FUN to drive and good value for money – these are two of the main features of modern Ford cars.
And a fine example of both is the Fiesta Active X Edition – the blue oval badge marque’s hugely popular supermini that has been given the SUV treatment. The result is a stylish small crossover with bags of character that will definitely put a smile on your face when you spend even a short time at the wheel.
Marking the model out from its siblings, the Active X has a raised ride height and wider track, silver roof rails, sturdy plastic cladding on the wheel arches and skid plates front and back. Completing the rugged looks are some Active badging on the front wings and striking machine-finished black and silver 18in alloys.
But the car still retains the dynamism of the flowing lines and creases that make the regular Fiesta so appealing. The interior provides an equally pleasing blend of practical and more luxurious features.
Very supportive partial leather seats are complemented by soft-touch materials for the door and centre console armrests, and robust plastics for parts of the car most likely to receive a knock or two.
I also appreciated the faux leather steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob. And my wife commented on the ambient lighting, illuminated cup holders and black headlining.
Our 18-year-old daughter declared herself satisfied with the space in the back of the car, while the 311-litre boot easily coped with the weekly shop we were transporting to her grandparents.
The highlight for me, though, was the feel and handling of the car. The driving position remains quite sporty, just a little higher, while the overall performance is still sharp.
What really impressed me was the Active X’s Rough Road Suspension, which soaked up the pressure from the pock-marked country roads that have worsened due to a lack of repairs during lockdown.
The steering was well-weighted and accurate, and the body roll was very well controlled, despite the increased ride height. Changing gears was light and easy, while the brakes were smooth and effective.
Ford has recently added mild-hybrid technology to its award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and, as I had previously discovered with the new Puma crossover, it works seamlessly.
In the 125PS variant, it will sprint to 62mph in 9.4 seconds and top out at 126mph, while fuel economy sits at 54.3 to 58.9mpg, with tailpipe emissions of 109 to 118g/km.
And to help you get the best performance to suit your mood or conditions, there are five selectable drive modes – Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Trail.
The latter pair are particularly useful in treacherous weather or for mild off-roading. More enthusiastic drivers will enjoy putting the Fiesta into Sport mode for that extra bit of oomph along winding country roads. Well, I did, anyway!
You also certainly get a lot of bang for your buck. This particular model costs from £22,545 and is packed with goodies – starting with Ford’s excellent SYNC 3 infotainment system.
With a three-way split eight-inch colour touchscreen so you can see the map, music and phone options simultaneously, it provides intelligent sat nav that takes account of the latest traffic information.
It also features a quality sound system, on-board wi-fi for up to 10 devices, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an emergency assistance call function.
Other creature comforts and safety aids include keyless entry and start, auto lights (including high beam) and wipers, lane keeping aid, driver drowsiness alert, rear parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter and very effective air con.
You also get front fog lamps with cornering function, privacy glass and power-foldable heated door mirrors with puddle lights among other items. All in all, the Active X Edition can only enhance the already enviable reputation of the mighty Ford Fiesta supermini range.
Factfile:
- Model: Ford Fiesta Active X Edition 1.0T EcoBoost Hybrid 125PS
- Engine: 1.0-litre petrol
- Power: 125PS
- Top speed: 126mph
- 0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
- Average mpg: 54.3-58.9
- CO2 emissions: 109-118g/km
- Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles
- Price: £22,545
