1.6 Zetec-S (Ford Fiesta (1999 onwards) in general)

Member Name: dp_75

Product:	Ford Fiesta (1999 onwards) in general
Date:	04/11/03 (6105 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Storming chassis, Reliability, Looks

Disadvantages: Underpowered, errr....

Had this car for 18 months and I've just sold it to make way for something a bit cheaper and diesel (yuck!) powered in light of a forthcoming house move.

So, what can I tell you about 18 months and 13,000 miles with this little warm hatch? Well, for starters the Zetec-S is one of the most cruelly underrated cars on the market today. The 1.6 litre "Zetec-SE" engine develops 103 horsepower which, whilst not exactly setting the tarmac alight, provides enough punch to entertain. It's a beautifully keen engine as well, growling enthusiastically to the limiter, and providing surprising low down torque for a small 16 valve unit. In most cases, this makes up for its lack of outright power.

The Zetec-S's piece de resistance though is its chassis. What this car is, is a Fiesta with all the steering and suspension components robbed from the critically acclaimed Puma. On the road this gives handling which quite frankly is giant-killing. Despite its modest power, not much will get away from a well driven Zetec-S when the going gets twisty. It gets its power down cleanly, the two and a quarter turn steering is razor sharp and brimming with feel and the brakes are powerful without being over-servoed.

Pedals are set perfectly for heel and toe downchanges, and the gearbox has a knife through butter quality which is normally reserved for Japanese cars. Mid corner bumps are shrugged off and do not upset the car a jot, and for those times when you go into a corner too fast, a lift of the throttle tucks the nose in sharply and induces the most beautifully controllable oversteer to help you around the corner. When you get to know the car, you'll steer it on the throttle as much as the steering itself. Yes, it's a Fiesta, but it has the poise and balance that some "proper" sports cars would kill for.

Reliability was superb. The front anti-roll bar link started knocking (a common problem) but was fixed under warra
nty without any arguments. The only other blot on the record was a passenger electric window switch which became temperamental, but again the warranty paid up and the car was fixed for nowt. It sailed through its first MOT, and never once broke down or failed to start. Well built too and still squeak free when I sold it at 27,000 miles. More than you could ever say about its French rivals.

Fuel economy was good. Even when caning the daylights out of it (it was a difficult car to drive sensibly), it rarely dropped below 30 mpg and would easily achieve 37 on a run. The engine used less than half a litre of oil between services, and about all I had to do to it was top up the screenwash. The other big bonus of the Zetec-S is insurance group 8, which is a by product of the modest power. To look at though, you wouldn't know it. Natty 15" alloys, a bodykit that just about falls into the subtle category, and an aggressive, low stance.

Quibbles? The front seats are naff, and do not provide the required support when exploring that superb chassis. The lack of power was often frustrating too, especially as it was clear the car could handle so much more. I also disliked the superlight hydraulic clutch which made smooth gear changes difficult for a good few hundred miles until familiarity kicked in. It was also truly horrible in the back with no legroom for anyone over 5ft. But apart from that, it was a truly superb little car. I would recommend it to anyone

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