Ford Fiesta ECOnetic: On the Drive – Vince’s Test Drive

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic Road Test / Review – Vince’s Drive

This was my first chance to drive Ford’s new eco-friendly Fiesta since the press launch in January, and my opinion hasn’t changed. This really is a great little car. This new Fiesta is bigger than the previous model and it benefits from that, giving this new version a much more sure-footed feel. And it’s good to give the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic a proper Road Test.

I got the Fiesta to play with over a few days that should have been days off (thanks, John!). So the ECOnetic got used as it would probably be by most buyers – as a family run-around. And it really was an easy car to live with. My teenage daughter – who is the reason for most of my domestic mileage – was actually happy to be seen with me. This good-looking Fiesta has that power!

The car, although bigger, is still very easy to manoeuvre and park, especially with the rear parking sensors fitted (an extra-cost option). As the majority of my mileage consisted of running various people to either work, school, or netball related events, easy manoeuvring and parking was very important. The Fiesta fitted the bill just fine.

The ECOnetic also boasts impressive fuel economy – doubtless the main plus point for prospective buyers – and the on board computer was still claiming over 51 mpg when the Fiesta ECOnetic went back after a couple of days (even with all the short, stop-start trips playing at Dad/Husband/Taxi Driver entailed – few of them over a couple of miles long and most from a cold start).

The gear change indicator light (which indicates the optimum change-point for economy), which I originally thought would be annoying, actually wasn’t. In fact, driving around town at the busiest times, I found that I was often changing gear in sync with the light anyway.

The interior on the ECOnetic was obviously designed to fit a tight budget, and it shows. But the result is perfectly acceptable and clever little design features, like the textured dashboard top and the integrated audio/menu controls, make the Fiesta’s cabin very comfortable and easy on the eye. And because this new Fiesta is bigger than previous models there is legroom in the rear even with the drivers’ seat well back. As with all Fords the equipment is well placed and easy to use, and I readily accept that the Fiesta ECOnetic will be bought because of its environmental impact, rather than it’s interior. That said, the interior really isn’t a bad place to be – it’s just not exactly plush.

On the whole the Fiesta was a pleasant addition to the family chauffeur fleet (!), and certainly any shortcomings (which are really only the price and the slightly basic interior) were completely irrelevant to my daughter – and her netball team – who loved it.

And actually, so did I.

Go to Section:

Part 1 – Fiesta ECOnetic Road Test Introduction & John’s Test Drive
Part 2 – Fiesta ECOnetic Road Test – Vince’s Test Drive
Part 3 – Fiesta ECOnetic Road Test – Claire’s Test Drive
Part 4 – Fiesta ECOnetic Road Test – Carla’s Test Drive
Part 5 – Fiesta ECOnetic Road Test / Review – Cars UK Conclusion & Quick Tech Specs

View the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic Photo Gallery