2011 Ford Fiesta 

Ford's World Car Has Arrived!

 

The much anticipated Ford Fiesta is finally here, and is in stock at dealerships. The Fiesta is hailed as a sub-compact, front-wheel drive, five-passenger car with both style and fuel efficiency. This Ford model was rolled out in Europe last year, and is available in four- and five-door bodystyles in the U.S. For 2011 the Ford Fiesta is a fresh entry into the US marketplace, bringing new features and technology to the sub-compact class. The Fiesta marks Ford's attempt to market the same basic car here that is sold in Europe at higher prices, by standardizing the basics and making optional some upscale features, including heated leather seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and push-button engine start. Some of these features have never been seen in this price class.

The bottom line is the 2011 Ford Fiesta sets new benchmarks for the affordable small car class.  Ford is banking on its successful, and rightfully so. The Fiesta gets high marks from almost every reviewer who has driven it because it offers things many other small cars lack: a fun driving experience and a comfortable, upscale cabin.  Ford says the Fiesta should net 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.  If those numbers are correct, the Fiesta would nearly match the fuel economy in the Smart ForTwo, and beat the fuel economy in the Toyota Yaris. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $13,995 for a base, 2011 Fiesta sedan with manual transmission and 120-horsepower, four-cylinder engine.

Driving the Ford Fiesta

Power comes from a 119-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. An advanced six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission is optional. Technically an automated manual, the automatic is a technology that's begun to spread among larger cars, bringing the light weight and efficiency traditionally associated with manual transmissions. It operates with only an accelerator and brake pedal. In a change from the norm, Ford says, the highest mileage is expected with the automatic - up to 40 mpg with an optional Super Fuel Economy Package. The automated manual is operated just like an automatic transmission; the driver only uses the accelerator and brakes to regulate the car's speed, but under the hood this transmission uses two clutches to dial in the correct gears.  It's a high-tech setup to delivers good performance while maximizing fuel economy.  What's more, it's a setup that's usually only seen in luxury sports cars like the Audi TT.

2011 Ford Fiesta Design

The Fiesta hatchback is offered as either SE or SES trims, while the sedan can be had in S, SE, or SEL form. Of the two body styles, the sedan is more conservatively styled, with a Ford-signature three-bar chrome grille. The hatchback has a narrow front grille and a sportier design. Upscale elements include a deck lid spoiler and LED side marker lights on the front fenders with the Sport Appearance Package. Chrome belt line moldings are available. The base trim level starts with 15-inch steel wheels, but alloy rims are available in 15- and 16-inch diameters, depending on the trim level. Ford Racing offers 17-inch alloy wheels. There is a wide range of exterior paint colors, like Red Candy and Yellow Blaze Metallic, which Ford offers. The extra mirror for blind spot detection that is integrated into the regular outside mirrors are valued safety item.

Inside the '11 Fiesta

Standard features on all Fiesta models include air-conditioning, capless fuel filler system, power body-colored mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, aux audio input jack and electronic power-assisted steering. Higher trim levels include cruise control, keyless entry, satellite radio, alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, and SYNC hands-free communications and entertainment system. Optional features include heated seats, a passive entry/passive start system, power moonroof, and leather seats; also offered is a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package for those commuters seeking maximum efficiency. The Fiesta's interior is among the higher-quality offerings in the class in terms of materials and features. A height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-telescoping steering wheel are exceptions among subcompacts. Seat choices include cloth and leather, with optional accent-color piping. Multicolored ambient lighting is another option currently seen on higher-priced Fords. Through Ford Custom Accessories, buyers can opt for metallic door sill plates and shift knob, and even illuminated versions of the same. Convenience options include cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, keypad keyless entry, push-button engine start and even remote start. Entertainment features start with a standard analog MP3 player input jack and range all the way to a Sync-enabled premium stereo with steering-wheel controls and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Conclusions

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a small car with big-car features and technology and a top mileage rating of 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, seven airbags including a driver knee airbag, tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The Fiesta is Ford's new subcompact car, intended to compete with models like the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. The 2011 Fiesta sedan and four-door hatchback are Americanized versions of Europe's second-best-selling car, the current generation of which has been sold since 2008. With the Fiesta Ford may radically alter what American buyers expect from small cars.  The Fiesta has features rarely seen in the Affordable Small Car class, from available heated seats to Ford's SYNC system to an airbag for the driver's knees. But what will seal the deal for many buyers is the Fiesta's hybrid-like fuel economy.  Ford says it should get 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Those numbers are close to what many hybrids offer, but the Fiesta will cost thousands less.