Faults:

The boot bracket became loose (looked like a bolt was missing) and eventually damaged inside bodywork.

Power steering cable was rubbing against the drive shaft.

Small, but regular brake fluid leak.

Upholstery on seat wearing badly.

Leather covering on steering wheel also beginning to wear badly.

Clicking noise from front wheels when driving over bumps (Ford don't know what this is)

General Comments:

The car looks absolutely stunning and turns loads of heads, but after three months its build quality is really starting to show.

I have had lots of small annoying problems with it such as leaks and many minor parts have needed replacing.

Other than that the car runs well and has plenty of power for a Fiesta. The acceleration is impressive and the gearbox is nice and tight. Although taller drivers may struggle with gear changes initially.

The handling is particularly good especially on windy roads.

Seats are very comfy and interior is nice.

Stereo system is a little disappointing and needs much more power.

Faults:

Rust between weather seals on driver and passenger side, being repaired under warranty at time of writing.

Anti-roll bar bushes needed replacing due to wear.

Rear wiper sometimes fails to work when first switched on, and then suddenly starts a few minutes later.

Clanking noise when going over speed bumps, although it has gone through a number of services and an MOT without any problems regarding this.

"Leather" steering wheel surface has rubbed off a little.

General Comments:

The car is moderately quick, although it's no hot hatch. Straight line performance is adequate rather than blistering, although relative to my last car is feels very quick. But it comes into it's own on sweeping A/B roads. The handling and grip are brilliant.

The cabin is very nice, I have sat in many cars that are far more expensive and feel really gloomy and black. Inside is bright and attractive, not in the least bit dull. The cabin's appearance had a lot to do with why I bought the car in the first place, because I was actually shopping for a standard Zetec!

Faults:

Electric window switch became intermittent and then packed up altogether.

Anti roll bar link needed replacing at 19,000 miles.

General Comments:

Very pleased with the car. It needs a bit more grunt, but apart from that is seriously hard to fault. It's reliable, it's economical (33-38 mpg) and huge fun to drive.

I had a Saxo VTR which was a lot of fun, but suffered a problem or breakdown on an almost weekly basis. It was also appallingly built.

The Zetec-S is much better quality, although it too is a bit cheap and nasty in places. But then it is a small, cheap car. Has only had two relatively minor issues though and both have been resolved without quibble by a helpful dealer. The Fiesta also has a big advantage in that people over 6ft (like me) can actually get comfortable in it.

Handling is phenomenal. Steering quicker and more communicative than anything I've ever driven (including a 911) and one of the sweetest, slickest gearboxes around. Turns in beautifully, can be coaxed into oversteering when you want it to, and generally leaves a grin on your face on a bendy B-road. The Saxo was also a superb car in this environment, but somehow never felt quite as polished or as finely balanced.

So, to summarise it is a great warm hatch which will hold its own with pretty much anything on a B-road blast. It could do with more power, but does offer some compensation by way of low insurance and good fuel economy. It's a bit quicker than my old VTR, but no match for a VTS (which I have also driven) or a 106 GTi (same car).

That said, it was only supposed to be a warm hatch, and the handling and steering are among the finest available on any car at any price. You will find yourself peeling off motorways and seeking the back routes. I've even caught myself going out to the lanes just for the hell of it and I never did that even in the Saxo.