2000 Ford Fiesta Zetec S from UK and Ireland - Comments

None. Apparently there was a problem with the brakes before I picked it up, but they had it sorted by the time I arrived to collect the car.

Not only does this car look ace, it handles superbly. The steering is so precise and it really shows on winding roads.

Acceleration is good, it's a lot faster than the Focus Zetec I've just traded in.

It comes into its own between 2500 and 3500 RPM - the traction control seems to help acceleration as well.

I'm still getting used to the fact that the rear seats are within reach! The Focus was massive compared to this. But I wanted a sports car, so I've had to compromise on space.

The only criticism I have is that the silver mesh used between the lights should also have been used below the bumper - instead of the black stuff.

Oh well, you can't have everything!

Hello.

My mate fitted the silver mesh and it looks well nice.

I wrote the above review after the first few days of ownership. I've now done 2000 miles and still no real problems. The car is noisy, there are a few rattles, but not much else.

There is one thing though. The engine makes a hissing noise as I apply pressure to the accelerator. It sounds like the car is sucking in air? If anyone has any ideas as to what this is, let me know!!!

Yes, it is perfectly normal. My car also does this. It is just air intake when you snap on and off the gas. Nothing to worry about at all!

What a beautifully written review. I feel motivated to go out an buy one!

Well done Mr Zetec-S! And as they say in France: "Je Suis tous le monde!"

The sound is definitley the intake through the filter, as the induction system is so well designed, it is able to intake a lot of air, without much restriction (like a "performance" induction. This is why you can hear the "sucking" noise from the filter.

I don't know what engine you had in your focus, but my superchipped 2.0 zetec focus absolutley eats the silly fiesta and with 18 inch alloys lowered and the traction control on my focus it is more than an equal match on bends.