2011 Ford Fiesta Preview: Engine, Performance, Features, and Pricing
Ford will bring its sixth-generation Fiesta subcompact to the U.S.
in the first half of 2010, the first time since the first-generation
Fiesta landed here 30 years ago. We expect it to be priced in the
mid-teens alongside the Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Smart
ForTwo, and Toyota Yaris, and be very competitive.
One of the best-selling cars in Europe, this latest-generation Ford
Fiesta has earned product awards from European journalists and European
engineers.
We’re expecting to see both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback here in the North American market.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta come with 1.4-liter (95 hp) and 1.6-liter (118 hp)
four-cylinder engines and five-speed manual, automatic or dual-clutch
transmissions. We’ve found these engines smooth and flexible, never
thrashing and deliver good performance and mileage; home market
diesels, rated up to 65 mpg, are cost prohibitive here, so we’re not
expecting them.
Driving characteristics of the Fiesta are excellent and quite refined;
we suspect the Honda Fit is the only car in the class that could give
it a run around a winding road and wouldn’t feel so polished doing so.
Steering is nicely weighted and precise, the ride an ideal blend of
comfort and control, the brakes quick to act yet easy to modulate.
The shape mimics Ford’s recent Verve show car, very sleek and
aerodynamic without being bland or boxy; it looks considerably better
than the average $14,000 car. Despite the rakish roof line we put four
six-footers in one simultaneously without looking like a circus act.
There’s also decent space behind the folding rear seat, with a deep
trunk well and easy access.
While other markets have myriad trim choices we anticipate only the top
tier stateside. Figure seven airbags, central locking, pushbutton
start, projector headlamps and trip computer as standard, power windows
and air conditioning probable, and options likely to include leather
upholstery and navigation. The cabin layout is contemporary and
functional, with good fit and finish to the materials.
Fiestas will be built for the electronically mobile generation and
sport audio input and USB ports. The only nit we could find was the
location of the USB port: right where cupholder contents will empty in
a hard stop.
On Sale: First Half 2010
Expected Pricing: $13,500-$17,000
– G.R. Whale
Find a vault full of discussions on Ford’s part in the fuel-efficient vehicle market here!