2001 Ford Fiesta Techno 1.25 16v from Portugal

Summary:

The hot hatch of its class

Faults:

There is a rattle from the left speaker.

The right electric window is slow when closing.

General Comments:

The engine is powerful for its class, it has a true 16 valve character. It sometimes surprises bigger cars when overtaking. Fuel consumption can be quite high for a car of this class when pushing the revs.

The suspension is well tuned for stability and corner handling/grip. On the other hand, it is not a very comfortable car.

The cabin is well built, but it is a little dated in design and available space. It is a noisy car above 140km/h.

Stock tyres (in Portugal Continental SportContact 185/55R14) offer a lot of grip and feedback, both in wet and dry. Since they are now out of production, I'd like to know a good substitute.

Front lights have an adequate power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2002

16th Sep 2005, 04:24

Greetings.

I also own a 2001 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Techno. I agree with the main features you mentioned. I my case, in high revs he is a fuel eating monster (9 liters or more - 2 gallons).

But with time I learned that using lower revs with the adequate use of the accelerator pedal the fuel consumption decreases to a more reasonable 5 or 6 liters (1.2 UK gallons). But there is something strange. In lower revs, the car sometimes, starts to fail and then powers away. Initially, I was scared. Now it is better.

But, although this minor problems, it is a great car. It even surprises more powerful cars. Of course it doesn't has a chance, but it is fun to see others face, with tuned cars, to see a 1.25 liter Fiesta pull off. After 200 meters or so, others pass ahead.

2001 Ford Fiesta Zetec-S 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Best handling small hatch bar none!

Faults:

Nothing at all really. The build quality of the car could be better, and as stated in previous reports, the whinnying noise when the car is in neutral,and when the car is cold is annoying.

General Comments:

This IS the best handling car that £10k can buy. When "What Car" reviewed this vehicle it gave 5 stars out of Five for the ride and handling. This car shares the underpinning of the Ford Puma which too has won many awards. If only Ford could of put the 1.7 vvti engine from the Puma this would be the ideal hatch. Dealers though please improve your customer service, take a leaf from Toyota in this area!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2002

2001 Ford Fiesta S 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fast car with a lot more to offer

Faults:

The passenger side electric window is slow when closing.

The paint inside the rear bumper is flaking off, due to stone chips.

General Comments:

A very quick and stylish fast hatch.

I was very impressed with the car's braking power.

With only an insurance group of 8, this is really excellent value for money.

I was slightly disappointed with the choice of only 4 colours.

With a little attention to the engine and other areas, you can easily and very cheaply increase the very modest 103bhp, to somewhere in the region of 140bph.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2002

2001 Ford Fiesta Zetec S 1.6 DOHC 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

No rocket sled, but relatively safe, nippy,solid and economical

Faults:

Steering column squeaked for a few months, nothing too serious.

Boot seal let water in, new seal fitted by the dealer.

Engine can pink under load, remedied by using Shell Optimax (higher octane).

General Comments:

Mainly bought the car because it was enjoyable to drive, and at 6'2 245 lbs, I couldn't fit in things like Saxo's without jamming my legs under the steering wheel.

I feel I drive the car enthusiastically, but I have 2.5mm left on my tyres at 16300 miles! I have read reports of people having bald tyres by the time of the 1st service (10,000 miles). I would say inspect used models VERY carefully, lots of spoilt kids and reckless fools abuse these cars. Build quality isn't up to VW standard, but outstrips anything French or Italian.

My car has had only the faults described above, and returns over 42mpg. More after I had it chipped, which also netted +10 bhp at the driven wheels. Optimax petrol makes it run smoother too, and the increase in mpg offsets the extra cost.

I have just ordered a new model, (same monthly payment, more free insurance) in Silver, versus the red one I have currently. Highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2002