it's red

[@chawrakaxom559]

Yeshwant Dasari noob

[@yeshwantdasari2075]

STAR LORD if you couldn't tell I was making a joke about the Twingo episode So fuck you buddy :)

[@m44kka]

your reviews are the best mann

[@WycliffStudios]

Man*

[@ilovecars2558]

Ikr *man

[@kossak007]

The interior really looks much nicer and cleaner but I'm not sure about the exterior, looks a bit dull compared to the previous model, like a cross between the new Ford Ka and the B-Max...I just think the headlights and the front grill don't really match.

[@lucozade8373]

Kossak spot on

[@f181234]

Kossak the old one wasn't a looker either overall this is an improvement

[@junuvojam8453]

Certainly looks bigger, seeing the older fiesta in real life and imagining how a properly proportioned and sized human could fit in it, preferably in one piece sombered my enthusiasm. That and the 90s casio watch level of buttons on the dashboard, and it's tiny screen... This car looks like it has grown up... More of a competitor too the golf than ever..

[@Catalina._]

f181234 Are you on crack? the older one is the best looking small hatchback imo

[@117HALOREACH]

Which old one give me a year

[@peterthwaites5891]

Why do they insist on making "small cars" larger with every new model? the Fiesta is now almost the size of a mk1 Focus, and the KA+ is bigger than a mk1 fiesta!

[@Damocles178]

Yeah it's quite mad. In fact even the Mk7 Fiesta is longer than the MK1 Golf; the only thing it didn't take from it was the width. These things just keep growing. These super-mini's are borderline small family cars! It'll get to the point where super-mini's shouldn't even be called super-mini's anymore.

[@Maxmulham]

This is a phenomenon that has existed for all classes of cars/trucks etc. Compare the old first generation Ford Explorer to the size of the one out now. It got so big that Ford introduced the Escape in 2000 ish which is the relatively the same size as the first generation Explorer but look at the Escape nowadays. All car companies are guilty of this, not just Ford, and it's just annoying.

[@kakadots]

Exactly. Same with VW etc they're pushing the superminis into the family hatchback class above so they can plug the 'small car' gap with city cars...

[@UhOhUmm]

1. Safety. 2. Larger wheelbase for stability on the road and ability to take more weight. 3. Better sound isolation as a result of more overall weight. 4. People have more money and want to buy larger cars. It's not like small cars don't exist anymore, they just aren't bought.

[@07Corcaigh]

Peter Thwaites It's now taller and wider than a mk1 Focus

[@MrAyrshire123]

Great review as always mat. You Provide the service that top gear stopped doing years ago i.e. Testing cars that regular folks buy. Having said that I wish you had reviewed the fiesta Zetec as that's probably the one most people, myself included will be looking to own. Cheers buddy.

[@arashk1849]

EVERY FUCKING CAR IS GOING LARGER WE WANT THE SAME SIZE AS THE LAST MODEL WE COULD'VE GOT A FOCUS IF WE WANTED MORE SPACE

[@lilshaq4918]

arash kahedi sooo true

[@dchris91]

calm down hindi trash

[@arashk1849]

De Bo fuck off Mexican go listen to your berto shit

[@hearthjunkie8173]

Maybe they are getting bigger because people are getting fatter? Thought about that? Lol

[@umuthansahin6394]

dude its about price

[@Happykillerrr]

Thanks Carwow! I've bought the Mk8 St-line today, thanks to this video. I wasn't to sure about the new exterior. Though at the dealer it was so much better. I love the alloy's and the interior so much. Great little car. 4 Months untill deliver.. but yeah, worth the wait.

[@jannevaatainen]

I had a '89 1.0 Fiesta, and THAT was a fun little thing. Gotta love the simplicity of the old cars. The problem was, it rusted like crazy.

[@TheSteven2704]

I am in love with the front led day running lights

[@FuzeDzn]

I had to decide between 2017 ST-Line 140 or the new 2018 ST-Line 140. And overall, despite the lack lustre interior of the old one, I just loved the shape of the older one so much more that I had no choice. Especially given the wait before they're out for customers too. Now sure, in 2 years I'll more than likely switch my car to the new shape, but for now. I couldn't be happier with my epic white fiesta.

[@thescranline]

I don't even like cars that much. I'm just in love with this guy. That accent!

[@megamind8359]

Yo gay nigga!?

[@user-ef7qh6qm5w]

Fruity

[@0scartheCat]

That’s an 021 accent .......

[@legendyonis830]

@@megamind8359 don't be racist man

[@megamind8359]

@@legendyonis830 that's how i talk ! Am not being racist

[@owenkimandi3557]

Matt you are so much fun,the reviews aren't bad either.

[@TheCoomer]

Just bought mine today, I have to say, I can fit into it! Fantastic

[@russianpenguins]

Thankfully those nasty buttons on the dash are gone! :)

[@uzayramer7652]

what's really impressive is the fact that it comes with a Bang & Olufsen sound system which is usually found on premium vehicles like Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Aston Martin

[@RSDonovan]

All that wind but the audio is crystal clear! What microphone are you using - I want one! Great content, thanks

[@iot1452]

Brilliant. I'm convinced to get a Fiesta as my first car now. Looks great and feels well made. Not an ST though, but the normal Fiesta with a few useful options.

[@Ali-ew9gv]

What did you end up going for

[@chunkplunk]

​@@Ali-ew9gv we'll never know

[@prayerpowersr854]

looks like a fiesta, until it turns it's back and looks like a c-max

[@Chris-fy8rk]

And that has ruined the Fiesta for me

[@soufianemors6853]

John Kyon and that made it look a familly car ..not a youth one anymore

[@Wh3atley]

Yeah the back looks like a very unexciting hyundai

[@irj]

John Kyon I

[@incgohd]

and they all thought the same, not going to mention that in my review. It'll probably suggests a step back. Bad business.

[@stephandolby]

It'll be interesting to see if the glove box remains large on the RHD model. There's a bit of a lip over the rear seats when they're folded down; there doesn't look to be an adjustable false floor to make up the difference. Some of the dash design reminds me of the 208 GTi. Grille differences between trim levels aren't unique to the Fiesta but they're quite interesting here. It does look very nice and pretty posh; it's a shame that it's a bigger car than before - thus getting even closer to the Focus - but I hear they've still been able to trim some weight off, and cylinder deactivation technology appears to have been introduced as well which can only be a good thing.

[@write2chrisrushton]

A very entertaining video, and good that the ESP saved you on that corner!!! :-)

[@5MinutePsychology]

I have recently driven the 100bhp, 1.0 version. It drives really nicely. I like the way it looks, I like the way it sounds. I don't really like the touch screen, though. Mat, great review as always!

[@Aenkor1982]

S Ant was feeling the same way as you. Drove the Ibiza after the Fiesta and bought the st line.

[@gamesmaster1060]

Yeah I like the 100bhp version but I don't like the ib5 gearbox that much

[@lucozade8373]

Looks like a mini focus, back looks like a Ford people carrier. But the interior looks good, especially the dashboard

[@klackon1]

Easily the best review of this car I have viewed so far.

[@ysjmichael]

'sneezed onto the dashboard' - loved the expression :)

[@mrafeht]

The new Fiesta looks massive compared to the one I had 30 years ago.

[@albertitogsb]

Omg u are filming next to Valladolid, my city hahaha

[@alexchad1000]

Very nice !!!!!! I like that's wider and longer !! Awesome Job Ford!

[@94BrunoO]

Great exterior design, the interior is superb, loads of good equipment, fair price and it comes in 3 doors. I think I might actually buy one

[@czcz5149]

"Sneezed onto the dash" 😂

[@sambroadbent9327]

Love the new steering wheel

[@LeandroMH]

Finally clean inside! Sooo much better now!

[@danmar007]

I'm in Canada but I still enjoy your reviews.

[@z00h]

Mat, you are the best car reviewer out there mate. No doubt.

[@andycollier1268]

Glad you told us it was the ST...looks about as sporty as Ann Widdecombe

[@andycollier1268]

actually hang on a minute, 140hp 1.0 litre, So is the the new ST? or is the 'ST-LINE' a lower performance trim level? Im very confused

[@simonhansen6618]

It's the ST Line. The real ST is not out yet :)

[@Ronishkapoor]

good job man .. jst love ur reviews ;>

[@akie64]

Excellent review, really like the new fiesta, retained the cars dna but just brought up to date.

[@ericgeorge5483]

I am a huge Ford fan so needless to say, I love this car!!

[@JoeDrinks]

Mat where is your nearest boozer mate? I'm free this weekend if you want a pint

[@carwow]

Sure man - I live in London so my nearest boozer is the London pub. First round is on me - I'll see you there ;-)

[@MICHGO1]

THIS A DATING SITE?

[@sadikniwas]

Did you eventually meet for a drink then aha

[@NotstarvinMarvin]

he Blew mat

[@MillieonaVespa]

MICHGO1 lol

[@patrickb827]

Thanks Mat for another great review! Thrilled to hear the new Fiesta handles as well as the old one! Also that the quality and infotainment have improved! As for the looks, however, I can't say they make my heart beat faster... It looks like a more boring, grown-up sibling of the old Fiesta. I particularly dislike the humped nose look at the front.

[@Gunner_182]

The new fiesta is growing on me. I love my current Ecoboost, but will def upgrade when it comes to my country.

[@Jaykae_t]

front is starting to look like a Grande Punto

[@patrickb827]

True! I thought it reminded me of another car, but couldn't think which one

[@soundseeker63]

From the front, yes! From the back its like the old S-Max.

[@Pierronimo8764]

or an Aston Martin.

[@RobbertKuiper]

Owning a Grande Punto which I will replace with an mk8 Fiesta within a few years, so can confirm.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I prefer the looks of the old fiesta except the interior

[@craighilton6758]

same

[@FionnMccrow]

I genuinely think that the old fiesta is one of the ugliest cars on the road, however I think that this one is one of the best looking cars on the road, it's strange.

[@seemonthegac6283]

stitching looks wonky

[@oscartaylor8834]

I live near the uk testing ground for Ford, and saw one of these yesterday in white in 5 door. Looks quite nice but less youthful than before!

[@chazh7835]

I love it, especially that they upgraded the infotainment, however it does look so big and stuck on...

[@WulyJmpr]

nearly did a Hammond!!

[@NeilTheDruid]

The back end looks like a Kuga that's had its stilts nicked.

[@infernoCBR]

The new interior looks miles better than the current one but I don't like the new rear at all. I've owned a 2016 model for a year now and I'm pretty pleased with it, but will take the new one for a spin once it's available and see if it's worth the upgrade. Thanks for the review.

[@chrissydenham6668]

Matt, the car reviewer for the people!! A great job you do. Cheers.

[@JMB1891]

The interior is a big improvement, although that's not saying much considering how dated the old car was. Exterior looks okay but a bit bland, biggest problem is the price.. this ST-Line is nearly £20k which is bloody silly money for a Fiesta.

[@schrodinger4473]

Ordered one yesterday for year end using the scrappage scheme, got it for £13,780 in 125 St-line trim w/ premium colour & city pack. Theres a difference between retail and actual provided you know how to haggle. At least with Ford. VW will probably stare at you for 5 seconds then demand you to leave the premises for breathing the same air and are only accepting deisels to make up for their own failures. The R-Line Polo is apparently starting around £20k and VW have 6% finance (Ford being 2.9%), I believe ST line is around £17-18k starting.

[@skylineXpert]

we shall see when the new ST arrives. 1.5 3-cylinder 197bhp.

[@Dhruvv_96]

Mat, could you do a video on 'First Car' for students pleaaasee? Love your reviews, its like watching top gear but within 5-10mins!

[@scottsherman7069]

Dhruv M A new shape Citroen C1 is a good first car, although the clutch takes a little to get used to. The Airscape Flair is the model I recommend.

[@JonLondrezos]

Just test driven and ordered the new Fiesta through a Carwow deal. Very impressed with the new car and very happy with the discount through Carwow.

[@watchfreeshits]

Just got one last week! Should've waited for the new polo ):

[@the-boring-car-guy]

Faiz Wiralaga you at least got the more fun car

[@ga7emirallas14]

really nice video can you please make one for the ford focus ?

[@SDav21]

I still prefer the look of the previous prefacelift version especially in 3 door format. It aged so well and still looks great. I didn't really like the Astom like grille on the previous facelift version because it didn't seem to match the rear design. And with this new one, the front looks too bulbous and a bit wierd and the rear reminds me of an MPV.

[@ydmf2]

wish we had the 3 door in North America...

[@nov3019892008]

Why would you prefer to have something impractical?

[@Chris391971]

The best car for price, quality and comfort. The best selling car for good reason

[@JimboJammy]

I'd personally have the new ibiza, good to see the fiesta get better though, not such a fan of how it looks, preferred the old one but it's not too bad! I quite like fords infotainment system so it's good to see the fiesta gets that too!

[@Bortham7]

I like the fact that they changed the entertainment system. I think it is a nice car, it is somewhere there alongside the new Polo, so thumbs up.

[@viktorezatinia8984]

That interior is probably one of the nicest looking supermini interiors i have seen.

[@jamie_ar]

Front looks like the old Punto, bulging bonnet with the oval lights :(

[@vigi4]

Very skilled reviewer!

[@sampanse653]

I like the u were shooting..

[@iCoolaxe]

Looks less sporty than the old one

[@dawnvfxx]

i disagree there - this has a more premium style of sport, where it looks elegant and quick at the same time.

[@TheRacingpig]

you know it's a car for yobos when the sub replaces the spare wheel

[@welshwizzard100]

nice one mat good video thanks

[@SiyathWidyaratne]

Really like this car! Great Review :)

[@zaidzubair8290]

When's the Model X Review coming out?

[@carwow]

We've done it - and it will be out within a month. But there's something else before then you may like...

[@zaidzubair8290]

Now I'm even more restless... thanks Matt ;)

[@MrMagnificentMedia]

I can't believe the votes are saying this new Fiesta looks better than the outgoing model. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess.

[@angioproceed2402]

My 99bhp mk 7 drives amazin. Standin start blows off bigger Bmers. drop power top end and the dickheads just have to prove they'vre a bigger dick. Hhahahahhaahahahahh

[@ViperVenom]

I like my 2015 better then this

[@andrewcarrington586]

Rear lights on the old model looked way better

[@mrlooneycooney8948]

the mk6 looked alot better still...

[@MegaTheoretisch]

I think everyone likes his own model most, but i asked many not ford owners and they all say that the new model looks best. I like my mk8 very much but the mk7 looks good as well

[@benkegg4419]

looks a little more like the front end of the Focus and if it's wider, will it be the style we need to wait for an outrageous RS version!! :)

[@AndrewSalinass]

Damn I want it now. Legit exactly like this color and the interior

[@evau178]

Why are they making cars longer and wider, I mean roads aren't getting wider :(

[@Awayze]

We are getting fatter

[@flyhighpizzapie]

The back looks like a c-max from 2011. I'm really not a fan. Edit: Changed 2007 to 2011

[@miskatonic6210]

flyhighpizzapie More like a Subaru.

[@milinddixit6583]

Yeah I noticed that the most as it drove away around 3:58. Too wide and flat. The rear lights need to be lower down I think. Maybe a different colour might help...something to contrast the rear lights, I don't think red helps.

[@xIcarus227]

It looks like a 2011 C-Max, not 2007, you're a bit off. But I agree, not a fan of the back either.

[@flyhighpizzapie]

Yeah you're right, I'll edit my comment now.

[@xIcarus227]

No biggie, the C-Max isn't seen so often so it's understandable.

[@alvstar84]

I did prefer the old one a hell of a lot but this new ones a grower. I'm starting to really like it.

[@ivjack4470]

i got this car yesterday for a early bday present so happy with it

[@zydg7787]

How is it so far?

[@janhaugen6034]

omg i want that new fiesta !!!! :D

[@tmr_media6927]

jan haugen Naa the st for me

[@comegetmecoward778]

You have garbage taste, I prefer the previous fiesta because it’s obviously a better car.

[@PolypheusX]

come get me coward Nice argument

[@masculinetruths_]

outside looks like a cmax, inside looks like a corsa. Ill stick with my MK7.5

[@miskatonic6210]

Graham Frame How is this thing similar to german cars? Boring interior, few extras, back looks japanese. It's more like an asian car.

[@owenbatten]

Do a 2022 updated one!

[@spicypretzel7616]

Hello Mr. Watson could you please review the 2017 Renault Clio ? That'd be great.

[@tarbyonlineful]

Love my 2017 Fiesta, glad I didn't wait for the new model! If the old model looked like they'd thrown buttons at the console, the new one looks like they superglued a kids tablet to it! The rear looks like it was lifted straight from the C-max or similar. Rear space also looks like it continues to be poor. Why show the ST line in the test when most people will go for a less sporty model with totally different handling characteristics though? Does the fiesta STILL not have flat folding rear seats?

[@insertnamehere5660]

6 years later but yeah mine has folding seats

[@sbomorse]

It's impressive they've got 140BHP out of a 1.0, especially considering the new VW 1.5 Evo engine only produces 148BHP.

[@Damocles178]

It certainly is. As far as I know the 1.0 Ecoboost has replaced Fords older 1.6 petrol engines. I think the ecoboost 1.0 also has turbo .

[@sbomorse]

Damocles178 any engine with the Ecoboost name is turbocharged hence the 'boost' in the name. I'm pretty sure they've managed to get this engine to 200+ BHP (might be wrong but I know they have got it really high in testing)

[@kevinpraditra]

Plus the sound it makes is purely satisfying. Sounds like half a V6 haha

[@Sherrard50]

I believe they managed to get 200bhp out of the 1 litre ecoboost for their one seater racer years ago. Chris Harris tested a slightly detuned version, worth a watch, it sounded nuts.

[@ViperVenom]

My 2015 1.0L is dead silent stock. Wish I could hear the half a v6.

[@Pinionistus]

I'll keep my 2014 Ford Fiesta in Racing Red, thanks. Although would love me some 140 HP and 6 manual gears to shuffle.

[@Sr.D]

There's a 3 doors option, just for that it's ahead of the competition for me.

[@pirateglam]

Old design is much more catchy for me, this looks like a bit of class copy/alignment..like new Corsa .

[@shroomyesc]

My problem with the old design was that it looked much cheaper than it actually was, like a car made for 3rd world markets or something. this looks worth the price (best in it's class imo)

[@shroomyesc]

And the polo doesn't look generic? The A1 doesn't look like every other audi?

[@safwanc3043]

Great review from Matt, as always! Btw, personally, I'd pick the new Polo. It's definitely got more of an edge and smartness about it

[@zanthony1286]

you can option the Fiesta with 4 speed manual too.

[@pasteywhiteboy8137]

Shame about the back

[@techtips5226]

The back looks like a squashed Mondeo

[@soundseeker63]

Nah, shrunken S-Max

[@coreyjones8271]

XD

[@alijanlondon]

I don't think it's as special looking as the previous model. But I'm still getting an ST Line X (currently have a 2013 Zetec S). I like the new interior and the tech has moved on somewhat

[@petermarino2915]

I'm a huge Ford guy and man, I would love a brand new 2018 Ford Fiesta ST.

[@Jackwylde68]

I think it looks like a riced out b max

[@xIcarus227]

Haha this is actually a hilariously accurate description.

[@tunderwood12]

Totally agree 😂

[@jayjay378378]

looks ok I guess

[@paulelliott6673]

I was waiting for the fiesta to get to the size of a mark 1 focus a very underrated car outhandled my mates Volvo in the snow probably have one now

[@xtsos1]

Very nice review... My question is Ford Fiesta ST-Line or Seat ibiza FR ????

[@gg_vard]

new Fiesta, new Ibiza or new Yaris?

[@jakedexter184]

Γιώργος Βαρδ New Mini Cooper

[@gg_vard]

Jake Dexter the mini is more fancy, premium that the others though

[@StalkRav]

Ibiza by far

[@jakedexter184]

Γιώργος Βαρδ Is that suppose to be an argument against the Mini? 😂 All cars below have been selected before individual specification but similar spec in terms of equipment, power etc. 2017 MINI Cooper (136bhp) - £16,200. 2017 Ford Fiesta ST Line (138bhp)- £16,725. 2017 Toyota Yaris Design (111bhp) - £15,845. (This was the most powerful engine available on the Toyota Yaris Design). 2017 Seat Ibiza FR 1.0 (94bhp) - £16,665. (This was the ONLY engine available on the Seat Ibiza FR model). Please note, the Mini had the most equipment as standard compared to the other three cars. The mini also has the best build quality of the three cars. The Mini has the most amount of customisable feature out of the three cars

[@davidthompson4346]

Jake Dexter A properly equipped Mini is much more expensive than the other options, at least in my parts it is. It is a BMW underneath after all.

[@curtisnolan5993]

why develop such a great interior and then make it look like a small B max? it's a thumbs down from me ford👎

[@curtisnolan5993]

Throw Rowley I honestly would, the problem is the last fiesta was revolutionary in its design especially the ST model but it seems ford have no imagination left, would take a polo GTI in a heartbeat over this.

[@revolutions88]

Curtis Nolan go buy a Reliant Robin then

[@curtisnolan5993]

Revolutions88 i would do.. but I'm too busy waiting for my 67 plate Q30

[@revolutions88]

Curtis Nolan lets see if that’s as fun to drive as a Fiesta

[@curtisnolan5993]

Revolutions88 don't get me wrong it's a great car and I bet it's good to drive, just expected something else from ford, not for me thanks

[@FrightfulAccountant]

Truth been said, I love the seats, great looking, probably great to sit in them to! But from a practical standpoint, a Honda Jazz 1.5 ivtec offers simular performance, above acceptable handling and a lot more space and practicality for the money of this spec.

[@ScottPC]

Matt, better bring me some carwow mercy at goodwood this week... ;)