Alternatives to the Ford Fiesta

With a history dating back to the 70s, the Ford Fiesta is recognised as one of the best-value small cars on the market. In fact, over the years, Ford has produced more than 22 million Fiestas making it one of the UK’s best-selling cars of all time. Ford has always ensured the Ford Fiesta remains an affordable and practical car which appeals to a wide audience. This has helped to build a loyal customer base with many opting to keep with the same Ford model for countless years.

That said, in a recent announcement, it was revealed that the popular Ford Fiesta is set to be discontinued. This is thought to be due to the continuing demand for SUVs, so Ford are focusing their efforts on other models. With this in mind, we’ve decided to take a look at some Fiesta alternatives on the market.

Renault Clio

Like the Ford Fiesta, the Renault Clio is a desirable supermini, combining practicality, low running costs and great value for money. The Clio stands out for its stylish design and its refined interior with improved technology. Inside, the Renault Clio looks and feels just as posh as some more expensive German alternatives, looking more like the inside of an upmarket saloon than a cheap-and-cheerful hatchback. The dashboard is sweeping with a two-toned colour scheme, metal effect knobs and dials, and neatly integrated air vents.

The latest Renault Clio has a reduced engine range and like the Ford Fiesta, it isn’t available in pure electric form. However, you can choose either a petrol or a E-Tech hybrid option. Also, the Renault Clio has an excellent reputation for being a safe car to drive. During independent crash-testing, this Renault model achieved a full Euro NCAP Safety Rating of five stars, which included an impressive score of 96 per cent in its adult occupancy NCAP assessment.

If this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, take a look at our Renault Clio lease deals.

Citroen C3

As one of Citroen’s best-sellers, the Citroen C3 is all about excellent comfort. There’s no denying it isn’t as fun to drive as the Ford Fiesta. However, with a bold design and impressive levels of comfort, this Citroen remains a popular supermini. Inside, the Citroen C3 proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a car that is genuinely stylish, with a rectangular theme that’s interesting to look at. Even the cheapest model comes with a 7” touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB digital radio. Also, its 300-litre boot capacity is about average for a car of this size.

Another reason to consider the Citroen C3 is its impressive fuel efficiency. In fact, the C3 1.5 BlueHDi diesel offers up to 70.6mpg (WLTP - combined), making it great for cost-effective driving duties. This fantastic car is priced from just £13,995, and with lots of potential to customise your new C3, this could truly be your ideal alternative to the Ford Fiesta.

For more information on the Citroen C3, view our Citroen C3 lease deals.

Volkswagen Polo

Another highly rated car in the supermini class is the Volkswagen Polo due to its low running costs and high-quality interior. This is a great option for drivers searching for a small, fun car combined with typical VW quality. The latest VW Polo offers a roomy interior and better drive than previous generations. As for its 351-litre boot space, this is generous compared to the Ford Fiesta.

As for engine options, this VW model has a great selection of efficient engines to choose from, but it does lack a pure electric version. For a sportier feel, the Volkswagen Polo GTI with added performance is available. As a brand, Volkswagen are known for making both reliable and safe vehicles. GB Vehicle Leasing feel this is a fantastic example of Volkswagen’s production at its finest. Overall, the Volkswagen Polo offers low insurance groupings similar to the Ford Fiesta, which makes it a popular option for new or young drivers.

If you’d like a little more information on this Volkswagen car, take a look at our VW Polo lease deals.

Mazda 2

This Mazda is agile for city driving, as well as providing excellent fuel economy. The base 75bhp petrol does 58.9mpg, or if you’re willing to upgrade, the 90bhp version can see a diesel-rivalling 60.1mpg. Take a seat in the Mazda2 and enjoy a comfortable, yet fun drive thanks to enhanced i-Activsense safety features. We feel this Mazda is a good all-rounder and attractively priced, making it strong competition for the Fiesta.

As Mazda’s smallest model, the award-winning Mazda2 is an excellent alternative to the Ford Fiesta. Mazda 2 prices start from £17,205 for the entry-level SE-L model. Even the entry-level cars come with climate control, cruise control, and LED headlights. However, with the top-spec GT Sport NAV, you’ll enjoy a heated leather steering wheel, leather seats, plus a reversing camera. There’s been clear focus put on making the Mazda 2 safe and enjoyable to drive, as well as aesthetically appealing.

For our competitive rates on a Mazda2 lease, view our Mazda 2 lease deals.

Peugeot 208

First launched in 2012, the Peugeot 208 is a small hatchback, now available in a range of petrol, diesel and pure-electric powertrain options. The Peugeot 208 has always been a favourite amongst those looking to purchase an economical vehicle with its average fuel economy of 69.0mpg. If you often travel long distances or do motorway driving, the diesel 1.5 BlueHDi with a fuel economy rating of up to 73.6mpg is an attractive option.

Furthermore, the Peugeot 208 is particularly well known for its brilliant design, featuring a striking exterior and incorporating comfortable fabrics and a sleek dashboard. Inside this Peugeot, standard features include push button start, a 6-speaker radio, voice recognition and height-adjustable passenger seat. However, nowadays the Peugeot 208 is considered fairly compact for its class and has a 311-litre boot capacity. Pricing for the Peugeot 208 starts from just over £19,000 which is similarly priced to the Ford Fiesta. But pure electric versions of this Peugeot are noticeably more expensive with pricing starting from £30,195.

For more information, view our Peugeot 208 lease deals.

Fiat 500

Last but not least, let’s take a look at the Fiat 500. The Fiat 500 has been consistently desirable since its initial release, especially with young drivers and city-dwellers. This compact ride is deceptively spacious within the interior, offering plenty of legroom for those in the front without leaving passengers in the rear feeling claustrophobic. However, its compact 185-litre boot space does let it down compared to the 311-litre Ford Fiesta boot.

If it’s value for money that you need, the Fiat 500’s fuel efficiency rating of 61mpg is excellent. Plus, if you’re looking for a pure electric version, the Fiat 500 Electric is a small battery-electric city car, available in either hatchback or convertible (cabrio) form. If you opt for the New 500 (87kW), it offers an electric range of up to 199 miles and is capable of fast charging up to 30 miles in just 5 minutes.

For our competitive rates on a Fiat 500 lease, view our current Fiat 500 lease deals.

Contact GB Vehicle Leasing

There you have it, our selection of alternative cars to the Ford Fiesta. If you find yourself in need of a new car, why not lease one with GB Vehicle Leasing? Either call us on 0161 667 5338 today or email us at [email protected]. Whether you're looking for a Peugeot, Kia or even an Audi, we can help find the ideal lease car for you. Also, click here to read more of our useful blogs.