2011 Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta made its debut in the US and abroad in 1976.  In those days the Fiesta was just another economy car that simply underwhelmed American drivers.  Although the Fiesta remains popular in Europe it never returned to American shores. This will change next year when the 2011 Ford Fiesta makes its encore appearance here in the states. After 3 decades of European road tests and continuous upgrades the new Fiesta has been completely transformed.  Ford has spent plenty of time considering what appeals to American drivers.  According to Ford, the Fiesta was designed to “physically engage the senses” and we Americans love that touchy feely stuff.

At first glance the new Ford Fiesta appears to be a distant relative to the June bug, especially when wearing its exclusive “Lime Squeeze Metallic” exterior color.  The teardrop body shape is lower in the front and higher in the back making the Fiesta appear as if it’s about to launch into flight.   When it is coming straight toward you, the Dragon’s-eye headlamps complete its insect-like appearance.  If you don’t like bugs, Ford is offering six additional colors which make the Fiesta look more like a car.  These include; Oxford White and lots of metallics in hues of: Yellow Blaze, Bright Magenta, Monterey Gray, Blue Flame, Tuxedo Black, Red Candy and Ingot Silver.

The interior of the Fiesta incorporates most of the “engaging to the senses” features that Ford is banking on. For starters, Ford incorporated plenty of sound deadening materials in the doors, headliner and pillars and utilized an acoustic laminated windshield to keep the interior whisper quiet.  Unlike any competitor in its class the Fiesta has available luxuries such as heated front leather trimmed seats and a power moon roof.  A 4” multifunctional LCD display screen for phone info, audio settings and other data is positioned in the direct line of sight with red, easy to read text. Ford loaded the Fiesta with technology as well, including their Intelligent Access push-button start ignition system and the Ford-exclusive SYNC ® system which allows for hands free communication.

Under the hood of the Fiesta lies a 1.6-liter twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) Duratec ® Engine.  Add the available PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission, which eliminates drag and the Fiesta could reach a highway fuel economy of 40 mpg. Service visits are reduced as well by the fill-for-life transmission fluid system which is designed to last up to 150,000 miles and is virtually maintenance free.  An electric powered rack and pinion steering system with AdvanceTrac ® makes the Fiesta nimble and ultra responsive. Car and Driver gave the new Ford Fiesta a high ranking in their fun-to-drive (FTD) factor and they were “thoroughly impressed with the Fiesta’s eager agility and exceptional road-holding.”

With any small vehicle driver and passenger safety is always a concern.  Ford has forseen this and packed the new Fiesta with more airbags than any other vehicle in its class.  A total of seven airbags are standard for the Fiesta.  This includes an innovative driver’s knee airbag designed to provide a cushion between the driver and the instrument panel in the event of a crash.   Time will tell how the New Ford Fiesta will do here in the U.S. but with a starting price around $13,500 combined with so many fun and innovative features the Fiesta will surely be met with great enthusiasm.  Just like June bugs the Fiesta will be arriving Spring/Summer 2010.