Ford Fiesta models and trim levels explained

It’s been a while since the Ford Fiesta was available as a new car, but used Ford Fiestas are still immensely popular – and with good reason. The Fiesta is spacious for its size, economical, typically reliable and even fun to drive. Few small cars get close to its broad array of talents. If you can resist the allure of the Puma SUV (which is based on the Fiesta), Ford’s iconic supermini is a great buy. Now, which Ford Fiesta to pick?

Ford Fiesta models

In the UK, the Ford Fiesta has always been a hatchback (some developing markets also got Fiesta saloons). Before 1989, the only choice was a three-door hatch; since then, you’ve been able to choose a five-door version as well.

Proving that the Fiesta is for everyone, each Fiesta generation so far has offered a van version, too.

Ford Fiesta ST

Hot Fiestas are part of Ford’s DNA, and the last three generations have been sold with a sporty ST range-topper. The latest Fiesta ST packs a 200hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, plus various chassis upgrades to make it one of the most fun ‘normal’ cars you can buy.

Ford Fiesta trim levels

• Style – basic model available in the latest Fiesta’s early years on sale
• Trend – more recent entry-level model with more equipment and low insurance costs. Replaced Zetec
• Titanium – adds extra equipment over Trend, such as auto wipers, keyless start, alloy wheels and sat nav
• Titanium X – even better equipped, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a premium sound system
• Titanium Vignale – available on newer Fiestas, this trim adds some of the features of the older Vignale model onto the cleanly styled Titanium model
• ST-Line – a sporty trim level that really suits the Fiesta
• ST-Line X – sporty styling with bigger wheels, tinted rear windows, cruise control and part leather seats
• ST-Line Vignale – like Titanium Vignale, this adds niceties but keeps the ST-Line’s sporty styling. Replaced ST-Line X
• Active/Active 1 – crossover-styled Fiesta with higher ride height, roof rails and similar equipment level to Trend
• Active X – adds the X pack to the Active model, so you get heated seats and climate control among other things
• Active Vignale – as above, replaces Active X with some of the Vignale experience
• Vignale – Ford’s attempt to turn the Fiesta into a luxury supermini to rival the Audi A1, with quilted leather seats, adaptive cruise control and heated touchpoints
• ST-2 – even the Fiesta ST has different trim levels. The ST-2 is cheaper but still comes with sports seats, driving modes and the sort of equipment you’d get from the Titanium model
• ST-3 – top-spec ST; the main addition is a Performance Pack that gets the most out of the ST

If that’s not enough, Ford went through a period of putting ‘Edition’ after all the trim level names, so also check out the Active Edition, Active X Edition, ST-Line Edition, ST-Line X Edition and Vignale Edition. Can we sit down now please?

Best Ford Fiesta engine

If you’re a keen driver, you’ll love the fizzy 1.5-litre petrol engine that comes in the ST. But the standard 1.0-litre EcoBoost is a fun engine, too, with plenty of power for normal driving and much better fuel economy. If your budget stretches to it, we’d recommend going for the mild-hybrid version of this engine, badged EcoBoost Hybrid or mHEV. This engine’s marginally more fuel efficient than the non-hybrid, and seems to be a bit more reliable from owners’ reports.

If cheap insurance is a priority, stick with the 1.1-litre engine offered in Style, Zetec and Trend trims. This isn’t turbocharged and the performance shows that, but this engine sits in a much lower insurance group than the 1.0 EcoBoost.

Ford Fiesta generations

Mk8 – 2028?

• Partnership agreement between Renault and Ford will bring two Ford-badged small cars
• Electric cars likely to be based on the Renault 5 and Renault Megane E-Tech
• To be built in Renault’s factory in northern France
• First model reportedly arriving in 2028

Read more about the upcoming Mk8 Fiesta here

Mk7 – 2017-2023

• You’ll find lots of these Fiestas for sale at Motorpoint
• Bigger, roomier and safer than ever before
• Facelifted in 2022, when the majority of 3dr models were dropped
• Diesels are very rare but will be very economical for high-mileage drivers

Mk6 – 2008-2017

• Mk6 Fiesta is reliable and widely available on the used market
• Fantastic to drive and low running costs
• Facelifted in 2012
• UK’s best-selling car for every year of its production run
• Petrol and diesel engines available, with eco-focused diesels managing over 65mpg

Mk5 – 2002-2008

• Boxy design maximises space
• First Fiesta to come with ABS and passenger airbags as standard
• Facelifted in late 2005
• Last Fiesta to come with a luxurious Ghia trim level

Mk4 – 1995-2002

• Becoming rare; prices are starting to rise
• UK’s best-selling car 1996-1998
• Facelifted in 1999, gaining a prettier look inspired by the then-new Focus
• Last Ford to be built in Dagenham

Mk3 – 1989-1997

• Now a classic, the early ‘90s Fiesta is a rare sight
• First Fiesta to offer a five-door bodystyle
• Facelifted in 1993
• Sold as the Fiesta Classic between 1995 and 1997

Mk2 – 1983-1989

• Hot XR2 now a collector’s item and prices reflect that
• Basically a facelift of the Mk1
• Introduced a range of new engines
• 1987 was the Fiesta’s best-ever sales year, with more than 150,000 UK registrations

Mk1 – 1976-1983

• Introduced to steal sales from Fiat 127, Renault 5, Vauxhall Chevette and VW Polo
• Ford’s first globally successful front-wheel-drive model
• Helped kick off the Motability scheme for disabled drivers
• Was almost called the Ford Bravo

Best Ford Fiesta model

Throughout its near 50 years on sale, the Fiesta has kept getting better and better – as you’d hope. The Mk6 and Mk7 Fiestas are leagues ahead of previous models, being fun to drive but economical and featuring enough technology to feel contemporary.

The Mk6 Fiesta is a superb buy if your budget doesn’t stretch to the Mk7, although its small screen dates the interior somewhat. With so many Fiestas available to pick from, you can pick the right spec and engine for your needs, and you should be prepared to walk away from a car if it hasn’t been well maintained or doesn’t feel right.

If you like cars that are fun to drive, the best Fiesta is absolutely the ST – and preferably one fitted with the Performance Pack.

Shop used Ford Fiesta cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Ford Fiesta review