Brits bought fewer new cars in 2019 than any other year since a post-recession low of 2013. Sales have been declining steadily since 2016, mostly due to economic uncertainty, Brexit worries and confusion over government environmental policy. The new car market fell a further 7.3% in January of this year according to the Society of Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Tougher measures taken against exhaust emissions, along with new and more realistic emissions testing, have turned buyers away from certain models. Combined with the unknowns of Britain’s exit from the EU, it’s no surprise more of us are sticking with what we’ve got.
But it’s not doom and gloom for everyone – especially not fans of the Ford Fiesta. Now into its third year on sale, the Fiesta picked up the title of the UK’s most popular new car in 2019, amassing 77,833 registrations. To put that into context, the next on the list was the VW Golf with 58,994 sales.
But what is it that’s driving this supermini’s dominance?
Drive quality
The Fiesta has long been heralded for the way it handles. Whether nipping around the city or bombing through the countryside, its lightweight design allows for a responsive and dynamic feel underfoot. To the layman this quality may be difficult to describe beyond that it ‘feels nice’ – but it really does.
Cost
The popularity of many superminis comes down in part to their affordability. While the price tag rises as you move through the models, the base edition is ideal for those on a budget. And with its practical size, improved interior and innovative features, you won’t feel as if you’re getting an inferior product.
It’s still a good idea to invest in an extended warranty from ALA. to cover you for any unexpected or expensive faults.
Features
Once inside there are plenty of smart features on hand to take your driving experience up a notch. Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment interface ranks among the best you’ll find in its class and makes integration with your smartphone simple. Drivers can also enable voice controls to help keep their hands on the wheel.
Safety
The Fiesta’s innovations aren’t limited to entertainment, however. From blind spot recognition to a lane keeping system, adaptive cruise control and active park assist, there’s plenty to keep you safe when out on the road. Automatic dipping of your high beam when facing oncoming traffic also looks out for others.
New car sales are expected to decline further in 2020. If you are in the market, does the Ford Fiesta catch your eye?