Comparison

[Piston Head]

I promised a few observations after driving my new Mark 8 Fiesta ST-Line X 140 for a few days and compared to my old mark 7.5 Zetec 100.

- The 140 has more go and more hill climbing ability but at this stage it doesn't seem like 40% more. We'll see how this goes as the engine loosens.

- The gearbox and clutch are much better. The 100's clutch always felt fragile and the gearbox baulky but the new 6 speed box is great and matches the engine well. The 100 always seemed overgeared.

- The tyres, Michelin Pilot Sport 4's on the 140 produce much more road noise than the Continental Premium Contact 5's on the 100

- The engine on the 140 is much quieter than the 100 in fact only when being extended does the 140 engine 3 cylinder voice become noticeable. I actually miss the 'Merlin like' noise the 100 made at a cruise.

- Sync 3 is fantastic compared with Sync and is soo much more logical to use

- Drivers seat needs to be able to be adjusted lower but otherwise the seats seem very good

- Optional LED headlamps are fantastic and for rural driving they are so much better than the old halogen projectors on the 100

- Economy - early days yet but the 140 is doing about 47mpg where the 100 would do more like 51mpg over the same journey.