Ford Fiesta Zetec-S

It's easy to see why. Every Fiesta is ridiculously easy to drive, cheap to run and plenty big enough for a newly-qualified driver and three pals.

You can't go wrong here.

Traditionally, newly-qualified drivers have lusted after the sportiest model in the Fiesta range. When I was the proud owner of a newly-minted full licence the object of my heart's desire was a 95bhp XR2.

Slightly embarrassing nowadays, I know, but way back in 1986 an XR was a force to be reckoned with, especially if you drove an asthmatic Austin Allegro.

Since that first XR2, each new Fiesta generation has spawned a sporty model. Performance Ford drivers in 2006 hanker after the 2.0-litre ST with more power and speed than I could ever have hoped for 20 years ago.

Maybe it's a sign of getting older, but I reckon the fastest Fiesta is no longer the best.

The Fiesta 1.6 Zetec-S may not have the ultimate oomph of the 148bhp ST, but it rises to the challenge posed by its considerably more powerful brother by delivering a package that's more well-balanced and certainly more affordable, with an £11,595 forecourt price and group seven insurance.

There are two 1600cc choices: a punchy TDCi turbodiesel or the revvy 16-valve Duratec petrol that I tested. The bald performance figures look a bit limp wristed to be honest: 0-60 mph in 9.9 seconds is nothing to get excited about these days.

But a slick-shifting gearbox (lifted from the ST) and carefully selected ratios make the little Ford feel much faster where it counts - on the road.

Throttle response is near instant (the red line isn't reached until 6,000rpm), the exhaust has a nice meaty bark and 99bhp is all you'll ever need on a fast-flowing country lane.

Nor will 99bhp ever overwhelm the chassis. Firmer springs and dampers, purposeful 16-inch, 12-spoke alloys and 195/45 Continental sport tyres help the Fiesta take unpredictable Broads in its stride. The punchy powerplant will sit at 70mph on a motorway all day long.

The test car had rear windows that were blacked out for privacy and, one suspects, 'cool' looks. This glass treatment adds £100 to the cost, however. There's also a discreet spoiler mounted atop the tailgate.

The front chin spoiler has a mesh grille and factory-fitted front fog lights. For all the fripperies though, the Fiesta lacks the visual pizzaz of cheekier rivals.

My Zetec S came in metallic Sea Grey, a colour that suited the car well and helps hide the fact that the mirrors are finished in nothing more than black plastic.

Inside the Fiesta feels very grown up; plush almost. Most of the plastics are good quality. The fascia is of the soft-feel type and the door caps feel solid. I always think that leather trim, as used on the Fiesta's doors/seats, feels out of place on a small hatchback, though. Leather also covers the chunky steering wheel.

The instruments, a speedo that runs to 140mph (though you'll be lucky to see much over 110mph in real life), the rev counter, fuel gauge and a proper temperature gauge, are clear and easy to read. The wipers have a variable delay feature and flick wipe.

A digital readout displays the external temperature and relays trip computer information (which is re-set from the indicator stalk tip).

Ford has fitted a chunky remote control pod for its CD/radio on the steering column. This operates the radio station seek, mode and volume up/down functions.

Ford's audio systems have always been a joy to operate. The Model 6000 fitted to the test car had one chunky knob for on/off and volume. Getting to the simple menus was easy and memorising stations is as straightforward as it is possible to get.

When the radio is off the LCD displays the current time and date. Fiesta owners can also specify an auxiliary audio socket (fitted next to the 12v power socket on the centre console) so they can plug in an MP3 player, such as an Apple iPod. It only costs £20 but the sound needs to be turned right up on your player before it really comes through on the Fiesta's speakers.

Still, for the money it's probably a nice feature to have.The test car also had the 'Quick Clear' heated front windscreen and heated mirrors fitted. This costs £200 and is a useful addition.

Nothing clears a frosted up windscreen faster.

There's plenty of room in the front and a surprising amount in the back. Big, wide-opening doors make it a simple job to get rear passengers or a baby in and out. The boot, too, is just the right size for a folding pushchair. A Fiesta would be a great car for new mums (and midwives).

There's a button on the fascia to release the boot and a button on the key fob. The rear seats split 30/70.

After a week I came to the conclusion that only the tiresomely conservative looks hold back the Fiesta now.

Considering the way it drives and the fun it offers, the Zetec-S is far more than the sum of its parts.

In fact it's probably more of a spiritual successor to a classic driver's car, like the Peugeot 205 GTi, than the wheezy old XR2 I once lusted after.

It may be a little car, but the Zetec-S has big driver appeal.

Specification Engine: 1.6 four cyl petrol Power: 99bhp Top speed: 111mph 0-60mph: 9.9secs Fuel consumption: 44mpg FOR CONVENIENCE: Electric windows, remote audio controls, radio/CD, power steering, air conditioning.

FOR SAFETY: Immobiliser, remote central locking, twin front airbags, anti-lock brakes, passenger airbag can be deactivated by the supplying dealer.