Timmeh

In the list of Australias Best Cars released by NRMA, the Fiesta took out the Best Small Car award.

From the NRMA Website:

Australia's Best Cars - 2004 winner of best small car

Ford Fiesta LX
1.6-litre five-speed manual
Three-door hatchback
Price: $14,490

The Ford Fiesta’s driving dynamics proved too much for chief rivals the Hyundai Getz and Holden Barina.

The chassis dynamics give the Ford its most distinct advantage. Equipped with the largest wheels and tyres of the group, the Fiesta’s handling is superb. Communicative steering and a wide footprint give the car a confident and competent feel.

At 1.6 litres, the Fiesta has the largest engine of the trio and offers healthy performance, although it can be a bit noisy under hard acceleration.

The Fiesta loses points to Getz’s generous warranty and lower operating costs and the Barina’s fuel economy, but it gains valuable ground in other key areas.

The Fiesta rated well in comfort, the sports-style seats offering good support. All three cars rated equally for ergonomics, offering well laid-out cabins with large, clear instrumentation and switches and controls within easy reach.

The Getz has an untouchable value bottom line and a solid show in design and function deliberations, but while it produces the same power as Fiesta, it lacks the mid-range urge.

Getz has user-friendly handling but lacks crispness. It matches the Ford in ride quality and smoothness/quietness.

Despite value improvements and smart scores in design and function, Barina can’t muster a winning argument on-road, its ride, handling and braking scores having slipped back to mid-field.

Reasons why the Ford Fiesta LX won:
Handling
Pricing
Build & finish quality
Performance

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Good to see the Fiesta getting the recognition it deserves! Good friends in the EuroFordClub own one and they are extremely happy with it!

Tim

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Mitch_lx

Yiewwww knew there was a reason i bought one.