Nothing has gone wrong with the car.
I would avoid all manual choke Fiesta's because they are very hard to get started in cold weather, and if it is not done correctly the car will splutter a lot.
If you can afford it, buy the LX or Ghia models because they are quieter and are more comfortable.
You're right about manual choke Fiestas. Mine is one of the last 1.1 manual choke versions (a 1992 K), and can be terrible from cold. It usually starts OK, but there is such a lack of power that even moving off can be difficult! This is not only annoying, but also potentially dangerous on junctions etc. It is a fault which should not occur on a 1990's car in my opinion. It's a shame, because the car is otherwise generally good.
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