The tectonic plates have shifted. The U.S. Automotive Order, little changed for the last two decades, has suddenly been upended. No longer insulated from the high fuel prices that afflict so much of the world, America needs a drastically different national motor pool, and we need it now. luckily, the fun, frugal, small cars that we crave already exist overseas, and they're headed our way. But we couldn't wait for them to arrive before sliding behind the wheel, So we've brought you early reports on nine of the most promising cars coming to America. The news is good. To their makers, we say, "Step On It!"
At the 2008 Detroit auto show, Ford gave us a first glimpse of the four-door Fiesta sedan it will start selling in the United States in 2010. Badged Verve and painted hot magenta, the stylish five-seater was purportedly only a concept car, but the Fiesta's previous transition from 2007 Frankfurt auto show vehicle to 2009 production model confirms that we've actually seen the real thing.
Developed in conjunction with the Mazda 2, the new Fiesta is going on sale in Europe this fall as a two- or four-door hatchback. In 2010 or 2011, Ford likely will follow it up with a Fiesta-based compact crossover tailored to meet the needs of the American, Chinese, and Indian markets. A small coupe inspired by the discontinued, European-market Puma and a two-seat roadster modeled after the Streetka are enticing additional Fiesta body-style options, but such niche offerings will get the nod only if Ford returns to solid global profitability. The sporty Fiesta RS, which may well receive the first turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, is more likely for production.
Is the Fiesta worth waiting for? To find out, we drove several different versions of the new subcompact. First impression: this Ford is fit to fight for the small-car crown, just as the Ford Kuga can challenge the Volkswagen Tiguan for the compact-SUV trophy and the Ford Mondeo is capable of holding off the VW Passat, the Opel Insignia, and the Honda Accord, among others. The 2009 Fiesta weighs almost 90 pounds less than the car it replaces. That's not bad at all, especially when you consider its more generous equipment, dramatically improved torsional stiffness, and enhanced safety measures, which include up to seven air bags. Although it has not grown in size, the Fiesta's cabin is commendably roomy, and at 10.4 cubic feet, the luggage compartment will swallow a few more souvenirs than such European-market rivals as the VW Polo, the Opel Corsa, the Peugeot 207, and the Fiat Grande Punto.
The "kinetic design" that Ford currently applies to all its products is more flamboyant than functional, but apparently that's exactly what the young target audience is looking for. The price you pay for maximum style includes a steeply raked windshield (heat intrusion, glare, reflections), a swooshy roofline (only modest rear headroom, poor three-quarter visibility), and a dashboard gone wild (debatable ergonomics, low-mounted climate controls, confusing instrumentation). There are two separate LCD screens fighting for the driver's attention, and the multimedia interface controls require an advanced degree in joystick & keyboard sciences. At this point, you can specify neither a factory-fitted navigation system nor a sunroof in the European-market Fiesta-exactly what consumer group did Ford of Europe's marketing people listen to? Presumably, Ford will amend equipment levels for the U.S. version. ...next page >>