Sponsored

Watch Jeremy Clarkson’s Epic Top Gear Ford Fiesta Review: Video

Sponsored
Sponsored

The last of the Ford Fiesta rolled off the assembly line in July 2023, ending the production of a nameplate that spanned over fifty years. Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear, for his part, thought the Fiesta was a blast – at least, judging by his unorthodox review of the hatchback from 2008.

Clarkson takes control of a Ford Fiesta decked out in an obnoxious lime green color. While its interior leaves something to be desired when it comes to storage, he cheekily remarks that one can safely store the head of a zebra in the trunk (for aspiring mafiosos). However, it’s one fun car to drive. He’s being carted around by a small but mighty turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine, which “feels fabulous” and gives the Fiesta plenty of get-up-and-go.

Naturally, Clarkson poses a question that’s often plagued Ford Fiesta owners: “What if I go to a shopping center and get chased by baddies in a Corvette?” There’s only one way to find out: take the Fiesta for a jaunt through a mall with a Chevy C6 Corvette in hot pursuit.

The Fiesta is lighter on power than the Corvette, but it’s got a few advantages. It’s front-wheel-drive (FWD), opposed to the Vette’s rear-wheel-drive (RWD), and a superb turning radius. The Corvette, meanwhile, doesn’t have quite the same amount of control, and Clarkson easily ditches it as he gallops back onto the road.

As if that wasn’t enough of a testament to the Ford Fiesta, Clarkson puts the hatchback to the test in a different way. He drops it right in the middle of an “active combat” scenario on the beach. He drops it off a boat and charges onto shore, providing cover for soldiers as they pour onto the beach and shoot out the window. In short, the Ford Fiesta can do just about anything, even if it doesn’t need to.

Top Gear personalities have reviewed other Ford products over the decades, albeit in a tamer way, spotlighting the 2005 Ford Mustang and the Ford GT.

Alexandra is a Colorado-based journalist with a passion for all things involving horsepower, be it automotive or equestrian.

Sponsored
Alexandra Purcell

Alexandra is a Colorado-based journalist with a passion for all things involving horsepower, be it automotive or equestrian.

View Comments

  • This video sealed my decision to buy a '14 ST. Like this video, the car's a riot. Then I purchase a '17 SE to commute to work. No issues. If Ford had just imported the Street Ka.

  • I love my 2018 Fiesta Sedan SE with 5 SPD Stick and CD player. I bought it new. To quote Tim "the Toolman" Allen, no "go karts." And of course I would love an ST...

  • The obnoxious colour you refer to was a premium metallic paint option in Ford Europe called Juice green!!!

Sponsored