2007 Fiesta XR4

[nappa8]

I would highly recommend the XR4, I owned one from 2007-2010. It was a cracking little car. As I only had it for 30,000kms I cannot speak for reliability as it felt brand new up until the day I sold it. However as a daily driver it was great. One of those cars that brings a smile to your face whenever you drive it. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages.

+ Advantages
Punchy engine
Handles like a go kart
Looks great
Oozes character
More road presence than many bigger cars
Excellent seats, good bolsters but not restrictive.
Steering feel, direct and well weighted.

- Disadvantages
5 Speed with short gearing, revs to 3000 rpm at 100kph
No cruise control (but the throttle is stiff enough that its not hard to live without)
Cost of tyres. Pirelli P-Zero Nero from the factory were awesomely grippy but I did need new front ones after 14,000kms. At the time (2008) I got them for the wholesale price of $290 each. Pretty sure there are other alternatives, my ST runs Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's for example.

In my opinion the advantages of this car completely obliterate the disadvantages. Whilst I love my ST, the I still hold a massive soft spot for my XR4. It just had so much more character.

Good luck, hope this helps