2012 Ford Fiesta Manchester
All Fiestas get blind spot mirrors incorporated into the side mirrors and a driver's seat armrest. New packages for the top-of-the-line SEL sedan and SES hatchback offer two-tone leather seats and door panels in black and red or black and white as well as color-coordinated trim on the steering wheel and instrument panel. Embroidered floor mats and a leather-wrapped gearshift are also included. In addition, the Premium Sport Appearance Package for the SES hatchback includes 16-inch alloy wheels plus dark accents for the headlights,
lower grille, side mirrors, window surrounds and rear spoiler. The package also includes a 4.25-to-1 final drive ratio on manual-transmission cars for quicker acceleration from a stop. The 2012 Ford Fiesta is a funcar to drive and has a smooth, eager engine and agile chassis. The Fiesta also provides sprightly handling, a compliant ride and a quiet cabin at freeway speed. It also offers features that are uncommon in this class, such as keyless ignition and Ford's superb Sync system, which, among other things, allows you to control audio and cell phone functions via voice commands.
Driving Impressions of the '12 Fiesta
The 2012 Ford Fiesta is very comfortable for its intended use. For going around town, the new Fiesta delivers everything as promised. So of course, it'll be it'll be quite competent for running over to the mall to pick up some kitschy frames for the latest classic cartoon cel addition to the collection. The audio streaming in through the SYNC is crisp, clear and full, so if you have to use your cell phone to talk to someone while are in the car, you can just plug your bluetooth in and you will not get any static reception but instead crystal clear reception. Because of its tidy size, it can slip easily through narrow gaps in city traffic. The eager-to-rev 1.6 delivers ample punch down low and remains butter-smooth even when taken to redline. The manual transmission is precise and easy to shift, boasting a linear clutch and light throws.
Interior features of the '12 Ford Fiesta
The dominant feature of the dashboard is not the instrument panel, with its analog speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge, but the center of the dashboard. Ford says the array of infotainment controls housed in a brushed metallic pod and topped by a deeply hooded data screen was intended to evoke thoughts of a PDA or a smart phone; one also might think of the Starship Enterprise or something along those lines. This infotainment system is a centerpiece of the Fiesta's market strategy. The Fiesta's voice activated SYNC system uses its Bluetooth capability to link up with a smart phone to access certain internet streaming services, including FM like sites and podcast providers.
Model Lineup
The 2012 Ford Fiesta comes as four door sedan or five door hatchback. All have the same 120 horsepower, 1.6-liter, four cylinder engine. The standard transmission is a 5 speed manual. Optional on everything but the base sedan is a 6 speed, twin clutch automatic.
The Fiesta S sedan comes standard with air conditioning; cloth upholstery; 60/40 split fold down rear seatback; four speaker, 40 watt AM/FM stereo with audio input jack; power door locks and outside mirrors; carpeted front floor mats; rear seat heat ducts; cloth door panel trim. Steel wheels with a six spoke hubcap wear 185/65R15 tires. An option package adds a CD/MP3 player, remote keyless entry, auto lock doors.
Fiesta SE comes with the Fiesta S option package content plus upgraded upholstery; metallic painted interior trim accents; power windows; trip computer; and 195/60R15 tires on
aluminum alloy wheels. Option packages include SYNC entertainment center with six speakers and 80 watts, redundant audio controls on the steering wheel and USB equipped center console, and a sport appearance group that includes painted aluminum wheels, cruise control and deck lid spoiler.
Fiesta SEL has everything that was standard and optional on the S and the SE plus rear seat floor mats; seven color ambient lighting; a second, rear seat auxiliary power point; auto dim rearview mirror; SIRIUS satellite radio; and leather wrapped steering wheel. Fiesta SEL comes with 195/50R16 tires on aluminum alloy wheels. One upgrade option group is offered, with chrome external trim, heated front seats, perimeter alarm and keyless door unlock/pushbutton start/stop.
The Fiesta hatchback has two trim levels, the SE and the SES. Standard equipment on the SE hatchback tracks the SE sedan's, as do the available option groupings' content. Fiesta SES is equipped similarly to SEL.
Stand alone options for the SE sedan and hatchback include a power moonroof; SIRIUS satellite radio coupled with seven color ambient lighting; and heated front seats and outside mirrors. The Super Fuel Economy Package comprises cruise control, partial grille blockers, side air deflectors, underbody shields and 195/60R15 T-rated (low rolling resistance) tires. (Ford hasn't released official estimates for expected fuel economy increases, but independent studies suggest T-rated tires can cut fuel use by between 1.5 percent and 4.5 percent.)
Options for SEL and SES include leather seating trim, power moonroof and special exterior paints. Four graphic body trims. The SEL can be tricked out with a ground effect lower body kit, and a more aggressive, Euro style rear spoiler can be added to the SES.
Conclusions
The 2012 Ford Fiesta is a fresh entry in an increasingly popular and important market, the small, fuel efficient runabout. It also shows smart thinking on Ford's part in the midst of a deeply troubled world economy, when building the same car, or nearly the same car, for most of the countries where Ford sells cars makes good economical sense. The Fiesta is a fun and pleasurable car to drive. It also has great handling and a quiet cabin at freeway sweeps. If you are looking for a new car that is fun to drive, definitely do not forget to look at the 2012 Ford Fiesta.
Some of the information for this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com