Horrid driving experience.
For anyone who just considers a car as transport, it fits the bill, is undemanding of driver input, and reasonably comfortable. For anyone who likes drivign, or even enjoys driving, the car will very quickly annoy. I used to describe it as "easy to drive, difficult to drive well". Worst bit is the suspension. Feels taut when new, within a fortnight it gets loose. The wheels always go where pointed, grip is very good, directional control good, but the body feels detached from the wheels, choosing to bounce and flop and sway, seemingly quite separately to any external forces. For a learner to abuse, it was good, a little satisfaction there every time it got tortured, but glad to get rid when I gave up the franchise.
When it was new, all the motoring press praised it for its road manners. When I got the first one, new, I thought it must be broken, but the dealer seemed puzzled when I asked if all the suspension was attached properly. I guess the press only got the stiffer sportier models.
With the facelift from 2018, Ford declared that the suspension had been sorted, at last admitting that the earlier one was inadequate. The press then lauded the new one, and declared how the old one was rubbish, contradicting all previous test reports. The new one was only a little better, lasting a month before it started loosening up.
I think what irritated me the most was the 'lies'. The car looks good, inside looks high quality, but underneath the facade it is built as cheaply as possible. Some of us can feel that very quickly, which is why we avoid them. The Panda sits there, being a cheap car, no pretensions, but then overdelivers. (And still does at nearly 16 years old) This gives a great ownership experience. The Fabia, promises to be adequate, and delivers that, without fuss. No disappointments, just very good at what it does, so quite enjoyable, if not grabbing the emotions like a Fiat.
Then there are Peugeots. So many are like driving stodge, with all controls feeling rubbery, and the ride similar. I've just spent 3 days in a new Vauxhall Combo, and 2 days in a Vivaro. Both are just rebadged Peugeot vans. Very soggy, and quite hard work for a full day. If future Fiats become rebadged Peugeots, we're doomed.