Covered with water bubbles from the overnight rain, the paint radiated as the rising sun went through the water spheres, two drops falling over the headlights as if to draw dragon eyes on this Pokémon shape. Despite all the optional tech featured on this car, there is no back-up camera, but once you’re on the move the party begins. The raspy exhaust, precise steering and purring engine all entice you to have some fun on your journey, yet the highway ride is refined and serene, the helm firm, the tracking true and the revs under control (2,500 at 100 km/h).
Not as true over the week was the trip computer, crediting me with 7.8 L/100 km against a manually calculated 8.8, my commuting almost matching the city rating. Suspension is taut but never brutal, a high tossability index is helped here by the 195/50R16 tires that come with the SE Black package. The minuscule disc/drum brake setup proves up to the task on this light vehicle and inspires confidence.
At your destination, the Fiesta is a cinch to maneuvre around obstacles and park in tight downtown confines, like the true European that it is. 1.2 million km? Anytime, Li’l pumkin, anytime.
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Warranty: 3 years/60,000km; 5 years/100,000km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 5 years/100,000km roadside assistance Competitors: |
Pricing: 2016 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback
Base price: $16,749
Options: $6,095 (PowerShift dual-clutch automated manual, $1,250; Group 201A Sport appearance package, includes Sync 3 with 6.5-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, sport cloth seats, driver’s manual lumbar support, leather-wrapped shift knob, compact spare aluminum wheel, $910; body kit, includes front airfoil, rear valence, side rocker mouldings and fog lamps, $995; Comfort package, includes heated seats, electronic auto temp control and heated mirrors, $550; Engine block heater, $100; Interior protection package – dealer-installed accessory, $150; Fiesta lower door stripe graphics, $200; voice-activated navigation, $800; Remote-start system, $300; SE Black package, includes black dual power-heated mirrors with blind spot lenses, black-accented machined 16-inch alloy wheels, black grille and black fog lamp bezels, $600)
Freight and PDI: $1,600
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $24,544
Most Practical Used Small Cars Under $10K
December 26, 2013
