Small car comparison
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,087
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From: In the gutter
Nice write up, thanks for the info. I'm looking to replace Wifey's Clio in a couple of months and the Fiesta is on the list.
It seems that in your comparison, it doesn't come out too favourably, but given that it will be considered against a Citroen DS3, another Clio and possibly a Corser (the Mini is too small inside, and the load space is too small for our needs), would you recomend it?
Cheers.
It seems that in your comparison, it doesn't come out too favourably, but given that it will be considered against a Citroen DS3, another Clio and possibly a Corser (the Mini is too small inside, and the load space is too small for our needs), would you recomend it?
Cheers.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Survivalist enclave
Paul
The Fiesta is a decent little car in 1.4 Zetec spec. My biggest reservations are its capabilities at high speed (very strained and dire fuel economy if you get much above the motorway limit that no-one observes). It's also quite expensive and will depreciate badly (but not as bad as a Clio or Citroen I suspect).
However, if you want a comfortable, well equipped small car with good handling and ride qualty, nippy around town and with good carrying capacity for its size, then the Fiesta is a good choice. To be fair, the car isn't built for high speed long trips, but neither is the MINI, which just does it better.
Although they are both small, they are quite different in many ways and I wouldn't want to put you off the Fiesta just because it has some (in my mind) perceived weaknesses compared to the MINI. It also has advantages over the MINI.
The Fiesta is a decent little car in 1.4 Zetec spec. My biggest reservations are its capabilities at high speed (very strained and dire fuel economy if you get much above the motorway limit that no-one observes). It's also quite expensive and will depreciate badly (but not as bad as a Clio or Citroen I suspect).
However, if you want a comfortable, well equipped small car with good handling and ride qualty, nippy around town and with good carrying capacity for its size, then the Fiesta is a good choice. To be fair, the car isn't built for high speed long trips, but neither is the MINI, which just does it better.
Although they are both small, they are quite different in many ways and I wouldn't want to put you off the Fiesta just because it has some (in my mind) perceived weaknesses compared to the MINI. It also has advantages over the MINI.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,181
Likes: 58
From: Hertford
I once carried my telescopic fruit picker/tree lopper in the S2000 - now that DID look like a bumper car!
Good review Gad. I tend to refer to cars by market segment (B) since 'small' or even 'mini' cars are no longer apt.
Good review Gad. I tend to refer to cars by market segment (B) since 'small' or even 'mini' cars are no longer apt.
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,326
Likes: 1
From: Ulaanbaatar
My Cooper Clubman is in for a service today, so the loaner is a Mini One Auto'. After resetting the trip computer as I left the dealer's, the economy is a highly respectable 45.6 mpg on my usual commute - quite impressive for a petrol automatic.
It's no ball of fire of course, but it keeps up with traffic perfectly satisfactorily and cruises on the motorway as well as my own car.
Since Mrs P's Mini 3 door was replaced by the Legacy, I'd forgotten how different the driving experience in the three door Mini is compared to the longer wheelbase Clubman. I find the 3 door preferable.
The Mini One makes a compelling case for itself if one is looking for an economical vehicle. As well as excellent fuel economy, as Gad' has noted, servicing costs and depreciation are added attractions.
It's no ball of fire of course, but it keeps up with traffic perfectly satisfactorily and cruises on the motorway as well as my own car.
Since Mrs P's Mini 3 door was replaced by the Legacy, I'd forgotten how different the driving experience in the three door Mini is compared to the longer wheelbase Clubman. I find the 3 door preferable.
The Mini One makes a compelling case for itself if one is looking for an economical vehicle. As well as excellent fuel economy, as Gad' has noted, servicing costs and depreciation are added attractions.
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