Driving the 2011 Ford Fiesta

[Subcompact Culture]

I was in San Francisco last week for the launch of the 2011 Ford Fiesta. I must say, I'm very impressed. This vehicle should be the new leader in the segment—yes, it's that good.

We got some quality time behind the wheel just south of San Fransico (lots of twisties); got to autocross it against a couple of its competitors; etc. Anyway, you can check out the fully article at the link below.

http://www.subcompactculture.com/2010/04/driving-2011-ford-fiesta.html

[NovaSS]

I want a 2 door.

[Safety Guy]

Will they come stripped with the most powerful engine option?

Or do you have to buy the gold plated luxury edition sport trim with power glove compartment in order to get better suspension and more hp?

Not that I have a pet peeve about all that...

Karl

[Sandm849]

I think I read that there is only the one engine option no matter which model you get. Not sure about the suspension. Can't wait to see em. Anybody have a date? I know they said this summer/fall.

[JumboShrimp]

Are they only selling 4 door models in North America? :neutral:

[Subcompact Culture]

Are they only selling 4 door models in North America? :neutral:

They are only selling the four door sedan and the five door hatchback. There's only one engine: The 1.6-liter with Ti-VCT (e.g. Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing) making 120 hp and 112 lb./lbs. of torque.

The four-door sedan is available in S trim as the "base" model. There is no base hatch; SE is the lowest trim level.

[JumboShrimp]

Thats stupid, the 2 door model looks way better IMO. Oh well, its still a pretty neat looking car.

[JohnGunn]

This all reminds me of the reviews of the Festiva when it was current. The reviewers spoke with disdain just short of laughter about its slow acceleration. But as we know it has enough zip for any normal driving need. And due to it's small displacement gets great mileage. Those are the things Ford and American automobile manufacturers should be prizing.

They don't seem to have learned a thing.

John Gunn
Coronado, CA

[Pgh5spd]

No 2dr = absurd. That the 2dr Focus exists proves they still understand the concept. What sort of mileage figures do they quote? And can you get one with steel wheels?

[Subcompact Culture]

This all reminds me of the reviews of the Festiva when it was current. The reviewers spoke with disdain just short of laughter about its slow acceleration. But as we know it has enough zip for any normal driving need. And due to it's small displacement gets great mileage. Those are the things Ford and American automobile manufacturers should be prizing.

They don't seem to have learned a thing.

John Gunn
Coronado, CA

I think you've got it a bit backwards, actually. Ford is releasing the Fiesta, which will get up to 40 mpg. They do get it. However, we have to see whether or not the American buying public will get it. The car is here, but will it sell? Yes, the reviewers will pan it for not being 150 hp when it has 120. However, people always want more power. But more power, as you stated, equals fewer MPGs.

I can tell you that more than 30% of cars sold in the U.S. are now b- or c-segment vehicles (not my numbers, Ford's numbers). And with nearly every major manufacturer offering a b-segment vehicle now (or in the very near future), the American companies have to join the party, too. I think the Fiesta will be a great vehicle for Ford and small car enthusiasts across North America.

With regards to the three-door: Currently there are only three three-door subcompacts on the U.S. market—Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, MINI Cooper (and I suppose the Smart ForTwo). With the Accent and Yaris being redesigned in the 1–2 years, it will be interesting to see if they keep with a three-door offering. Even in the compact c-segment, there are only a few three-doors: VW Golf, Volvo C30, maybe I couple I'm forgetting. The rest are all now five-doors.

From a practicality standpoint I find five-doors to be more versatile. However, there does seem to be a growing sentiment that three-door hatchbacks look better (I have a three-door Yaris, although I wish it were a five-door).

[mr2gq]

I like the chevy aveo RS better. 1.4 tuibo check it out. puts teh feista to shame

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/chevrolet-aveo-rs-concept-proves-small-hatches-are-ready-for-a-r/

[neanderpaul]

40 is no big deal. The Civic and corolla get that. They are both big cars imho.

[92festie]

I like the chevy aveo RS better. 1.4 tuibo check it out. puts teh feista to shame
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/c...ready-for-a-r/

that looks worse than the fiesta. my 0.02

[neanderpaul]

I think that aveo looks hot but I wouldnt trust it.

[TominMO]

I think that aveo looks hot but I wouldnt trust it.

+1. I really like the look of the Ford Ka, which we might get in a couple of years. Basically a Festy for the 21st century in my eyes. Probably doesn't do the rear seat trick tho.