Ford Fiesta Mk7 review
The Mk7 Fiesta marked a real return to form for Ford
The sixth-generation Fiesta was a real return to form in terms of driving dynamics thanks to the Global B platform and the following Mk7 cemented its position as the most fun supermini from behind the wheel.
Sharing the same platform as the Mk6, the Mk7 was slightly roomier inside and featured more equipment as standard such as air-conditioning, Bluetooth and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but overall it was a sensible evolution of the old car, rather than a complete revolution.
The design also brought a more grown-up feel to the Fiesta, with a longer and wider body than before, plus smoother and less aggressive detailing with horizontal rear lamps mimicking the larger Focus. There’s more refinement on offer compared to the previous model and the level of ride quality was brought up to match the best in the supermini segment.
An excellent range of engines has been core to the Mk7 Fiesta’s versatility and broad appeal. The launch cars used characterful, rev-happy turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engines and an economical diesel but the most enticing came a few months later with the Fiesta ST’s 1.5-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder.
Despite losing a cylinder from the old Fiesta ST, Ford’s hot supermini actually had more power and torque than before with 197bhp and 290Nm. Performance was improved too and Ford managed to create the most enjoyable Fiesta ST yet, taking plenty of wins in our group tests in the process against the likes of Volkswagen’s Polo GTI and the MINI Cooper S.
In 2020 we saw the first hybridised Fiestas, with two 48-volt mild-hybrid offerings join the lineup. The following year, Ford revealed the facelifted Mk7 Fiesta, which brought the styling in line with the also recently facelifted Focus and added technology such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and Matrix LED headlights.
Despite the recent revisions, the Fiesta has been struggling for sales. The COVID pandemic, subsequent car parts shortages, the switch to electrification and not to mention the strong performance of its long-time rival, the Vauxhall Corsa, all contributed to the Fiesta dropping out of the top 10 list in 2021. It returned as the UK's 10th most popular car in 2022 but finished behind two Ford SUVs with the Kuga in 9th and the Puma in 4th. The writing was on the wall for the iconic supermini.
Ford ended Fiesta production in July 2023 as the brand looked to change its focus to pure-electric cars.
