For the most part, the Ford Fiesta is remembered fondly, at least among car people.  The European subcompact made a brief appearance in the U.S. from 1978 to 1980, and at the time was seen as a “compromise” car, the sort of vehicle that you bought because you were on a tight budget and couldn’t swing the MSRP or fuel cost of a larger vehicle.  It wasn’t until long after the Fiesta was gone that folks began to appreciate its good qualities, like decent handling and robust build quality.  

The Fiesta nameplate is getting a second chance in North America for 2011, and this time it won’t take thirty years for buyers to appreciate it.  It’s not like you haven’t heard of the 2011 Fiesta; Ford’s been touting it since its European introduction two years ago.  The Fiesta’s targeted at the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, but it’s not very much like either of them.  The Fiesta’s most like the Nissan Versa–it’s a “real” car, featuring “real-car” amenities in a small, enjoyable package.  750,000 Fiestas have already been sold, so this car is old news to the rest of the world.  The new small Ford brings plenty of excitement to the U.S. market, though.

The excitement starts at curbside.  In both four- and five-door format, the Fiesta’s sheetmetal is what Ford calls “kinetic design,” and this car looks like it’s in motion at all times.  Trapezoidal lower grille and wrapped headlight units provide a visual link to the rest of the Ford lineup, and a strong side line bisects the front wheel well, similar to the Focus.  Details like LED parking lamps and crystal headlamps add distinction.  The styling is sporty and dynamic without being aggressive; the Fiesta relies on taut, angular lines rather than spoilers and hood scoops to make its statement.  For anybody who might miss the message, the Fiesta is available with a bold color palette, however.  New colors like “Yellow Blaze” (it’s actually orange) and lime green will ensure that you see the Fiesta on the road.  Exterior graphics are available as a dealer-installed option.

Since when did a subcompact car have to make a statement?  You can look at “premium” compacts like the MINI Cooper and Volkswagen New Beetle for your answer.  These days, small cars aren’t necessarily a compromise.  Ford wants the Fiesta to be a car that buyers want to buy because of its merits, rather than a compromise purchase.  To that end, the Fiesta is appointed and equipped in a manner fitting of a much larger vehicle.  The complicated dash looks like the face of one of Michael Bay’s Transformers, with red lighting and painted silver trim.  A fat steering wheel and decent lateral support on the seats will appeal to enthusiast drivers.  The seating position is low, and the Fiesta’s size is evident in the fact that there’s almost no rear-seat legroom with six-footers up front.  Small though it may be, it’s as comfortable and solid-feeling as much larger vehicles.   Seat heaters and pushbutton start are unusual in a car this size.  A range of high-visibility options brightens things even further.  Mood lighting is available, as are several upholstery colors.  The Fiesta is a small car that doesn’t compromise when it comes to comfort and convenience.

Ford’s smallest is breaking new ground in terms of driver convenience, as well.  Got a Bluetooth phone?  The Fiesta can use it as a modem to connect to Sync services, enabling you to get news reports, directions and business information piped into your speakers via a voice-controlled system.  Turn-by-turn navigation information will appear on the four-inch multifunction display in the dash as well, enabling the Fiesta to offer the next best thing to a GPS system.  This feature is standard on the Fiesta for three years.

Yet another unprecedented infotainment feature is AppLink, which enables the Sync system to link with smartphone applications like Pandora, OpenBeak and Stitcher.  AppLink allows these internet apps to be controlled with the Fiesta’s dash buttons or by voice, and uses the central information screen to display information.  Using this, the Fiesta can read your Twitter tweets to you, find your favorite Pandora radio stations, and bookmark songs.

Power comes from a 1.6 liter four-cylinder whose TiVCT variable valve timing system is shared with the 2011 Mustang.  120 horsepower isn’t much on paper, compared to the Mustang, but the Fiesta only weighs about 2600 pounds so it makes very good use of the 112 pound-feet of torque available.  A five-speed manual transmission is standard.  Ford’s new PowerShift six-speed automatic is the optional gearbox, and it’s one of the most sophisticated transmissions in its segment.  The twin-clutch automatic is computer controlled and basically works like an automated manual.  Don’t go looking for a torque convertor or fluid pump (you know, just in case that’s the first thing you do with a new car); it doesn’t use them.  On the road, the PowerShift is so smooth that shifts are practically undetectable other than by engine noise.  The small and light package works, and the Fiesta’s good for 30/40 fuel economy.

The suspension uses MacPherson struts in the front and a twist-beam rear axle.  Ford’s done a fantastic job of tuning the car for entertaining performance, and the Fiesta feels happy to be driving, especially on curvy roads.  If you’re looking for a small, frugal vehicle but were (quite rightfully) turned off by the horrible road manners of the Toyota Yaris or Chevy Aveo, the Fiesta could be the answer to your question.  Electronic power steering (EPS) is standard, and features “active nibble control” and “drift-pull compensation.”  The latter helps to cancel out the need to countersteer when there’s a heavy crosswind, while the former smoothes out shaking caused by tire or brake issues.  Traction control is standard.  The front-disc, rear-drum brakes may seem like a throwback to a decade ago, but the Fiesta stops with an honestly sporty responsiveness.

With the arrival of the Fiesta, “entry-level” becomes a lot less of a stigma than it once was.  This flyweight doesn’t just dazzle with high fuel economy numbers, but with look-at-me styling and unique infotainment features.  Pricing’s set at $13,995 for the sedan and $15,795 for the hatch.

All specs are for the 2011 Ford Fiesta five-door.
Length:  160.1 in.
Width:  67.8 in.
Height:     58.0 in.
Wheelbase:  98.0 in.
Curb weight:   2575 lb.
Base price:  $15,795
Engine:   1.6 liter DOHC inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain:  six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:  120 @ 6350
Torque:  112 @ 5000
Fuel capacity:  12.0 gal.
Est. mileage:   30/40

Print This Post Print This Post