Fiesta Diesel SXI: 1 Year, 20000 KM later... Review on Ford Fiesta TDCI

The Pros:

• Amazing mileage; never have got less than 20 kmpl

  
  




• Solid handling: maintained 140 kmph for sustained periods

  
  




• Excellent pickup

  
  




• Truly green... never had the 'black-smoke' issue common in diesels

  
  




• Super interiors, excellent stereo, convenient features (e.g., electric side view mirrors, remote boot, etc.)

  
  

The Cons:

• Clean-ability of alloy wheels: spokes are so close together that it takes time to clean 'em properly

  
  




• Ford quality issues: irritating rattles from here and there, especially the dashboard

  
  




• Ford dealer: mine is Cauvery Ford, Bangalore. Rattling normally increases after service. "Service" is a misnomer. It should read dis-service. Can't ever say enough of the pathetic service.

  
  




• Replacement parts/labor (especially, labor) costs are pretty high

  
  




• Rear leg room sucks

  
  

Bottom line: Given the irrationally spiraling fuel prices, I recommend this vehicle -- even if only for the kind of mileage it gives. Its just too bad that Ford have build-quality issues and lousy dealers.