Key takeaways
- The Mk6 Fiesta (2008 to 2017) mostly used 175/65 R14 on smaller engines, with 205/40 R17 on the 1.6 EcoBoost ST.
- The Mk7 Fiesta (2017 to 2023) commonly used 195/60 R15, 195/55 R16 or 205/45 R17, and the ST used 205/45 R17 or 205/40 R18.
- Fiesta load indexes are low, around 82 to 88, which suits a light car but means checking replacements carefully.
- Ford stopped making the Fiesta in 2023, so most are now older cars where a good mid-range tyre is often the sensible choice.
The Fiesta was Britain's best-selling car for years, and even though Ford ended production in 2023, there are still a great many on the road. Most are small petrol hatchbacks used for commuting, first cars and town driving, with the ST as the enthusiast's choice. This guide covers the sizes for the last two generations and what makes a sensible tyre for a Fiesta at this stage of its life.
What tyre does a Fiesta need?
For an everyday Fiesta, a quality mid-range or premium small-car tyre with a strong wet-grip grade is the right choice. The car is light and front-wheel drive, so it does not need an expensive performance tyre, but cheap tyres with poor wet grip are a false economy. The ST is the exception and suits a proper performance tyre.
What size tyres does a Ford Fiesta use?
| Fiesta version | Common factory size |
|---|---|
| Mk6, 2008 to 2017, 1.25, 1.4, 1.0 EcoBoost and diesels | 175/65 R14 82T |
| Mk6 on optional alloys | 195/50 R15, 195/45 R16 or 205/40 R17 |
| Mk6 ST 1.6 EcoBoost | 205/40 R17 84W |
| Mk7, 2017 to 2023, most 1.0 EcoBoost and 1.1 | 195/60 R15 88V |
| Mk7 on larger alloys | 195/55 R16 or 205/45 R17 |
| Mk7 ST 1.5 EcoBoost | 205/45 R17 88Y, or 205/40 R18 on some |
Many Fiestas were sold on optional or dealer-fitted alloys, so check the size on your own sidewall. For the detail, see our page on what the numbers on your tyre mean.
Why do Fiesta load ratings matter?
Fiesta tyres carry load indexes of about 82 on older 14-inch sizes up to 88 on the Mk7. That suits a light car, but it means you should always match or exceed the placard figure. Do not fit a lower load index to save money, and do not assume a tyre from a bigger car is better: it may ride harder without any benefit.
Is a mid-range tyre right for an older Fiesta?
For many Fiesta owners, a well-reviewed mid-range tyre is the sensible choice. It gives good wet grip and reasonable life without the cost of a premium tyre, which suits an older car. Avoid the cheapest unknown brands, which can have much longer wet stopping distances. If you cover high mileage, a premium tyre may last long enough to cost less per mile. There is more on this in our piece on budget vs premium tyres.
What does a Fiesta ST need?
The Mk6 ST used 205/40 R17 tyres and the Mk7 ST uses 205/45 R17 or 205/40 R18. Both are front-wheel drive with plenty of power, so the front tyres do the hard work and wear faster. Fit an ultra-high-performance summer tyre in the exact size and speed rating, and check the fronts regularly for uneven wear.
How do you make Fiesta tyres last?
- Pressures: check monthly, as small cars lose pressure noticeably as a share of their total.
- Rotation: moving the tyres front to rear at service time evens out the faster front wear.
- Kerbs: town parking scuffs sidewalls, so check for cuts and bulges.
We cover this in more depth in our guide to making tyres last longer.
Fiesta tyres fitted where you park
Fiesta sizes are among the easiest to get hold of, so same-day fitting is usually straightforward. Call 07717 389637 with the size from your sidewall, or book through mobile tyre fitting; we come to the kerb, the driveway or the car park.
Frequently asked questions
The Mk7 Fiesta commonly uses 195/60 R15, 195/55 R16 or 205/45 R17. The Mk6 mostly used 175/65 R14. Check your own sidewall, as alloys vary.
The Mk7 ST uses 205/45 R17 or 205/40 R18, and the Mk6 ST used 205/40 R17. Fit a performance tyre in the correct size and speed rating.
A well-reviewed mid-range tyre is often the best value. Avoid the cheapest unknown brands, which can stop much further in the wet.
No. Ford ended Fiesta production in 2023, but tyres remain widely available in all its sizes.
It depends on driving style and mileage, but the front tyres usually wear faster than the rears because they steer and drive. Rotating them at service intervals and keeping pressures right helps a set last longer.