There's a special place in my heart for Fiestas - I learned to drive in one and, as they say, you always remember your first love. The problem with the current model is that, well, they don't particularly stand out from the crowd looks-wise.If you're looking for something a bit different from your small car, then the 30th Anniversary Fiesta might be just the thing. Limited to just 400 models - and selling out fast according to Ford - this version comes with bright yellow paintwork, chequered flag roof detail and an array of extra features.The Anniversary model costs £12,595 on the road, which is £1000 more than the regular Zetec S, but it comes with about £1400 worth of extras on top of what's already available.It's also £1000 less than the top-of-the-range Fiesta ST which Ford considers an alternative choice. Crucially, though, the Zetec S is in insurance Group 7 while the ST is six groups higher.The model is fitted with a 1.6-litre 16v engine with five-speed manual transmission, achieves a reasonable 43.5mpg and has a top speed of 114mph, all of which add up to a car that's quite fun to drive, and feels quicker than its 99bhp suggests.On first impressions, though, the car is quite bumpy and there's a lot of road noise. I don't know if this abated once I got onto smoother roads, or whether I just got used to it, but by the end of the test I felt happy enough with the quality of the drive. Twisty B-roads are especially enjoyable, while I was untroubled by overtaking on motorways and accelerating when needed.As well as the yellow paint and black and white chequered roof - the only colour options on this model - you get black mirrors and doorhandles, 16" alloys and a black roof spoiler and privacy glass. Inside, there's sports seats, leather trim and an MP3 socket, as well as velour mats with piping, which add up to an eye-catching interior.I wasn't too thrilled with the paint colour; yellow is not my thing, but at least it's unusual - how many yellow cars do you see on the roads these days? The chequered roof was fine, but nothing too different, with every other MINI having some sort of patterned roof.Inside, I thought the privacy glass was great - it did its job without compromising the view, unlike some other cars which make it look like perpetual dusk from the rear. On the dashboard is a unique number of the model which may appeal to some, but I can't really see the point, and I was left wondering how long it would be before it fell off.In general with Fiestas, there's not a whole lot of room in the back and rear visibility is pretty poor, but overall the Fiesta is a great car for those just passed their test as well as more experienced drivers. And if you like to be noticed and want a whole lot of extra stuff, go for the Zetec S 30th Anniversary, if there are any left. Engine 1596 cc, 4 cylinders Power 100 bhp @6000 rpm Torque 107.7 ib/ft @4000 rpm Transmission 5 speed manual Fuel/CO2 43.5 mpg / 154 g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.9sec Top speed 114 mph Price From £12381.00 approx Release date 01/01/2007
Our Rating
