Ford Fiesta Active Review 2024
Ford Fiesta Active At A Glance
Insurance Groups are between 8–17
On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure
The Ford Fiesta Active splits the difference between a conventional supermini hatchback and a small SUV. In essence, it’s a regular Fiesta with rugged, SUV-style design details and raised suspension, similar to a Dacia Sandero Stepway. Aesthetically, we reckon the makeover works pretty well, but has it compromised the Ford Fiesta Active in other ways?
The short answer is ‘no’. In all the ways that really matter, the Active is exactly the same as any other Fiesta model. Let’s start with the interior.
Inside the Ford Fiesta Active, there’s enough space for four adults to travel in reasonable comfort, so the back bench is more than roomy enough for a couple of kids. The interior is a pleasant place to spend a journey, too. It’s quiet, the seats are comfortable, and everything feels properly made with decent materials.
The Ford Fiesta Active falters as a practical proposition, though, because the boot is quite small, even for a supermini. It’s fine for most single people and couples, but is just too small to accommodate all the clobber that family life demands. At least the back seats fold down when you need overflow space.
On the road, the Ford Fiesta Active feels very nearly as good to drive as a regular Ford Fiesta; it just loses a few degrees of handling precision because of its raised suspension. Nonetheless, it’s just as light, nimble and easy to park. As an added bonus, the added suspension travel provides a noticeably smoother ride. It remains a lovely car to drive by any standard.
The Ford Fiesta Active is available with two versions of Ford’s brilliant 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine: either 100PS or 125PS. The 100PS motor comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and offers perfectly adequate performance with 50mpg-plus fuel economy. The 125PS is noticeably quicker and actually a bit more efficient, thanks to its economy-boosting mild hybrid system. You can have it with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
There are two trim levels to choose from: Ford Fiesta Active or Ford Fiesta Active X. Both come pretty well-equipped, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone connectivity. You also get air conditioning, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Active X has a more upmarket look and feel, with bigger alloy wheels, plush cloth and leatherette seat upholstery and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.
Prices start at around £22,500 at the time of writing, and stretch to £26,500 or so. That may seem like a lot to pay for a Ford Fiesta, but it’s quite competitive in 2023. Indeed, we reckon it’s decent value considering the generous quantity of standard equipment the Active comes with.
Sadly, Ford will stop making the Fiesta in all its forms in summer 2023. The company has always struggled to make money on this small car, despite its huge sales success, and the Fiesta has become unsustainable at a time when huge sums are being ploughed into development of more aspirational electric cars. So, if you want a new Ford Fiesta Active, you’ll have to get in quick – or else settle for a used example.
At least the Ford Fiesta is going out at the top of its game. Small boot aside, it’s spacious and practical enough for a supermini. It also provides a really good balance between performance and efficiency, looks good inside and out, comes with plenty of features, is really user-friendly, and is just so good to drive. It remains one of the very best superminis you can buy. The Active is all the above, with appealing SUV-style looks and a smooth ride.