Working class hero

The Ford Fiesta is the current darling of the small car market, but does it have what it takes to win over the car-derived van sector, too? Richard Gooding investigates

The Ford Fiesta has been perennially popular in the UK, with Ford recently celebrating the 4 millionth sale of its supermini-sized hatchback. Consistently topping the sales charts since its introduction in 1976, the small Ford is still selling in big numbers. As well as being the best-selling car in the UK so far this year, the light commercial version, the Fiesta Van, accounts for around 60 per cent of sales in its market. There’s been a load-lugging version in every generation of the Fiesta since the late 1970s, so the Fiesta Van is a model which has proved the simple car-to light commercial conversion works. Ford has been the UK’s best-selling van brand for 48 years, so it clearly knows a winning formula. The latest sixth-generation Fiesta Van was introduced in 2009 and refreshed earlier this year, when the car-based Fiesta range received a mild facelift. But what is it about the Fiesta Van which makes it so popular?

The looks are a good place to start. Although the 2013 Fiesta’s new ‘Aston Martin’-like grille can be descibed as ‘bold’, in this application it doesn’t look quite so garish. With new swept-back laser-cut headlamps and front fog lamps, the Fiesta Van looks smart. In Race Red, with the stylish wheel trims, lowered suspension (ECOnetic versions only) and redesigned rear lights, EO62 OPA cut quite an urban dash. The conversion from supermini to small van is a simple one. Based on the standard Fiesta’s three-door bodyshell, metal panels have been welded over the rear window apertures, while the rear seats have been removed. A DIN‑compliant full height bulkhead with mesh protection keeps load and occupants safe, while four load tie-down lashing eyes and a wipe‑clean load floor add practical touches. All these changes create 1m3 of carrying space and a payload of 505kg, although the standard Fiesta’s high load lip remains.

Environmental changes
ECOnetic is the name for Ford’s raft of environmental changes which alter a standard car wearing the blue oval to an economical one. In the Fiesta Van’s case, this means lowered suspension, low‑rolling resistance 175/65 14 tyres, a start/stop system, regenerative braking, an aerodynamic rear undertray, and a gear change indicator. The Ford EcoMode display meanwhile, monitors your gear-changing smoothness, your anticipation levels and speed. The 1.6-litre TDCi engine has been specially-developed, and along with all these other alterations, is claimed to return 85.6mpg on the combined cycle. A CO2 figure of 87g/km is said to be the lowest in its class.

While I only managed an average fuel consumption figure of 57.5mpg over my 410 miles with the car, there was plenty of potential for more. It’s just that the Fiesta Van encourages you to have a little driving fun.

Long held up as a small car which delivers smiles form behind the wheel, the standard Fiesta’s fun dynamics translate well to the van. Ideal in an urban environment, the Fiesta Van scoots around town with ease, the Dagenham-built 93bhp engine with its 151lb ft of torque getting you in and out of traffic easily. Every control feels well-judged, with just the right amount of weighting. The steering, though electrically-assisted, is direct and communicative. The system automatically adjusts to provide lighter steering when parking and heavier assistance when driving on a motorway and it works well. Ford states that it only operates when required, too, further saving fuel. The gear change is equally positive with a firm almost sports-focused action, while the brakes are easily modulated. The ride is, unsurprisingly, as good as a car, and the diesel engine is refined at speed. There’s a little more road noise in the rear of the van than usual, but that can be put down to there being open space behind the front seats.

Well-equipped
Being based on a car, the Fiesta Van’s cabin is as well-equipped as its hatchback sister. There’s supportive yet comfortable seats; an excellent Ford SYNC sound system which controls sound, Bluetooth, and phone settings; a multifunction steering wheel; audio/aux-in/iPod connections and two cup holders. ‘Trend’ specification also adds manual air-conditioning, automatic windscreen wipers and headlamps, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. The soft‑touch dashboard is of good quality and the Fiesta Van feels as well-built as a regular car. A small point, but it also has the most naturally-positioned door armrest I’ve come across in quite some time. Essential for light commercial vehicle drivers spending much of their day behind the wheel.

When it comes to running costs, the Fiesta Van has service intervals of 12 months or 12,500 miles. And with a potential driving range of 569 miles based on my average fuel consumption figure, fuel costs shouldn’t be too obstructive for fleet operators needing a small van suited to the cut and thrust of the city. A VED rate of £220 is standard for the class, while the £14,121 asking price is spot-on.

Fun to drive
The Fiesta Van only has two direct competitors – the £15,354 Fiat Punto Van 1.3 MultiJet Diesel 93bhp Start&Stop
110g/km, and the £13,108 Vauxhall Corsavan 1.3CDTi 93bhp Start/Stop 89g/km – and while neither are as clean as the small Ford, both boast a slightly larger payload. A slightly less clean but new 1.5 TDCi-powered Fiesta Van is also available, with CO2 emissions of 98g/km and an mpg figure of 76.4.

On this outing alone, the Fiesta’s success is justifiably deserved. The Fiesta Van is a stylish, clean, economical, practical and fun‑to-drive member of the car-derived van club. It’s easy to see how 3,000 Fiesta Vans have been sold so far in 2013. Advantage Ford.

Details
ENGINE: 1598cc, 4-cyl turbodiesel
CO2: 87g/km
LOAD VOLUME: 1m³
MPG (combined): 85.6
VED: £220
PRICE (OTR): £14,121