We’ve seen the sequence too many times before. Enthusiasts beg GM and Ford to offer their international products in the U.S. They offer one. It fails to sell. It gets canceled. Nevertheless, Ford plans to replace its entire small-to-midsize lineup with vehicles developed in and primarily for Europe. So this time it had better work out. First up: the subcompact Fiesta.
In hatchback form, the Fiesta is the segment’s best-looking car. There’s a lot going on, but none of the numerous eye-catching details warrants a “WTF?” The exterior’s complex curves meld to form a well-proportioned, cohesive whole. I could study the rear quarters for days. In “lime squeeze” or “yellow blaze” (the “blue flame” of the tested car isn’t the best choice) the athletic egg screams, “Let’s play.” Unlike with Detroit’s previous attempt at a playful small car, the original Dodge Neon, there’s also sophistication to spare. Good thing, because Euro-market cars cannot be profitably sold at Neon prices.
The relatively upscale aesthetics continue inside the Fiesta, though the materials don’t all keep pace and the silver plastic has been laid on a bit thick. The padded armrests on the doors and the contrasting piping and stitching on the optional leather seats are nice touches. Unfortunately, style in some cases trumps function. Sure, SYNC is a big plus, but the audio controls bring the unintelligibility of iDrive to the masses (I gave up). And the decidedly non-premium HVAC controls are a stretch. A first in my experience: there are no manual door locks. If the battery dies or a power lock actuator fails, how can you lock the car? (Pulling on an interior door handle unlocks the door even with the power out.)
The laid back windshield forces a deep IP, which distances the driver from the road. But, despite the small windowlettes ahead of the doors, you’re still clearly piloting a conventional car rather than an MPV. It helps that the A-pillars seem thinner and less intrusive than most these days, and that the driving position is lower than the segment average. The raked beltline and tall rear headrests impair rearward visibility, but not dreadfully so. Standard spotter mirrors more than compensate. The front seats pass muster, though enthusiasts will wish for more lateral support.
The price of the athletic exterior: an adult-unfriendly rear seat. The cushion is low, and you’ll find more knee room in some sports cars. (Unexpected consolation prize: rear reading lights.) The cargo area is similarly much less commodious than in a Honda Fit, though there’s a little more space behind the rear seat than in the related Mazda2.
Over on Ford’s UK site, you’ll find the Fiesta’s 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four described as “mighty.” But then the range across the ponds starts with a 60-horsepower 1.2-liter. Even fresh from a 100-horsepower Mazda2, “mighty” didn’t cross my mind when driving the Fiesta. To give credit where credit is due, the Ford’s 1.6 revs with more verve and zing than the Mazda’s smoother 1.5, and thanks to a plumper midrange doesn’t sink into a hole when you shift from first to second. But power is still adequate at best by American standards. “At best” meaning AC off and no incline. Turn on the AC and the engine loses its will to rev.
Both transmissions need a re-think. With the five-speed manual, shift throws are long, the gaps between ratios are overly wide given the torque-to-weight ratio, and the upshift light soon proves annoying. The “PowerShift” six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (think VW’s DSG, but with less expensive, lower maintenance dry clutches) could have been a high point. But while this transmission makes the most of the not-so-mighty engine, and enables top-notch EPA numbers (29/40), its overly frequent shifts lack finesse. A manual mode would help, but—in a first for this sort of transmission—none is offered. Consider this the first but not last clue that driving enthusiasts haven’t been invited to this Fiesta.
All of the above I could live with, as long as the chassis delivers on the promises made by the sheetmetal. Despite glowing initial reviews, in final production tune it doesn’t. Compared to the related Mazda2, the Fiesta is soft, even squishy. Especially when paired with the SE’s 15-inch Kumho tires, the electric-assist steering feels relatively dull and imprecise. Twitch the wheel one way and then the other, and the car wobbles as delayed reactions trip over one another while working their way through the chassis. In curves, the Kumhos plow early and often. The SES’s stiffer, grippier 16-inch Hankooks (still not ideal treads) delay the onset of understeer, but even with them the Fiesta doesn’t quite come alive. Granted, the average American driver will notice nothing amiss. But for anyone with an interest in driving, the Fiesta’s handling falls short of (admittedly high) expectations.
What your average American driver will notice: a smooth, refined, quiet ride. The Mazda2 doesn’t ride badly, but the Fiesta is a Lexus in comparison, especially on the highway. The exterior promises a driving experience that is both athletic and upscale. The chassis might fail to deliver on the former, but certainly does on the latter.
So, can the latest Euro Ford make it on this side of the Atlantic? Well, if Americans prioritized functionality and handling we’d be awash in tautly suspended compact wagons. As it is, Ford won’t even be offering the new Focus wagon here. Sharp styling, an upscale ambiance, handling tuned to keep inexperienced drivers alive, a plush ride, and iWhatever connectivity matter more, and the Fiesta delivers these. So it will likely succeed where the Merkur, Astra Lemans, Contour, Catera, G8, and Astra redux (have I forgotten any?) failed. Which would be fitting, because a European Ford has done well here before: the original Fiesta.
I’d prefer more power and a roomier back seat, so I’ve personally been looking forward to the similarly styled, one-size-larger 2012 Focus. But after driving the Fiesta I’m worried. Please, Ford, don’t muck up the handling.
Frank Cianciolo, an excellent salesperson at Avis Ford in Southfield, MI, provided the car for this review. Frank can be reached at 248-226-2555.
Michael Karesh owns and operates TrueDelta, an online source of automotive pricing and reliability data.
“I could study the rear quarters for days.”
I actually feel that way about my lady friend, Mike. But having that thought about a car?
One point…your article doesn’t mention anything about the vehicles safety ratings…..do you have that info yet?
It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick and it’s got a 5 star NHTSA rating.
Something is clearly happening with Ford. First Mulally kissing the Indian-variant of the Fiesta and now our dear M.K. looking for panty lines on the Fiesta’s rump!
BTW, the reason that the cars imported to satisfy “enthusiasts” failed in the past was that “enthusiasts” are just a small part of the car-buying community … if the vehicles fail to hit the taste, versatility and price points of the average consumer (enthusiasts are not average), then the car will not make it…
Rumor has it that there will be an enthusiast’s version, the Ford Fiesta Fetish.
MK – great review. I’d add the last Cougar to your list of imports that didn’t light the charts on fire, even though it started with great promise and good looks.
The final Cougar wasn’t an import per se. The styling may have been a warmup for the Focus, but the car itself was intended to be the 3rd-gen Probe.
The one I wondered about was the 1970s Mercury Capri. But I think it did fairly well here. I recall wanting one around the time I got my license, when quite a few were still around.
I’ve owned the Fiesta for over 3,000 miles now. It replaced a Matrix. Other than back seat room, it is way better. Really quiet compared to the Toyota. One thing we need to remember is the Fiesta is a cheap car. When I looked at the Honda Fit, to get stabilty contol, you had to get a higher priced model. It’s standard on all the Fiestas. The SYNC is way to complex. They forgot that I’ve driving a car. The dash is over styled too. Needs more storage compartments. Still, I’m glad I got it, should I have gotten an Aveo instead? I don’t think so.
The last Cougar was not an import. It was built in Flat Rock MI and exported primarily to Europe.
It was however a failure because if fell between two stools! Too big for Europe & too small (and low powered) for the US!
Pity about the motor and handling. Guess the Fit Sport still trumps.
As it is, Ford won’t even be offering the new Focus wagon here.
what, What, WHAT?!? That is really disappointing. Is North America at least getting the 3-door Focus?
There is no 3 door Focus for this upcoming generation. Anywhere. No one was buying them.
US gets the sedan, 5 door and the C-Max minivan.
Nobody likes two-door cars with two rows of seats, at least not in any quantity. The only reason the old ZX3 sold at all well is that the ZXW and ZX5 were much more expensive; if you wanted a Focus without a trunk and couldn’t swing the payments, only the ZX3 was available as a stripper.
Personally, I’m glad of this. I hate two-door/two-row cars.
I’m not a big fan of the Fit either. The handling is tighter than the Fiesta’s, but still doesn’t feel sporty to me. And the driving position is too much like being in a small minivan.
The Mazda2 I reviewed recently would be by far the most fun to drive if it had a decent engine.
Reliability is a known strong point for the Fit. I might have initial reliability stats for the Fiesta as soon as November, but more likely February.
To help with TrueDelta’s Car Reliability Survey:
http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php
Car and Driver:
Fiesta, last place, slowest and worst fuel economy.
Fit wins again, best design, fastest and best economy:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests/2011_ford_fiesta_ses_page_2
Michael,
Best of luck with the new Focus. It seems like you’ve been chasing that ‘Protege5 replacement’ dragon forever now.
So wait. There will be a 5-door Focus, but no 3-door Focus?
@John R
“So wait. There will be a 5-door Focus, but no 3-door Focus?”
yes, as noted by PaulieWalnut, there are 4/5/wagon variants of the new generation (C346) Focus, with the wagon not being offered in the US.
there were 3/4/5/wagon/folding roof convertible versions of the outgoing non-US Focus (C307).
the Mk1 C-max was only 5-pass, there are now C-max (5) and Grand C-max (7) pass versions, with the 7-pass having been announced for US sale, basically competing with the Mazda5 in an otherwise perhaps unexploited segment.
Frank Cianciolo, an excellent salesperson at Avis Ford in Southfield, MI, provided the car for this review. Frank can be reached at 248-226-2555.
During my time in Detriot, Avis was the only place I bought a car. Good people. I know if was to be faced with the choice of the Fiesta or the Mini. I’d take the Fiesta, it will be interesting to see how it stacks up with the soon to be here Fiat 500.
The MINI is considerably sportier. The FIAT 500 should feel considerably lighter, though this remains to be seen. Ford has given the Fiesta the feel of a larger car.
the Fiat 500 is much smaller than the Fiesta/Fit/Mazda2, it’s an A-class (or sub-B depending on how you segment things) vs the B-sized cars currently on sale here.
it’s also feels smaller/taller than a MINI (mk1 at least, have not driven mk2 MINI) and has very little storage space vs a MINI.
the Fiat will likely be fun to drive in spades tho, if not quite fast. it was initially something of a dynamic wet squib, but taking some of the Ford Ka tuning (added rear roll bar among other things apparently) it got some chops. the Abarth versions are more better-er by all accounts.
Am unable to envision this car ever possessing the cachet to be sitting atop cement blocks in a front yard as a lawn ornament.
It is lacking something that a late 70s or 80s BIG 3 car has. That “something” that makes a house a home when the conveyance sits there, non-operable, rusting in peace in front of the abode.
Not sure why are you comparing Fit and Fiesta. The honda is a small MPV. Are they really competitors?
With that logic in a honda accord review you could complain of lack of space compared to its rival honda odyssey.
I was sure I was going to buy a Fiesta, I ended up with a Fit. They absolutely compete. They’re both tiny, sophisticated, small engined hatches. The Fit is about the same size, and almost exactly the same weight. The fit is slightly taller and but the usable backseat and spacious feel comes mostly from the way more efficient layout. In the end it was the Fit’s engine that sold me. The Fit wasn’t any faster but felt happy to do what it could, whereas the Fiesta’s felt like it was unhappy and straining. Also the additional 1000 rpms on the Fits tach were appreciated.
I would still say the Fiesta is the best small Ford ever made, but Honda has been building terrific small engines for a long time.
Yes, they are. I cross shopped them and bought the Fit. They are very close in price, equipment level, hp, etc. The Mini Cooper (and maybe the upcoming Fiat 500) is at the extreme end of Euro form over function, Versa at the practicality over style extreme. Fit and Fiesta are well within that envelope as direct competitors. Interior space was a factor but not the overriding one. One thing that really annoys me about Ford is no override for electronic “nannys” and no manual selection of gears for the automatic. What were they thinking when this car is targeted more to an enthusiast market than the Aveo, Yaris, Versa, etc? The long-stroke Honda engine is also a plus, very flexible.
I’d agree.
In Europe they might not directly compete, but in North America they’re priced right on each other, share the same market segment and get cross-shopped. Saying “they don’t really compete” is a way to let one or the other off the hook for being uncompetitive.
I would agree if Honda offered a low-roofer with a more marginal backseat as well as the Fit, but the truth is that the Fit, Yaris, Versa, Fiesta, Rio, Accent and Aveo are all that each of their manufacturers offers at this price point. Nissan seems to have got the formula “right” for North America, and it’s sales prove it.
“The honda is a small MPV.”
Not really, it’s just a hatchback. Ditto the Mazda 5. Can’t we get past the brainwashed-by-marketing somnambulance and just call things what they are?
@thebeelzebubtrigger
“Ditto the Mazda 5. Can’t we get past the brainwashed-by-marketing somnambulance and just call things what they are?”
the Mazda5 is unique (for now) in the US market. has sliding doors and 7 seats, nothing else that small exists in the US.
the small MPV is class pioneered by the Renault Scenic and now a mainstay of most european brands’ C-sized lineup.
I cross-shopped Fit and MINI a year ago. They are all in the same class, Fit has a larger utility space, Mini has a turbo engine (in some versions). I’m sure Fiesta falls right into the same ballpark.
If there were used Fiestas around, I may have bought one. I ended up with a 2007 Fit. The Fiesta got me thinking about buying new, though.
The Fit may be a “small MPV,” but its styling mostly comes across as a conventional hatchback (if a little tall) rather than a “mini-minivan.” And as others have pointed out, the Fit and Fiesta are more or less in the same price and size segment, at least in the US. And, although the enthusiast market is much smaller, both of these cars are at or near the top of the segment in the “fun to drive” department. So, yes, they absolutely compete.
Styling is good overall, except for that bulge that runs along the front from the headlights to the A-pillar. What the heck is that for? I don’t think that is tied to the Euro pedestrian crash standards thing, or is it?
Ford should offer a sport version of this with an upgraded engine. Call it the Fiesta GT or something. Make it a hot hatch. Yeah, Ford, we know you sell the Mustang. No, Ford, it won’t cannibalize Mustang sales because they’d be two completely different cars.
I hope the Ford Party is a real success here.
Ford should offer a sport version of this with an upgraded engine. Call it the Fiesta GT or something. Make it a hot hatch. Yeah, Ford, we know you sell the Mustang. No, Ford, it won’t cannibalize Mustang sales because they’d be two completely different cars.
You’re right, the only sales that would be “cannibalized” by either a high performance Fiesta or Mazda 2 would be VW GTI sales.
The “sentimental favorite” name for a hot Fiesta should be XR2…
If you want more power, you want is the Fiesta ST, which we should be getting next year, complete with EcoBoost power.
With regards to the handling, feel is almost always somewhat subjective. Most reviews have rated it equal or superior to the Fit regarding handling. As far as the shifters go, I thought the manual box was one of the most comfortable and easy to drive I have ever used.
The radio controls are supposedly mobile phone inspired, which lends some sense to the way they work. The system is different from in US designed Fords, but it doesn’t take too much time to figure it out, and for the texting generation coming of driving age, it will be a breeze.
The Fit’s suspension is firmer without being punishing, and the Fiesta has a softer ride but stickier tires and a lower center of gravity. Again, my preference was for the Fit’s handling. The firmer ride just feels more agile.
I thought the Fiesta’s mobile phone inspired radio controls were also a big turn off. Neither car has a standard dash cutout for a double din head unit (the Honda nav system is standard double-din, but is an $1800 upgrade and in automatic only –and I can get a better unit with the dash conversion kit online for about $850), but the Honda has a cheap dash conversion kit. The Fiesta had nothing for dash kits when I was shopping (they may be out now, I haven’t looked). And if I do swap the Fiesta radio, what becomes of the Fiesta’s high mounted monochrome LCD screen?
I don’t know how to operate my phone, either.
Well if they were CELLPHONE inspired…. “Mobile” is eurospeak, and apparently eurodesign too.
Interesting, the clash between this review and Jack’s. You’d hardly think they were reviewing the same car.
That said, this review is also inline with what most of the actual reviews of the Fiesta read like: it’s a good car, but it’s not a game-changer, and it has some faults. I think the problem is one of overinflated expectations: I drove this car in Europe and it’s nice, but it wasn’t nearly as nice as the North American enthusiast crowd was inferring it would be. I’ve since driven the North American version and I’d say the time: it’s a nicer car than the Fit in terms of ride and NVH, but it’s got packaging problems vis a vis it’s competition and isn’t appreciably nicer inside than the Versa unless you order the leather seats.
I wouldn’t hold out hope for Focus. Both are in competitive segments, and it’s wishful thinking that any participant is going to somehow make a much better car for the same price as it’s competition. There’s no magic here.
The initial reviews were generally like Jack’s. I think Ford might have provided cars with European suspension tuning.
Really? I don’t recall the European car having that remarkable a suspension. I am wondering if Ford either tuned the press fleet, or severely under-tired the North American one.
My experience with Korean all-seasons is that they’re good tires from a treadwear/quiet/ride/safety perspective, but they’re not sporty. What do the European cars come with?
Nearly all of the reviews are like Jack’s or Alex’s, so I don’t know what reviews you’re reading. This one is just about the most negative I’ve read with the exception of Car and Driver’s recent comparo.
If the press event US Fiestas had Euro suspension tuning I think they might have handled worse. The US Fiesta weighs about 100lbs more than the Euro-spec due to US bumper regs and extra sound deadening; its suspension is actually a bit stiffer to make up for that (and keep the handling as close as possible to Euro-spec, according to Ford anyway; maybe we shouldn’t take them at their word?). Euro and US steering systems are the same as far as anyone knows (I’ve seen some reviews that mention a “different calibration” but the ratio is the same). I think the main thing causing any lost handling verve are the all-season tires. I am, however, puzzled by the contrast between the Fiesta and the 2; in Europe, the general consensus is that the Fiesta gives up little if anything to the Mazda in handling, and AFAIK the Mazda has also gained a bit of weight and switched to all-seasons for US consumption. Different strokes for different folks, maybe?
The transmissions do seem to need some work. I’m on a Fiesta owners forum and there are several people complaining of occasionally jerky shifting with the PowerShift, though the upside is fuel economy consistently reaching 40mpg and higher. I think the manual should be a six-speed; I want a Fiesta and I also want my next car to be a manual, but the Fiesta’s manual isn’t all that appealing going on what I’ve heard.
The Focus was designed from the beginning to be sold in the US, unlike the retrofitted Fiesta; therefore there won’t be any added weight from US crash structures (they’ll have been designed in from the beginning) so no need for any suspension changes. The all-seasons will show up again though, I imagine, so once again the handling may not be quite as nice. But in that case a tire swap is all that’ll be needed to get the car to 100% Euro-spec.
How many of the reviews are based on US-spec cars?
I’m talking about reviews of the US-spec, from the April 26 press drive or later.
I don’t know what to tell you, then. My impressions were very similar to C&D’s latest.
I think every driver wants something different from handling. There are people who evaluate handling based on feel, and people who evaluate handling based on capabillity. Michael is sharing the way he feels the car behaves; I was offering my opinion based on what I was able to accomplish with the car on a timed course and at speeds well above double the posted limit on back roads.
As much as I would like to argue that my opinion carries more weight, the fact is that most people drive up to about 0.4G and call it quits. How the car feels under these circumstances is probably more important to sales and public perception.
For the record, though, when you have a helmet on the Fiesta will bitch-slap the Fit up and down the street, mostly due to torque.
I haven’t seen the US Spec car yet, but I did have the Fiesta as a rental for 24 hours here in Germany, after driving several cars in this class (grad students needing to commute 2 hours once a week = cheapest possible rentals…), including the Opel Corsa, the Skoda Fabia, and the VW Polo.
Among these cars, the Fiesta was overall my favorite. It was the peppiest feeling, though I think the Corsa was overall faster, it didn’t like to rev as much, and the Fiesta felt lightest on its feet with the sharpest steering. It had some nice features, very nice stereo, bluetooth, and in the class, is certainly more than competitive on the inside. I thought the ride-handling mix was pretty much perfect, the best of the bunch. And I also found the shifter fine, and didn’t notice any wobbly stuff in the handling.
Polo is nice, but had a 3 cyl engine that sounds and feels like garbage, and the interior SEEMS nice, but look closer and its pretty darn cheap. Skoda was just bad, a last-gen VW. Corsa was my 2nd pick. Roomy, very comfortable, quicker, but just didn’t seem as “finished” as the Ford. Anyway, I have not driven a Fit, but I was thoroughly impressed with the Fiesta here.
So, my question is whether there are any differences between Europe and US steering/suspensions? I can’t imagine the chassis and such are really any different, its gotta be in the tuning. I maybe had one with better tires or something, but I just really don’t agree with this review overall. I felt completely the opposite on most of the low-points mentioned here. Is the US car different?
And overall, I think this car will sell well in the US, relative to competitors (won’t light up the charts of course). But I can easily see this car as quite popular with first time buyers or parents buying good, cheap cars for their young drivers. It looks far better than anything else, it drives arguably the best in class (depending on who you talk to), has a nicely done interior, and comes with some really upscale features that, probably for these type of buyers, will really be the decision maker for this car over others. Add in that Ford has more dealers than Honda, particularly in less populated areas, has some market momentum, and if this car upholds Ford’s top-notch quality ratings, I think it will do well.
I have not driven the car with the European suspension. But people I know who have driven both say they substantially revised the tuning, and that it has made a big difference.
If need to lock your door with a dead battery, you could probably use the key from the outside.
My Golf wouldn’t let me lock the drivers door with the manual lock and then close the door. You had to close the door and then lock it with the key, which also turned on the alarm.
But what about the other three doors?
There’s probably something you can do with the interior door handle. Perhaps pushing it in manually locks the door?
The golf locked all the doors when the key was turned. Not sure if the fiesta does that or not.
Not with a dead battery it won’t.
I have to say I had a slightly different take after a week in the Fiesta press loaner. The transmission’s gearing is annoying, but I found the 6 speed PowerShift to be much improved in terms of feel. I jammed 5 in the Fiesta for a lunch run one day, two 6′ tall 190lb men in the back with a woman in the middle, me in the driver’s seat (6′) and a big boy (6’4, 300lbs) in the front passenger seat. While it was no Toyota Avalon, nobody’s knees were getting crunched. I wouldn’t drive it all day like that, but for the lunch run, schlepping your kids around or the morning commute it was fine.
Ford provided the up-level SES with the up-level tyres for our review, handling on them was perfectly acceptable when I compared it to the Fit and the Versa. Better would have been great, but it was on target with the competition.
The Versa sets a low bar in the handling department.
Drive the Fiesta back-to-back with the Mazda2, and the difference will be obvious.
This car was hyped worse than the Camaro…and underdelivers big time.
The styling, while not offensiv in an MKT sort of way…is ugly. The replacements for proper foglights (tin foil and a glow stick) look terrible and the black fillers on the car above look worse. The lower grille is FAR too big, the door handles are not level, the rear is a mess, etc. Much like the Taurus…it seems like they had a different set of inept people design the front, sides and rear…and they never talked to each other.
Then you get inside, and again…disappointment. No manual door locks, the lock switch is on the dash, no center arm rest, cheap HVAC controls, cheap materials, that terrible SYNC system, a red LCD screen that looks as if it was lifted right off a 1982 ATM machine. And then you get to the back seat where there is no room. Again, just like with the Taurus, it’s form OVER function…and nobody benefits from that.
The fit…for all intents and purposes…is a FAR better vehicle. If I am going to buy a cheap tin can…I want one that makes the most with what I have…and the tin can Fiesta just doesn’t do that.
This car was hyped worse than the Camaro
So you mean the Fiesta was featured in a blockbuster movie 2 years before it sold on the market?
Shut up and drive your Aveo
Thanks for your usual unbiased opinion about Ford products.
Hate to agree with a Silvy rant, but the front end doesn’t work for me either. The black plastic fillers have to go, and they need to get off the huge lower grill bandwagon. But aside from that I like it, looking forward to the ST version. Hopefully it will get a face lift.
Thanks for your usual unbiased opinion about Ford products.
You’re very welcome.
Michael,
How do you find interior noise levels? I recall the car being pretty quiet, but that’s compared to the (really noisy) Fit I usually drive.
Definitely quiet. From the review:
“What your average American driver will notice: a smooth, refined, quiet ride. The Mazda2 doesn’t ride badly, but the Fiesta is a Lexus in comparison, especially on the highway.”
I saw that, but it seemed to reference the ride more than NVH. I must be getting old; road/wind noise is really getting to me.
Tires often make a big difference in the “personality” of a car. The Korean OE tires on the NA Fiesta were probably chosen for “quiet ride” compared to the noisy Dunlops on the Fit. The Fiesta I test drove was a German one on summer tires. Having lived with the Fit 4000 miles now, I realize its not the engine or wind noise, but those Dunlop SP31’s and lack of a lot of sound insulation. NVH: there is not much vibration or harshness, just noise.
I could have sworn I posted something about the Korean tires, but I’ve seen TTAC eat a few of my recent posts.
Korean tires do seem to be tuned for treadwear/quiet/safety, but they do seem a bit mushy. It wouldn’t surprise me to know that the Euro-spec cars use different tires.
psarhjinian, you find the Fit noisy? Compared to what?
Perhaps I’m just not all that sensitive to road noise, but after a couple of thousand miles in an ’07 at 75-80mph, its noise levels seem on par with my other cars (granted, one of these is a soft-top convertible and the other is a tall-ish wagon). I haven’t been in a Lexus lately, so maybe my personal bar isn’t set all that high.
Yes, the engine gets a bit “boomy” above 5000 RPM or so, but I don’t keep it there very long.
Compared to the Yaris and Versa. I own a 2008 Fit Sport, so maybe it’s changed, but I do find the car pretty noisy at speed and find myself sorely wishing for a sixth gear.
This is a Honda thing: every car they make, including most of the Acuras I’ve driven, is noisier than the competition.
Me: Hey Psar, I hear those Crown Vics are pretty quiet inside.
Psar: “what?”
Me: “I SAID, THOSE CROWN VICS ARE PRETTY QUIE… forget it.”
Oh, well played.
I also have Sumitomo HTR ZIII’s on my Boxster–a tire that has had some complaining about road noise–but I don’t notice that either. So I’m willing to accept that I’m just deaf to this sort of thing. I also haven’t driven a Yaris or Versa, so it’s probable that my personal bar just isn’t set that high.
I’d agree that the Fit could do with a sixth gear, or at least a taller fifth. But that seems to be par for the course for the segment. While the car isn’t perfect, after two weeks and some 2500 miles, I’ve no real complaints.
I don’t see the handling/ride compromise as being a problem. The average consumer looking for a small commuting car is more interested in mileage, reliability, a smooth ride over urban roads and good interior appointments. The only downside I can see is the lack of interior room where the Fit still leads the pack.
Those wanting a sharper handling Euro hot hatch will need to wait for the Fiesta ST.
Ho-hum…another jelly bean car. When are styles gonna change for the better? Kinda reminds me of a small Hyundai from the side.
Cars meant to be economical seem to come across as “cheap” with few exceptions. Many car buyers these days clearly don’t care or are resigned to the seeming reality that car makers aren’t going to offer anything nicer in an economical package. Now, if someone would take the class of a nice larger car and compress it into a small car and keep the price in line, you’d have something. De-contenting appears to be on a roll.
As noted in the review, I personally like the styling. Just not in this color. The car in the photos also has the 15-inch wheels.
I don’t think you can do what you’re asking without badly compromising interior space. The reason these look cartoonish is that the tall shape maximizes interior volume—often to the point where there’s more livable space in a subcompact than in a full-size sedan!
I remember when small cars used to be styled like large cars: the result was something with horribly low seating and no knee-, head- or trunk space.
I think the jellybean is here to stay for most cars. I don’t want to let manufacturers off the hook too much, but the feds say a car has to be safe (ie heavy) and fuel efficient. Unless we start making light cars again, we have to gain back our fuel efficiency by way of the jelly bean shape.
About locks, vast numbers of SUVs have that misfeature already: cannot be locked with keys thanks to the gate which has no handles or keyholes. In fact the only SUV that I know which can be locked with a key is hardtop Wrangler, oddly enough! Heck the original Scion xB was that way 8 years ago already. From here, one small step to no keys at all.
Like the Opel rebadge Regal the Fiesta’s powertrain is going to let many down, especially for the price Ford asks for one of these things.
I don’t think the Regal is faring too well. I also haven’t seen any real sales figures for the Fiesta but I have yet to see more than one on the road in the sea of Yarii and Fits.
The styling up front isn’t good either, not compared the Euro original. It also looks like a jackolantern with a crooked smile with the lights on at night.
especially for the price Ford asks for one of these things.
Yes…these things are outrageously priced. the silly hatch starts at OVER $15K…for a cheap tin can that’s full of compromises and not well thought out. Plus, it’s DE-CONTENTED from the Euro version…no proper fog lights and no projector headlights…
It has the best power to weight ratio in the class along with the most advanced transmission options. If you aren’t satisfied with the powertrain in the Fiesta, then B segment cars just aren’t for you.
The Yaris and Fit have been out for years, the Fiesta for months. Ford is still holding at no incentives on the Fiesta and they are selling pretty much at sticker due to demand. Give it time and incentives will pop up and catch the bargain shoppers, and enough cars will show up the roads that you see plenty of them. I already see a lot more Fiestas than I see Fits or Yarises around here, but I see more Versas than any of them.
I agree that I liked the Euro front end styling better, but that’s not Ford’s fault, blame the NHSTA’s crash guidelines.
I agree that I liked the Euro front end styling better, but that’s not Ford’s fault, blame the NHSTA’s crash guidelines.
No…the NHTSA didn’t make Ford decontent the car…Ford did that all on their own. Other cars have come over here and retained their euro ques…Ford just got cheap.
And living in a major metro area and driving for a living…I have YET to see ONE Fiesta. I have seen TWO MKFlexs, and about a dozen Taurus’.
A manual mode would help, but—in a first for this sort of transmission—none is offered.
This was a dealbreaker for me. If you offer a vehicle with a dual clutch auto, it needs paddles or a +/- gate. It’s not like this car is cheap- the Fiesta I want costs $20,850. I could opt for a manual, but that probably lead me to preferring the lower-cost Mazda.
It’s possible that the Fiesta ST will offer a manual mode, but that’s even more money and I didn’t really feel the need for a higher output engine anyway.
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I also noticed that the new Mustang automatics don’t have any type of manual mode either. Yet, the Fusion SE 3.0L gets a +/- gate. So Ford’s premium dual-clutch subcompact and their performance car don’t get a manual mode, but their mid-level camcord does? What’s the deal with that?
At $20,850 you could have alot of cars more comfortable than a Fiesta. That’s up in VW Golf and CR-V territory. Larger and still well designed vehicles. The Fiesta ought to be well done at $18K and less.
Michael, I’m glad you mentioned the visibility problems, something overlooked in many but not all Fiesta reviews so far.
You say it’s not dreadful, but it sure looks dreadful to me: raked, with weird pillars, and a tiny rear window. Seriously, this design trend is ridiculous. I’ve reached a point with recent rental cars where I’m backing up like a Florida retiree: throw it in reverse and hope for the best. No amount of craning my neck and twisting around can tell me what’s behind these modern cars.
I’ve reached a point with recent rental cars where I’m backing up like a Florida retiree: throw it in reverse and hope for the best.
Wasn’t that a Seinfeld joke?? I could swear Jerry had a joke similar to that at the beginning of an episode…
..”a smooth, refined, quiet ride..””…Lexus like..” Amazing that a subcompact car be described like that. My 21 Year old Niece wants one, my kids pointed out the first one they saw on the road here in Destin with an excitement on there face; something tells me there’s more to this story than a reveiwers disappointment with Acceleration and Handling and the Fiesta will do just fine.
Really though, ‘Smooth, refined, Quiet, Lexus like’?….still can’t believe it.
I guess I need to join Michael as well….in the disappointed group.
I spoke of the test I took in an earlier posting.
Cramped.
Noisy.
Horrible space behind the front seats, including storage.
And this last is most disappointing.
A hatch to me should provide the tweener car for those of us that want a car, but need hauling capabilities as well.
When considering this as my tool about Florida everything car, it fell real short.
I have perked up since the news of an ecoboosed Fiesta appeared this month.
That will solve the pokiness.
Instead the second tier reviews have begun to reaffirm my first feelings.
I guess I shall instead continue to await the ecoboosted Focus.
It seems the perfect hatch.
I was a fan of the 78 Fiesta, having learned to drive on one at the time.
But I wouldn’t call it a success in the US, since it only sold from 1978 – 1980. The Rabbit, the Civic, and Ford’s own Escort killed it.
I’m not sure the original Fiesta counted towards CAFE – if I’m right, it’s not surprising that Ford wanted to replace it with a domestically produced product ASAP. I want to say that in the 3 model years the original Fiesta was sold here it racked up around 350,000 sales, not too shabby considering….
According to this site: http://www.gelulmetinhoud.nl/old/belpage/ford/history.html, total 78-80 Fiesta sales were about 227,847, so your memory isn’t way off.
Those numbers are better than about 12 entire brands just recently, so you’re right, it’s really not too shabby.
One of these passed me on the highway today and the rear-end seemed “busy”. I think the rear hatch glass should have wrapped around to the tail lights. However there is a small strip of straight painted surface then the curved glass piece. Its like they were trying to reduce rear visability by throwing an extra (and unneeded) curve in there. Atleast it doesn’t have a 3 bar chrome grill.
Faygo,
If you look at the spec sheets of all three, the Fit, the Fiesta (and Mazda 2) and the 500, all ride on a 98.5″ or so inch wheelbase and are all roughly 139″ in length, the biggest thing is the width, which the 500 may be the narrowest of the lot. the FIAT I think is considered a B segment car but can fall into the A or city car segment in the right configuration. The thing is the design of the 500 makes it appear smaller than it otherwise is, at least that is my interpretation from photographs of it, I’ve not seen one in person yet and hope to soon.
All that said, we don’t even know what the actual curb weight will be of the US version of the 500, but I IIRC that the Euro version weighs in at 2056 or so Lbs, making the 100HP 1.4 more than adequate in the HP to weight ratio arena and will do 0-60 in roughly 10 sec but if Fiat keeps the weight down for the US version, it could end up lighter than the Mazda 2 even and it is a light car in and of itself.
The US Fiesta’s overall length is 160.1″, the Fit is 161.6″ long and the 2 comes in at 155.5 inches. All 3 do have a wheelbase of about 98″ though.
SV,
You are correct, I had forgotten that the Fiesta, the M2 and the Fit were a bit longer, had to look up the stats again myself.
Too much money, not enough value for the $. Ford ain’t gonna make it this way.
This end of the sub-compact spectrum – while as roomy as most in its class in Europe – really isn’t suited to North American tastes or driving distances. Europeans and much of the third world may be accustomed to a buzzy 1.4 to 1.6 four cylinder at highway speeds, but US drivers aren’t. Also, most of the world rows their own when comes to gear boxes.
I’m 6’2″ and 240 lbs. I like the roominess of the Honda Fit for car that is this size – but both the old and new generation are hard on my eyes.
The Ford Fiesta looks damn good to my eyes – but it would essentially be a two seater with me driving it.
Some friends drove a Honda Fit here from New Orleans, a mere 530 miles and they were exhausted.
On their next trip they drove a Toyota Camry with 2.4L four cylinder and didn’t need much time to recover. My guess is the Fiesta being in the same class as the Fit will be somewhat tedious drive on the Interstate highways.
I guess we all have different thresholds of what we find comfortable. A few weekends ago I drove an ’07 Fit from Houston to Denver, some 1000 miles, and didn’t find the experience particularly exhausting. The weekend after that, my wife and I drove from Denver to SLC and back–another 1000 miles and change–again with no ill effects. I’ve only test-driven a Fiesta, but I would suspect that someone who wouldn’t be happy in a Fit on a 500-mile drive wouldn’t be happy with a Fiesta (or any other econobox, for that matter) on a long drive, either.
I’ll agree that the Fit styling is a bit of an acquired taste, although that could be said of almost any car that tries to avoid bland, anonymous styling.
Jeremyr,
I am wont to agree with you on your comment on what is comfortable for one isn’t going to necessarily be comfortable for another assessment, especially when it come so the small car Vs a somewhat larger car.
I had the pleasure of driving a 1983 Honda Civic from Tacoma Washington to Medford Oregon via I-5 in 1995, not once but twice, the first being for a job interview, the second was the move down for the job itself (however it didn’t last and had to move home 2 months later) and that car, even if loaded and with the AC running much of the way did very well (it only had a 68 horse 1500cc motor mated to a 5spd manual) but the previous trip which was back in 1990 to Klamath Falls, again from Tacoma Washongton, again for a job that I didn’t even get had me driving my Dad’s 83 Chevy Citation and that just about did my back in, due in large part to the squishy pseudo bench seat, ride and handling were middling, nothing to write home about but those seats…
Anyway, it had ice cold AC and a half way decent after market cassette deck which was what I needed since I was going through the Rogue Valley during a heat wave as my car at the time, a ’78 Ford Fairmont had the tape deck, but no AC of any kind and even it had a firmer bench seat that surprisingly, didn’t do a number on my back and was reasonably comfortable, for a bench, when I drove it from Tacoma to Bend that same year for yet another job interview.
I find that if you have AC, use it, listen to music at a volume that’s comfortable, but can subdue the road/engine noises somewhat will make riding in smaller, noisier cars much more palatable although all of that is only good if the car’s seats and such are reasonably comfortable to begin with.
I have no issue with some road noise or engine noise but usually at 3000rpm, the engine noises aren’t usually too bad, it’s when you allow them to rev beyond 4000rpm that they can get noisy, I found the Fit’s noise level not too bad, but the car just didn’t feel as sporty as it could be, the fiesta is indeed quieter, but I noted the engine does intrude a little bit when going at 70’s ,but that is to be expected, up to a degree.
Interesting, I had test driven the DSG version of the Fiesta in August and didn’t find it pokey, but not blisteringly fast either, as it only has 120 HP, which I felt to be adequate for the car’s curb weight, and I was driving it on a hot day with the AC on full blast and it felt quick to me for what it was.
The ride itself I didn’t find soft, but rather compliant in that it didn’t jar one’s fillings over rougher surfaces, if anything, it felt fairly taut to me and I would wager decent rubber would help things a lot here and as for the visibility, I didn’t find it bad and the spotter mirrors, I agree, a great thing to add and it greatly helps things.
My only complaint was not figuring out the levers for the seat so it was a bit too low and the seat back too upright as what I thought was the back rest rake lever was the height adjustment instead.
The DSG automatic I felt to be fine, it downshifts quicker than the one in the Fit when one needs it so it then feels much more sporty than the Fit did, to me anyway. Now if I had used the sport paddles when I test drove the Fit, things may well have been different in that regard but I didn’t. I didn’t notice much hunting between gears and I suspect some of that may be what speed you are in etc as I was driving at about 70 on a highway, not an interstate and it was on that highway when I could, I must changed lanes, stepped on it and the car promptly complied and off I went, zooming along without muss or fuss and didn’t feel the motor running out of steam in any way, shape or form, true, this WAS on more or less level ground so who knows on any sort of incline but ALL cars will require more foot when going up an incline of any real sort anyway.
I will be test driving the Mazda 2 here before long but as far as the Fit and the Fiesta, I think I like the Fiesta better as far as driving fun is concerned as I found myself liking this car a good bit.
Had a quick walk-around of a Fiesta sedan at the local Ford dealer. My most lasting impression was the tiny 15″ wheels, in a time when most vehicles are over-shod those little pizza cutters at the corners of the Fiesta stuck out like a sore thumb. It was like a throw back to the early 90s. I imagined, just as the article says that those little tires would kill any hopes of performance. If I was a dealer I’d be begging Ford to make a more attractive wheel package standard, it just looks plain bad on the lot the way it is.
I know what your talking about… the small wheels do not help the apperance of the sedan which has a rear overhang that reminds me someone that goes by Jenny from the block.
And to think my 1980s cars came with 13″ rubber… 14″ was the upgrade… GRIN!
My take on Fiesta is: SHOW ME THE MONEY.
In _MAY_ of this year I contacted my local ford dealer telling him I was VERY interested in possibly purchasing a pimped fiesta. He wanted all my details. I said “When can we schedule a test drive?” and he said “uh we don’t have any and don’t know when we are getting any…..”
I told him to contact me ASAP as soon as he gets one in stock. I haven’t heard anything and it’s about to be October….
My wife and I were looking for a car with good gas mileage. After being dissatisfied with the price/performance of the hybrids Prius and Insight, we started looking at subcompacts, and eventually decided on the Fiesta.
We specifically matched the Fiesta up against the Fit. We have a cousin that is a safety engineer for Honda, and a good friend who does online marketing for Ford, so we were getting pressure from both sides! In the end though the Fiesta won out. Why?
Technology – Sync + USB + Bluetooth What?! This means I can pair my phone AND my iPod and voice control them both! It’s geek heaven.
Best in class MPG
Heated leather seats
Power moonroof
Extremely quiet and comfortable front cabin
Enough rear hatch space to be a perfectly adequate grocery getter
The car just felt really solid and well made
We got a ton of luxury features, great MPG, and a stylish practical little car for $19k out the door (including tax and fees) after a $2k trade-in.
The Fit was a fun little car, but lacked the polish and features the Fiesta offered. For most drivers, if you can live without the gigantic rear seat space the Fit offers, the Fiesta will be the better car.
Good job Ford!
When shopping for a car a few months ago I drove the Fit. The interior space was outstanding but I just didn’t find the overall driving experience very rewarding. Around town it felt fine. However, I was looking for a car for a 30-mile freeway commute (each way) and just found the car a struggle at speed. It was a mildly windy day and the car just felt tapped out at 70 mph. The gearing was short, the drive noisy, and even with the high engine speed I had to keep the throttle pedal to the floor to keep up with traffic. The tall profile certainly provides huge interior space but also made the car a chore to drive at speed with a side wind.
My buying experience is probably a fairly common experience. With huge discounts on volume models available, it just didn’t take much to step up to the next level of car. I ended up with a VW Golf which is like an Audi compared to the Fit. It’s quiet, powerful, and with the standard all-season tires, smooth and quiet at speed. It feels more composed at 80 (theoretically… officer, I swear) than the Fit did at 60. I’m getting about 31 mpg on average during my commuting week, not quite to Fit levels, but I find the tradeoff for the comfort and features are worth it. The car has 170 hp, 5-speed manual, bluetooth, moonroof, power everything, a decent 6-speaker stereo with aux input, and fantastically comfortable front seats. I bought this car for $17,100 (plus fees) and with 1.9% financing (the sticker price was close to $20k, FWIW).
My drive in a Fiesta was limited to a quick autocross-style run during a demo ride at a car show last fall. It was fun, but quite small.
I’m rambling a bit, but I think an issue with selling small cars like this isn’t that shoppers necessarity cross-shop other subcompacts, they also shop bigger new cars and used cars. If Ford is going to be competitive with the new Focus, for example… and I’m sure their volume expectations are MUCH higher for that car than the Fiesta, it needs to be really good and very fairly priced to the point that prices will overlap with the Fiesta.
We could go on for hours arguing about which class this competes in and which cars fall into each class. However, I think these marketing designations simply don’t matter on the car lot.
I’ll hold out for the new Nissan Micra coming soon to the US. (Isn’t it?)
I would love to see a SVT version of the Fiesta..
I owned a 78′ Fiesta and it was in that same orange color. The car was an “econobox” and actually held up pretty well. I was in my mid twenties at the time, and while it was a barren car, with just a 4-speed and a radio, it did the job. The thing that really bothers me is that in 32 years, this is the best they can do to improve it? I mean really, this is a car that could easily have been produced in 1990. Where is the technology? I was getting 28-30 mpg in 1980. WTF?
The Truth? American cars and most other import companies are selling JUNK for the money. This is 2011 everyone. Lithium Hybrid batteries are plentiful and I am sick of the fat cat oil companies selling this snot to us. Build a REAL car, with REAL mileage. 75 mph. C’Mon, this is stupid. Let’s see something that makes sense, instead of this lightweight gas sucking old technology. This is pretty much the same car. I would HATE to be in that tin can in an accident. And people are potty-trained to believe “well…if it weighs more, it won’t be as fuel efficient…” Yea…go sell that old line to someone else. And while we’re on the subject, look at what GM did. We waited 5 years for the Chevy Volt, and they LAUNCHED IT IN CHINA, and THE USA didn’t get it. WTF? I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy another GM Car. As for Ford, this is the same company that 5 years ago was allowing its dealers to sell the Shelby 500GT at $75,000 over sticker. I am happy to say that my local FORD dealer closed its doors, and good riddance!
When are the USA car companies going to tell the Oil Companies to shove it, and then pull back on their “planned obsolescence” and give us a car that fits into what can be done with the REAL technology that is out there today? Hydrogen Power is SAFE. Stirling engines, The Stan Meyers engine….has anybody heard of these? How about TESLA? it is a bunch of Lithium Batteries…the same technology that has powered cameras for the last 25 years. When is the American public going to STAND UP and say “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more!!!?!” The best deal on the market today is to go down to the Ford Dealer, buy a new Fiesta Sticker, and slap it on an old Fiesta that you can pick up for $2000-the same price that it was at in 1982. It is the same garbage folks. And they keep selling, and we keep buying it. What do I drive? I bought a 2001 Ford Taurus from a car rental company for $5000 7 years ago, and it is worth about $4000 today.
Until the American Citizens pull their heads out of the sand and figure out that we are being “trained” to buy this crap, and WE DON’T HAVE TO, then we are going to be the same sheep that caused the raping of the economy and the crash and burn of 2008. The ELITE loves our stupidity and greed. Don’t take the KOOL-AID….Here is a suggestion. Invest in the same ENRON-LIKE crap companies the rich are investing in, and then GET OUT in 2 years, because in 2 years we are going to witness the DOUBLE WHAMMY. Here is a great investment until the middle of 2012: HARA Corporation. They sell stupid “Carbon Swapping” software, which a zillion companies are going to buy, and they don’t even understand the truth. Or…buy that new BLOOM ENERGY “Solid Oxide Fuel Cells”, which are going to be GARBAGE when the smart guys bring out the next best thing. THERE is the next scam that you can make BIG money on…you just have to take the money and run, before it is shown to be an ENRON. Get your heads out of the sand people. I held my money and waited for the 2008 crash for over a year. I sold my house and switched to Bonds over a year before the divebomb and made plenty-took my capital gains tax exclusion, and watched Rome burn. I don’t swallow the marketing hype. If anyone was REALLY watching closely, they would realize that the GEO Metro that was referred to earlier, is built to about the same weight and crash standards as this NEW Fiesta, and the GEO Metro of (about) 1985 got 50 MPG. So why doesn’t THIS 2011 CAR GET TWICE THAT? Because they want you to buy the same old stupid junk and suck our wallets dry with petroleum. Whatever happened to the Fischer Tropsch method of Coal synthesization? The USA has 95% of the Coal Reserves in the world. We are COAL HEAVY. Oh…because Global Warming is real, and we can’t harm the planet. Anyone hear about the 150 scientists who just petitioned the UN to reveal their DATA about Global Warming? Look, the planet is changing, no doubt. The fact is, the DATA DOES not support the claims. Drink the KOOL-AID? Not be pal. How about you?
I hate to spoil your “bubble” here but even back in the early 1980’s, a Civic 1500DX with 5spd manual only got 36mpg on the highway in real life, not what some EPA cooked up in mileage estimates as they were found to be rather optimistic, and this was a car that weight in at some 1800Lbs and produces no more than 68HP in the US.
I should know as I had one from 1992-1998 and put some 70K miles on it in that time frame and it was a HOOT to drive.
The 1978-1980 US Fiestas had the 1.6 OHV (pushrod) I think Kent motor that produced all of 84 HP with a curb weight I think less than a ton (1500-1800Lbs or so) and I BET you it didn’t do much more than 36-38mpg Hwy with a fixed timing 2 valve motor.
Today’s motors can produce as much as twice the HP with the same engine size, so a typical 1.6 variable valve timing motor as found in the current Fiesta can now produce 120HP easily, if not a bit more and STILL produce roughly the same miles per gallon as it’s predecessor and that is something to consider.
The question I have to ask is this, have you driven the current Fiesta? If the answer is no, then I’d hold my tongue before I rag on it and drive it to see. Some people are saying that they CAN actually get 40 or a bit more on the Hwy with the current Fiesta and no, so far I’ve not heard of them hypermiling or anything like that, but just being conservative in their driving habits. A lead foot would more or less get closer to 36, if not a tad less in certain circumstances. BTW, I drove one of the new hatchbacks w/ the new DSG 6spd auto and it’s a lot of fun to drive and very nice, I like it actually.
That being said, go even smaller, ie, a variable valve 2 cylinder motor in the same car (motor will be both lighter and smaller), add a turbo to it and you can have the same equivalent HP to a larger 4 cylinder motor and get almost twice the mileage. Estimated figures for the 2 cylinder Fiat 500 is closer to 57 Hwy in US figures, mid to upper 60’s for Imperial gallon/Europe and this is a straight petrol/gas motor too.
So what is your complaint now?
Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the weight and HP creep and see some MPG creep instead? My 13 year old VW has 115HP and I find that to be plenty of Hp to get in trouble with. Mostly because it has a fair amount of torque to negates the need to shift down on every hill.
Late to the game here, but I wound up with an Fiesta SES for a rental a week ago. At first I groaned, since I wasn’t overly excited about the prospect of spending a week in it. But about ten minutes into the drive, I started to rather enjoy it. At 75 MPH, I was amazed at how quiet and refined the ride felt (sure, this is all subjective…but still). It handled nicely with a weighted, solid feel over the road. SYNC took a few seconds to master, but then it wasn’t a problem from then on. I did have a few quibbles…first, the tranny at launch was tad “off,” but I learned to expect it. Shifts were fine once underway and thank the God’s that it isn’t saddled with a friggin’ CVT. And my other quibble is the dash layout. Ford tries waaaaay too hard to make it “hi-tech.” Too many buttons. Who needs a numerical keypad anyway? Other than that, given a manual trans variant, I could see being very happy to commute every day in this, and take it for long drives back home. I still have my heart set on a 500, but I would easily consider a Fiesta (and my family has some “history” with Fiesta, so the tie-in to our past would be a little neat).