Ford also knew this. Therefore when it developed the new generation Fiesta it put space and quality into the top priority list.  

The new Fiesta is a lot larger. However, instead of comparing with its predecessor whose origin can be traced back to 1989, we simply take the latest Volkswagen Polo for reference. The Fiesta is 26mm longer and 33mm wider. Wheelbase is 26mm longer too. Only the height is shorter.  

As a result, the cabin becomes one of the largest in the class, matching Polo, Fiat Punto and Skoda Fabia while beating Toyota Yaris and Peugeot 206. Unlike the Volkswagen duo, it gains extra space without adding too much weight. For instance, a fully-equipped 1.4-litre Fiesta Ghia weighs 1000kg, some 100kg lighter than an equivalent Polo. 

Ford’s Zetec-series engines are not very powerful - 80hp for 1.4-litre and 101hp for 1.6-litre, so performance is just average. However, they have lightweight aluminium blocks to relieve the load at front wheels. Best of all, they operate smoothly and eagerly at all rev. Not particularly quiet at high rev, but the noise is pleasing.  

Refinement is also high in the chassis and suspension department. The stiff bodyshell is attached to front MacPherson struts via an NVH-reducing subframe. Springing is firmer than most rivals but damping is superb. The Fiesta has the ride quality and composed handling of big cars, but with more driver appeal than the softly-sprung Polo. 

However, it is not a mini Focus yet. Remember, the Focus has an unique "control blade" independent rear suspension. The Fiesta uses the same torsion beam axle like most rivals in order to squeeze out more cabin and luggage space. Therefore, while it is tuned to deliver a safe-understeering feel that most customers want, it is not versatile enough to satisfy keen drivers.  

The steering is also a let down. Previous Fiesta provided uncorrupted and sharp steering feel. The new one is not very communicative although it is kickback-free. Feel has been given way to refinement. 

I am not sure whether it is the best handling supermini today. Toyota Yaris steers more eagerly and agilely, but the Fiesta is more stable and composed in twisty roads and on rough surfaces. However, its ride quality is definitely more polished. 

4 six-footers can sit comfortably in the Fiesta, with plenty of leg and headroom. Build quality of cabin is very satisfying, especially the solidity of dashboard. It employs high-quality plastics just overshadowed by Volkswagen.  

Get out of the car, look at its exterior shape once more and you may notice it is more like a Volkswagen than Ford. Admittedly, you don’t know what a Ford is supposed to look like. If you judge it by the standard of Focus, you will be disappointed by its conservative styling. Mini car could be funny to look at, but not this one. It incorporates the nose of Focus into a conventional body with Punto-style rearlights. Not very imaginative. Just like the ingredients of the car, it satisfy most people but simultaneously lacks character. 
 

Fiesta ST

Well, performance figures are not everything. What we care more is how it feels. Disappointingly, the Fiesta once again let us down. Its Mondeo-sourced 2.0-litre 16V engine gains a few horsepower from its donor via tuned intake and exhaust, but this is in the price of refinement - a resonance boom occurs at high rpm. The result is an unpleasant sound quality. Moreover, to compensate the lack of torque its gearbox employs very short gearing. This keeps the engine busy as well as noisy. 

Fiesta is always strong at body control and damping. The ST's tuned suspensions, revised steering geometry, larger wheels, tires and brakes sharpen handling further, with little side effect in ride quality. But as before, it is not particularly inspiring to drive and to push to the limits. Artificial steering feel, lack of throttle steer and a not-so-slick gearchange work against driving fun.  

Talking about fun, it is not fun to look either. The angular shape is so bland that Ford has to offer a color scheme employing twin-white stripe running from the bonnet to the roof, resembling the classic Mini Cooper. They forgot how they turned the dull-looking Escort into the eye-popping RS Cosworth. My advice: bring back the Cosworth ! 
 

Fusion

Fusion is a low-budget derivative of the Fiesta. Not only looks like the Fiesta, it retains all the important mechanical design of Fiesta including the same 2486mm wheelbase. However, the whole car is 100mm taller and 100mm longer. Although occupants sit 75mm higher, there are still 25mm extra headroom to boost the sense of spaciousness. Strangely, despite of the unchanged wheelbase, rear seats get a welcomed 68mm extra legroom to make the Fiesta-based car a decent people carrier. This is achieved by placing the rear seats higher and more rearward. On the other hand, the extra 100mm length is spent to the rear overhang thus increase boot volume from 284 to 337 litres. 

Unfortunately, Ford’s conversion work is halfhearted. Despite of the extra room, the Fusion’s interior remains conventional. Rear seats split like any regular hatchback but neither slide, fold flat onto the floor nor detachable. There are not much storage cubbies or other gimmicks too, only the front passenger seat back drop down to become a table. In short, a Honda Jazz will shame this so-called UAV in terms of versatility. New dashboard looks clean but plasticky.  

Because of the same mechanicals, driving character remains similar to Fiesta. Engine is smooth but slow, gearchange is refined, handling is safe and composed, ride is comfortable enough... just the predictable downgrade in performance and handling mark the difference. Anyway, handicapped by its extra weight (150kg) and height, it is not very interesting to drive. Just like the slightly dull exterior.