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30th October 2020 
9 min read 
It’s long been known as the ultimate small hatchback, but what is the best Ford Fiesta model?
By now, we’ll assume you know all about the Fiesta’s incredible handling, its fun drive and incredible practicality.
If you don’t, we’ve explained it all in our entire Ford range overview.
But if you do, now you want to know which is the best Ford Fiesta model. Well, the good news is you have plenty to pick through to find the right one for you.
How many Ford Fiesta models are there?
There are 10 different Ford Fiesta models grouped into six styles. These are:
But which is best? Well, for you to decide, we have to dive a little deeper into each Ford Fiesta model.
What is the best Ford Fiesta model?
Ford Fiesta Trend
Best for low-cost fun
Not the best for high-end spec
The Trend is the entry-level Ford Fiesta. But don’t let that put you off. It’s still loaded with features and great fun to drive.
As standard, you can expect 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights as well as a heated windscreen and door mirrors – making those cold winter mornings a bit more bearable.
On top of that, there’s also Ford’s excellent infotainment system – SYNC – with an 8-inch touchscreen display and, in the back, privacy glass, all adding to Fiesta’s dynamic appeal.
Under the bonnet, you’ve got the choice of four engines – two petrols, a diesel and a hybrid.
Unless you’re doing a lot of miles, we’d recommend the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol. It’s great fun behind the wheel while also being gentle on your bank balance.
Ford Fiesta Titanium
Best all-round Ford Fiesta
Not the best for manual petrol drivers
The Titanium is, in our view, the best all-round Ford Fiesta. It comes in two forms; the standard Titanium and the upgraded Titanium X.
In the Titanium, on top of everything you get in the entry-level Trend, there’s sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as rear parking sensors – giving you a bit more confidence in those tight parking spots around town.
On top of that, there are other luxuries, such as keyless entry and start – making life a bit easier – chrome detailing and cruise control, helping take the stress away from long motorway journeys.
If you want to spend a bit more, there’s the Titanium X.
As well as everything you find on the Titanium, there are bigger, 17-inch alloy wheels, part-leather sports seats and a digital cockpit display – really adding to the car’s luxurious feel.
In addition, keeping your phone powered up on the move is easier through a wireless charging pad and you get to experience the full B&O sound thanks to an upgraded stereo system.
In both cars, there are four power units to pick from – a seven-speed automatic petrol, turbocharged diesel and a pair of hybrids producing either 123bhp or 153bhp – which are great for company car drivers.
Ford Fiesta ST-Line
Best for low-cost sports styling
Not the best for sports-focused engines
The ST-Line is the Fiesta’s low-priced, sports-styled option. If you don’t need the power of an out-and-out ST, or it’s outside your budget, the ST-Line is a great compromise.
There are two versions of the ST-Line – the ‘standard’ car and the ST-Line X. The reason we’re using quotation marks is because the ST-Line is anything but.
For starters, in the lower-priced model, there are exclusive 17-inch Rock Metallic alloy wheels, ST-Line scuff plates and unique ST styling including different front and rear bumpers, skits and a body-coloured spoiler.
Inside, there’s also sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android auto as well as sports seats in the front, amplifying the car’s track-friendly personality.
On top of that, there’s also keyless entry and start as well as cruise control, making those motorway journeys a doddle.
In the upgraded ST-Line X there’s even more spec to help you stand out.
Bigger 18-inch wheels are joined by part-leather seats and a digital driver’s display. As well, there’s traffic sign recognition, making sure you always know what’s coming, and electronic climate control to keep the cabin comfortable.
One downside about the ST-Line is the lack of unique sports engines. Instead, you get the same petrol, diesel and hybrids you find in the Titanium.
They’re great engines nonetheless, particularly the more powerful hybrid, but it’s just a shame there’s no harder option to match the more aggressive styling.
Ford Fiesta Active
Best for off-road styling and drive
Not the best for low-cost motoring
The Active is a crossover-styled Ford Fiesta which looks more rugged and ready to tackle the road ahead.
Unfortunately, there are very few mechanical components to improve the car’s performance off-road, but it certainly looks the part.
Much like the Titanium and ST-Line models, there are two options; the Active and Active X.
The Active, on top of everything you get in the entry-level Trend, comes with black wheel arch protectors and black roof rails to make the car seem taller and more imposing.
There are also more robust 17-inch alloy wheels, which add to the explorer theme of the Active, and rough road suspension to help you glide over bumps and potholes.
As well, there’s room for Ford’s latest infotainment system – SYNC 3 – rear parking sensors to help in tight spots, cruise control and keyless entry and start.
In the higher-spec Active X, you can add more stylish 18-inch ‘shadow black’ wheels, silver roof rails – to signify its more prestigious nature – and sign recognition.
On top of that, there’s the upgraded B&O sound system, electronic climate control and lumbar support; providing a more customisable and comfortable driving experience.
If you’re going to be venturing off the beaten path in your Fiesta Active or Active X, we’d recommend the 1.5-litre diesel engine to give you a bit more grunt.
But if you’re not, there’s also an automatic petrol option and a pair of manual hybrids available.
Ford Fiesta Vignale
Best for luxury driving
Not the best for thrifty cost-saving
The Vignale is the most luxurious Ford Fiesta. Its name resembles a prestigious Italian coachbuilder from the 1980s who prided themselves on the finer details.
And that’s what this version of the Fiesta does, too.
It sits at the top of the Titanium hierarchy – so you get a digital driving display, the upgraded B&O sound system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But on top of that, there’s also a luxurious quilted leather interior, unique body styling and a rear-view camera to make parking and reversing easier.
As well, adaptive cruise control is standard – which keeps you at a pre-set distance from the car ahead to allow for a more relaxing drive – and Active Park Assist – taking the stress away from parallel parking through autonomous steering.
Under the bonnet, you have the same four engine options as much of the range – the auto petrol, manual diesel and two hybrids producing 123bhp and 153bhp.
Ford Fiesta ST
Best for speed and performance
Not the best for low insurance
The ST is the hardest and fastest Ford Fiesta. Although it shares much of its styling with the cheaper ST-Line, in the ST-2, you get a lot of upgrades for your money.
One of which is Recaro front seats, emphasising the car’s sporty nature. On top of that, there’s also a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, unique ST stitching and LED night signature rear lights.
That’s all in addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Ford’s outstanding SYNC 3 infotainment system.
If, however, you want even more from your sporty Fiesta, there’s also the upgraded, top-of-the-range ST-3.
Alongside 18-inch alloy wheels and Recaro seats, there’s an upgraded B&O stereo system and keyless entry and start.
As well, the ST-3 comes with a rear-view camera to make tight parking a little easier and the ST Performance Pack, which lowers the suspension, adds red brake callipers and includes a limited-slip-differential to help you put the power down.
But, of course, the main attraction of the Ford Fiesta ST is the engine.
No matter which version you choose, you have access to the most powerful powertrain in the Fiesta range – a 1.5-litre EcoBoost producing 197bhp.
The turbocharged engines will take you from 0-62 mph in a little over six seconds and will keep going until 144 mph.
For out-and-out performance, nothing comes close to the ST in the Ford Fiesta range.
Approved Used Ford Fiesta range
Of course, the models we’ve discussed are those being rolled off Ford’s production line right now. But we also have access to hundreds of Approved Used Ford Fiestas.
So, if you’re looking for the Fiesta experience but want to enjoy lower prices and even different styling, just click the button below.
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