2011 Ford Fiesta

Let The Party Begin

Several years ago one of my sons owned a Fiesta and we called it, well never mind what we called it but one thing we didn’t call it was cool. Enter the much talked about 2011 Fiesta burdened with the difficult task of living up to the hype. Not to worry. This is one very nifty little car.

For over a year now Europeans have been driving the Fiesta and apparently loving every minute of it. According to the Fiesta Movement participants we met, Europeans love it with good reason and it appears the U.S. market will love it just as much.  With EPA numbers at 40mpg on the highway the Fiesta makes a great case for econoboxes but after spending a week in my test car, the Fiesta brings a lot more to the party then just economy.

Let’s start with the styling. Fiesta’s edgy aerodynamic design helps minimize air flow resistance which of course contributes to better fuel economy.  Even the side view mirrors are designed to allow better air flow over them allowing Ford to squeeze every mile possible out of a gallon of gas possible. There’s an optional Super Fuel Economy Package that offers even more resistance cutting options including underbody shields and splitters on the lower part of the grille.

The test car was the SEL and came with the comfort package that includes heated front seats and keyless entry and starting. My test car was the Green Orchid with a crème interior and it’s a great combination albeit for a younger demographic than mine perhaps. While the interior isn’t plush, you will find a plethora of amenities including Fords renowned SYNC® in-car connectivity system, ambient interior and exterior lighting, Intelligent Access with Push-Button start, a centrally located LCD Message Center, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches.

The standard 1.6-liter twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) Duratec® I4 Engine is far from a powerhouse but it isn't exactly anemic either. Mated to the available class-exclusive* PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that provides torque to the wheels 100 percent of the time, it’s plenty potent for merging onto freeways and passing at highway speeds.

The transmission is equipped with leak-free dry clutch technology and a neutral idle mode that helps eliminate drag and contributes to fuel efficiency. It’s also maintenance-free with a fill-for-life transmission fluid that requires no dipstick and is designed to last up to 150,000 miles.

The Fiesta features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), and class-exclusive* available Hill Start Assist, which contributes to Fiesta's overall driving experience. EPAS uses speed-sensitive steering and active nibble control technology, and interesting name for a system that selects a suspension damping factor based on changes in vehicle speed. The system helps provide feedback and confidence at highway speeds.

Long and the short of it is, the All-New Fiesta is much more than just a quirky modern face, it’s a whole new movement and one that’s picking up steam. Starting at just over $13,000 the Fiesta offers a lot for the money and based on the feedback I got during my week in the Fiesta, you’ll be seeing and awful lot of them on the road very soon.