My First Car: A Fiesta That Taught Me How to Drive
I used to think I was above driving a car, but my husband convinced me to get behind the wheel and get my license.
Now, I'm so glad I did, and my trusty Ford Fiesta has been my partner in crime ever since. It's more than just a car - it's my friend, my confidant, and my favorite hobby.
When choosing your first car, it's essential to consider what's important for a beginner driver like me. You want a car that's reliable, easy to handle, and comfortable to ride in. My Fiesta checks all those boxes and more.
One of the things I love about my Fiesta is its appearance. From the outside, it may look like a girl's car, but trust me, it's a beauty. The profile is proportionate and harmonious, and it's a bit too flashy, but in a good way.
Inside, the Fiesta is surprisingly spacious. Two adults with long legs in the front and two adults with average legs in the back can fit comfortably. We took a trip from Moscow to Latvia with our gear, and it was a breeze.
The secret to its spaciousness is in the design of the back seats. They're slightly narrower than average, but that makes up for it by giving more legroom. It's a clever bit of engineering, if you ask me!
When it comes to comfort and ergonomics, my Fiesta has got me covered. The heated front seats are a nice touch, and the windshield defroster is handy, even if it's not the most effective thing in the world.
The cabin heats up quickly, which is great. It's like having a warm hug on a cold day. Even at minus 20 degrees, the car warms up in no time.
The interior is a bit basic, but it's got everything you need. One thing that's missing is a driver's armrest, which is a bit of a shame.
The dashboard lighting is nice and subtle, it's not too harsh or overwhelming.
One thing that's a bit of a letdown is the steering adjustment. It's there, but it's not enough. If you like to sit close to the steering wheel or you're a petite woman, you'll be fine. But I prefer a more sporty driving position, and my height and leg length allow for it – the steering adjustment just doesn't.
The three-door Fiesta has one of the best reviews in its class, and it's not just the Fiesta – I've also had the pleasure of driving the BMW 1, Renault Megan, Mazda 6, and Mercedes A. The huge rear window gives you a fantastic view of everything behind you.
The car's dimensions, combined with the excellent view and hatchback design, make a rearview camera completely unnecessary. I've never had any issues with parking in the back of this car.
One thing to watch out for is the massive front door – on narrow parking spots, you need to open it carefully to avoid scratching the car next to you. But you can get used to it, and the excellent view and sleek design make up for this minor inconvenience.
The fuel consumption for this car is surprisingly high – 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers. For a modern turbocharged car, that's a bit of a shock. But let's not forget that this car is from 2007, so it's not like it's supposed to be fuel-efficient.
On the other hand, spare parts are readily available, and there's no shortage of them on the market. The service costs are also reasonable. That's a definite plus.
The car's design is straightforward and simple. The engine is reliable, the 4-speed automatic transmission is trouble-free, and I haven't found any weak spots. You could say the car's reliability is high.
I've got to say, this car will teach you how to drive. No more coasting, no more slogging, no more crawling along like a turtle. It'll teach you to be a real participant in the flow of traffic: sometimes bold and aggressive, sometimes smooth and gentle, sometimes fast and spirited.
The Fiesta is a pretty lightweight car, so even with 101 horsepower, it's got some serious pep. So, you end up with a car that's quick to accelerate and can even zip through tight city streets. While everyone else is still getting up to speed, you'll be ahead of the pack at the lights and able to squeeze through narrow alleys between parked cars.
Okay, I'll admit it, I haven't gotten the Fiesta up to 170 km/h, but 140 is no problem (if only there were more places to really open it up – cameras are everywhere these days, though!)
My car's got 15-inch wheels, and they really make it handle better than the standard ones. Plus, it looks even cooler.
Now, let's talk about the downsides. The Fiesta has a low ground clearance, which can be a problem in cities with rough roads. But I've never had any issues with it, even after three winters of driving the car.
Another thing to watch out for is the quality of fuel. You can't just fill up with any old gas and expect it to run smoothly. It'll start complaining after a few tries, sputtering along, or maybe not even start at all. You'll need to be very picky about which gas station you use.
It's also pretty noisy, but you can live with it. I just turn up the radio a bit louder!
The suspension is a bit too stiff, but that's a minor complaint. Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, and one of the biggest perks is the price. Coming in around 350 thousand rubles, you get a reliable, good-quality, and dynamic car – it's a dream come true.
So, as my first pick, I'd definitely recommend it!
Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with my Ford Fiesta. It's been a game-changer for me, teaching me how to drive and giving me a sense of freedom and confidence on the road. If you're in the market for a reliable, fun, and affordable car, I highly recommend giving the Fiesta a try.
It's not perfect, of course – no car is. But the pros far outweigh the cons, and I think it's a great choice for anyone looking for a first car or a reliable daily driver.
So, if you're ready to take the wheel and experience the thrill of driving for yourself, I say go for it! Get behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta and see what it's like to be a real driver.