Ford Fiesta - Delivers on value

Ford Fiesta - Delivers on value

Ford Fiesta - Delivers on value

All new for 2011, the Ford Fiesta packs a lot of technology and features into its compact price. Offered in a five-door-hatchback configuration or as a less expensive sedan, Fiesta elbows its way into a crowded entry-level segment.
My test Fiesta was the $15,795 Hatch SE, the bottom rung on the hatchback ladder. There is also an SES hatchback that costs $2,000 more. Sedan versions fetch less, even for the comparable trim level. A bare-bones "S" anchors the sedan lineup at $13,995; followed by the SE at $14,995 and the SEL at $16,995.

I appreciate your reluctance to continue reading beyond the above headline announcing this as another review of yet another small car; imagine my less-than-enthusiastic reaction when it appeared in my driveway for a week's evaluation. Reviewing entry-level econoboxes isn't what draws anyone to a career in auto journalism. But the experience was much better than I anticipated, and in the realm of small, starter cars, the new Fiesta is pretty dog-gone good.

Here's what there is to like about the Fiesta: Its peppy 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder delivers spirited acceleration. It won't snap your neck, but it pushes the Fiesta off the line with determined gusto. Its cabin is comfortable and nicely stylized. It has seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag. Ford's high-tech Sync & Sound system is available as standard equipment on the top trim level of the sedan and hatchback, or as an option in the SE. Ford engineered Fiesta's steering and suspension to make it fun to drive and succeeded.

As with any inexpensive small car, there are tradeoffs to keep the size tidy and the price affordable. "Roomy" is an adjective that will be used sparingly when describing Fiesta's interior. Front-seat occupants will be quite comfortable, but legroom for backseat passengers is stingy. This is true even when comparing its 31.2 inches of rear-seat legroom to other small cars, such as the Mazda 3's 36.2 inches, or the 34.5 inches in the Honda Fit and Chevrolet Aveo.
A 60/40 split-folding rear seat comes with every Fiesta. This expands cargo space in the hatchback from 15.4 cubic feet to 26 cubic feet.

Rear-seat legroom aside, Fiesta's cabin is a terrific place to clock some serious road time. Beefy side bolsters and generous bottom cushions conspire to make the front bucket seats standouts in this segment. Geometric lines, sharp creases and careful craftsmanship best describe the dashboard and center stack. Logically placed, the audio controls dominate the center of the instrument panel. Situated below the audio controls are the three easy-to-decipher climate-control knobs.

Even the basic Fiesta S sedan comes with must-have creature comforts, such as air conditioning, power outboard mirrors, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a four-speaker audio system with a USB port and auxiliary input jack. Another notable across-the-lineup feature is the capless fuel filler found on more expensive Fords. It eliminates the need for a screw-on cap, making fueling neater and easier.
Whether in four- or five-door form, the SE increases standard content to include power windows/door locks and CD player. Adding the Sync system tacks $665 to the bottom line. Upgrading to the SES or SEL earns 16-inch wheels in place of the 15-inch ones, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a six-speaker premium audio system with satellite radio, and the Sync command system with turn-by-turn navigation.

Already mentioned, the 1.6-liter four is the only available engine. Ushering its output to the front wheels falls to a five-speed manual transmission. If you prefer the transmission to do the work, opting for the available six-speed automatic adds $1,095 to the total price. My test Fiesta had the six-speed. It shifted smoothly and works efficiently enough in tandem with the engine to deliver an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. This is 1 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the five-speed manual.

Ford has made the most of Fiesta's suspension with its MacPherson-strut arrangement in the front and solid rear axle in the rear. Not only is the ride quite civilized, the handling is better than expected as well. Sure-footed in the corners, it feels stable and under control. Over the road, Fiesta is more comfortable than its small size might lead you to believe. Some of this feeling can be attributed to the quietness of the cabin, but it's still the well-balanced suspension that deserves the lion's share of the praise.

Bringing every Fiesta to a stop are four-wheel disc brakes monitored by an antilock system. Functions of the antilock system, traction control and stability control are also standard.

When behind the wheel, no one will be fooled into thinking this is anything but a small car. Its steering has a decent feel and excellent response, which bolsters the driving experience. That and its better-than-imagined ride quality, however, can't overcome the feeling that you are driving a compact. But, so what? More fun to drive than many of its peers, Fiesta gives lie to the statement that entry level must result in boring. It is engaging, good looking and delivers terrific fuel economy. What do you want for $16,000? Value, and Fiesta certainly delivers on that.

by Russ Heaps - MyCarData