Ford Fiesta Red Edition: PH Carpool
One PHer explains why he made the switch from Megane 265 to 1.0-litre Fiesta
Car: Ford Fiesta Zetec S Red Edition
Owned since: November 2015
Previously owned: Citroen Saxo VTR, Citroen C2 VTS, Mazda RX8, Renault Sport Clio 200, Renault Megane RS 265
"A new job meant more driving and a lot of time spent in traffic. The Megane was wasted in such an environment so an executive decision was made and my first ever new car purchased. Having never test driven the Red Edition I was hoping the glowing reviews were accurate. It looks good, goes well and is cheap to run. What's not to like?"
What I wish I'd known:
"Nothing really. It's still very new, but surprisingly I've had no teething issues. Figures for fuel economy are slightly misleading but the Superchips remap helps to deliver closer to the mark with 50mpg in traffic and on the motorway. The sat-nav unit is a bit fiddly and the dash buttons are cluttered but I was aware of that already."
Things I love:
"Having gone from the Megane with 265hp to the Fiesta with 140hp it was a big shock in every department. Hence the need for more power. A new panel filter and a Superchips remap has transformed the car and now has around 170hp with an extra chunk of torque too. It's not far off an ST on paper but needs a rolling road to prove this.
"The car in base form was not overly exciting in terms of performance, although respectable for a 1.0-litre. The remap has created something quite special though, with plenty of turbo whistle and a reasonable soundtrack. Insurance was an extra £50 but worth every penny. My mum and sister now have the same car in standard form (it's a Ford showroom on the drive!) and are now converted Ford fans."
"Nothing! The car new with discounts was £13,000 with sat-nav and auto wipers/headlights as extras. I couldn't find anything better for that price."
Costs:
"It will do around 300-350 miles to a tank and costs around £45-50. Tax is £20 and insurance with the remap was around £350 which isn't bad but, then again, I am 27."
Where I've been:
"Plenty of trips away with my partner, but nothing motorsport related as yet. Plans for the Evo triangle in Wales are on the cards along with the Nurburgring later this year. I wish I still had the Megane for those trips..."
What next?
"If the new job goes well, then a new Focus RS or Civic Type R is on the cards - I'm naturally leaning towards the Ford. The ST200 Fiesta was a contender but I don't believe it's worth the money.
"I have ordered the ST rear splitter from Ford as the one on the Red Edition looks very bland and I'm looking at a set of 35mm H&R lowering springs to help the handling, which is quite soft. The remap has made this car a keeper (for a while), so I have to thank Superchips for working their magic here!"
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