2000 Ford Fiesta Zetec S review from UK and Ireland

No faults at all.

When we were looking for something to replace our tired (but great) 106 XSi, it never even occurred to us to check out the Zetec-S. There we were wandering around our Ford dealer when this shiny Colorado Red example just leapt out. To be honest, the looks alone half sold us, but the test drive finished the job.

This car is a total joy to drive, and will delight anyone who is remotely enthusiastic about driving. I didn't think I'd find anything that handled as well as the 106, but the Zetec-S does. On pure steering feel and response (and ONLY that I mean), it is scarily close to my friend's Lotus Elise, and proves that power steering done properly is perfectly OK! The result is a car with almost telepathic responses on a twisty road, and which handles with confidence, control and total ease. Ride is a bit harsh, but the trade off is fantastic body control at speed.

The engine is a bit under-endowed, but is sweet, economical and eager. It has lovely clout and an enthusiastic growl between 3,500 and 5,500 RPM, and makes the Fiesta feel quite lively in most "real road" situations. Also, the 5 speed box has a short throw, with a lovely slick, mechanical feel to it. Only when accelerating hard on an open, straight road does its lack of outright BHP show through. The flip side of this however, is a rock solid 35 MPG and insurance group 8E! Bit of a bargain really!

The Fiesta was the base for the Puma which has been often touted as having one of the finest front wheel drive chassis' around, so it's no surprise the car is good. The Zetec-S takes these qualities and combines them with insurability, low running costs and almost Germanic build quality. Sure it won't ripple the tarmac, but it's useable, balanced and every control oozes feel and feedback allowing you to drive it hard and fast in complete safety. Last but not least it looks rock hard. Nice one, Ford!