Ford is taking another shot at bringing a new vehicle into the subcompact market in the US. Smaller cars have not historically sold well in the United States, but with the recent economical downturn and the high price of gasoline, it is believed that Americans are more likely to be open to suggestions in this area now than ever before. The Ford Fiesta is offered in a five door hatchback version or a more standard 4 door sedan.
The mileage and low price may be the big selling points for this vehicle, which are 37-40 MPH and $13,320, but the technology gadgets made available on this model may be the real selling secret. The Fiesta is obviously geared towards a younger age group than other ford models, but it is the only model to offer some of high tech gadgetry at all. The Ford Sync ability is now becoming common of many vehicles from this car maker. One new option in the Fiesta is the Intelligent Access (with touch control) which allows you to open the door with a thumbprint scan and start the vehicle with a push of a button literally.
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan, four-door hatchback
Engines: 1.6L I-4
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Models: S, SE Sedan, SE Hatchback, SEL, SES
What's New
Though the 2011 Ford Fiesta is an all-new vehicle for the U.S. market, it has been on sale in other parts of the world since 2008. The Fiesta sedan is new, introduced specifically for North America. Also, 2011 is the first year in which the Fiesta is available with Sync because Ford currently does not offer it overseas.
Exterior
At 173.6-inches long, Fiesta sedans are a whopping 13.5-inches longer than their hatchback counterparts. Fiesta S and SE models come with 15-inch wheels. SEL and SES come with bigger 16-inch rolling stock.
Interior
The Fiesta's rear seat is cramped, offering just 31.2-inches of legroom, though the front seats will fit tall occupants comfortably. Sedans offer 12.8 cubic-feet of cargo space, hatches up to 26.0 cubic-feet.
Performance & Handling
The Fiesta's 1.6-liter I-4 makes just 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque, but with only 2,500-2,600 lbs of car to pull around, it's perfectly adequate.
Safety
Small doesn't mean unsafe and the Fiesta proves that with its compliment of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag. Traction and stability control plus integrated blind spot mirrors are standard as well
EPA Fuel Economy
Manual: 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway
Automatic: 29 mpg city/38 mpg highway
Automatic w/SFE package: 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Great fuel economy
- Attractive styling
- Good-size trunk
You Won't Like
Sum Up
A small car with style
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Aveo
- Honda Fit
- Hyundai Accent
- Nissan Versa
- Toyota Yaris