I've taught people to drive in a Peugeot 206, a Toyota Yaris, a Renault Clio, a Ford Focus, a Vauxhall Corsa, a Nissan Micra, and this car, the Ford Fiesta Zetec S...

It's the warm hatch version of the Fiesta, just one level down from the Fiesta ST. So it might surprise you to learn that the fact that it's more powerful than your average learner car makes it easier to drive, rather than harder.

It's less likely to stall, and gives more warning that it's about to stall. The steering is nice and direct, which encourages good hand-eye coordination. It's got better brakes than your bog-standard learnermobile, and its sporty, alloy wheels and stiffened suspension mean the car holds the road superbly.

It's also more economical than smaller engined cars. This is because you need less pressure on the pedal to accelerate than in a less powerful car. Official figures show it to be better on fuel consumption and emissions than smaller engined fiestas. I get close to 50 miles to the gallon out of it, even when teaching.

It is of course fitted with dual controls, and has many nice features such as air conditioning and central locking.

This is the best car I've ever taught in, and when the time comes to replace it, I will be replacing it with another Fiesta Zetec S Tdci.