2005 Ford Fiesta Zetec-S review from UK and Ireland

Nothing yet (touch wood)

I've been a hot-match man all my driving life. After owning : a Vauxhall Nova SLE, Peugeot 205 Gti, Fiat Punta Sporting, Fiat Punto HGT and Seat Ibiza Gti, I've just picked up a 55 plate Zetec-S in Magnum Grey, 4k miles on the clock for £8,995. We needed something 'sensible' as we have a baby on the way, but there was no way on earth I was having a boring diesel Focus!! All I can say is that the Zetec is the best car I've ever owned. It is as fun to drive as my old 1.6 Gti (handling, grip, power etc), it's as comfy, roomy and well built inside as the Volkswagen derived Ibiza and hopefully it will be a damn sight more reliable than the 2 Fiat's I've owned which were appalling! And in the dark grey paint it looks stunning!

I'd call the performance 'nippy' compared to my previous cars (HGT being the fastest at 6.3 0-60!) but coupled with the superb handling I can keep snot-nosed Lexus-lighted VTR's out of sight on twisty stuff! VTS would be closer, but he'd beat me on the straights no doubt! And there is a certain exclusivity to the S that you don't get with the more common VTRs or 182s etc.

If you are after a nippy, fun, well handling and well built warm-hatch, then I could not recommend anything better at this price!