New Ford Fiesta vs new Ford Focus: verdict

Our verdict

If you don’t need the extra space afforded by the Focus and opt for a cheaper trim level, the Fiesta remains a good buy. No other small car is as much fun to drive, but we can’t help but be disappointed by the lack of standard automatic emergency braking (AEB), so just make sure you add this crucial safety aid, regardless of trim level.

The Focus is a more well-rounded car for family use, though. It may not be quite as agile as the Fiesta, but it’s still a cracking car to drive – plus you get the benefits of its more comfortable ride, plusher and roomier interior, greater refinement and additional kit. With all of these things taken into account, the Focus justifies its higher price and running costs.

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1st - Ford Focus

For Smoother ride; better driving position; more interior space; slicker gearbox; better equipped
Against Fiddly air-con controls; sound system’s subwoofer takes up boot space
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Ford Focus review >>

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2nd - Ford Fiesta

For More entertaining handling; cheaper to buy and run
Against No automatic emergency braking as standard; disappointing interior quality; engine isn’t as responsive at low revs
Recommended options Driver Assistance Pack (£350)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Ford Fiesta review >>

Find Ford Fiesta deals >>

Specifications: Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost mHEV 125 ST-Line Vignale

Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 123bhp at 6000rpm
Peak torque 125Ib ft at 1400-4500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 9.5sec
30-70mph 15.9sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 8.7m
70-0mph 48.6m
Noise at 30mph 61.7db
Noise at 70mph 67.0db
Kerb weight 1275kg
Tyre size (std) 205/40 R18
Fuel tank 42 litres
CO2 emissions 122g/km

Specifications: Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost mHEV 155 ST-Line Vignale

Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 153bhp at 6000rpm
Peak torque 140Ib ft at 2100-5500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 9.2sec
30-70mph 14.3sec
Top speed 131mph
30-0mph 7.9m
70-0mph 40.9m
Noise at 30mph 61.2db
Noise at 70mph 66.7db
Kerb weight 1349kg
Tyre size (std) 235/40 R18
Fuel tank 52 litres
CO2 emissions 121g/km

Test weather conditions Dry

Cars pictured

Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost 125 mHEV ST-Line Vignale 5dr with Beautiful Berry exclusive metallic paint (£775), opening panoramic roof (£995) and Matrix LED headlights (£850)

Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost 155 mHEV ST-Line Vignale with Fantastic Red exclusive metallic paint (£825), opening panoramic roof (£995) and dynamic LED Matrix headlights (£950)

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