FORD FIESTA AND FORD MONDEO WIN CARBUYER 2012 AWARDS

• Ford Fiesta is Best Small Car 2012
• Best Large Family Car 2012 awarded to Ford Mondeo

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 16 March, 2012 – The Ford Fiesta and Ford Mondeo are winners in the 2012 CarBuyer Car of the Year awards.

Experts testing for CarBuyer.co.uk rated the Ford models on running costs, safety, performance, owner satisfaction, reliability and comfort.

The website concluded: “The Ford Fiesta’s blend of driving fun, family-friendly practicality and great value makes it hard to beat. It's the way the Fiesta drives that really stands out. Agile handling and sporty responses make it fun to drive on a twisting back road, while the comfortable suspension and low noise levels help take the strain out of long motorway journeys.

“Factor in a five-star Euro NCAP score, value-for-money prices and a huge dealer network, and it's not hard to see why the Fiesta takes a well-deserved second straight victory in this category.”

In five-door hatchback guise the Mondeo delivers all the space and practicality a growing family will ever need, according to Car Buyer, while a wide range of engines and trim levels means there's a model for every taste and budget.

“All versions drive brilliantly, thanks to a chassis that delivers the perfect blend of handling comfort. What's more, the Mondeo's low noise levels and supportive seats make it one of the best motorway cruisers in the business,” said the online advice site.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain managing director, said: “The 2012 Fiesta and Mondeo models showcase the style, technology dynamics and value for which Ford is renowned. It is fantastic too that independent motoring advisers CarBuyer agree.”

The Ford Fiesta is on sale from £9,495, while the large car Ford Mondeo range starts at £17,795.

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