Ford has not sold its Fiesta subcompact car in the United States since 1980, despite the fact that it's the No. 1 seller in Europe.
But thankfully for us Yanks, the Ford returns this fine little model to our shores with the 2011 Fiesta.
The new Fiesta offers great styling, wonderful convenience features and superb fuel economy.
You can choose between a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and for body styling choose from a sedan or hatchback.
There are three trim levels on the sedan: S, SE or SEL, and two on the hatchback, the SE or SES.
The Fiesta is positioned below the Focus, and therefore is Ford’s entry-level sedan.
It is competing in a market space that is becoming more popular as people realize the need for fuel efficiency and seek inexpensive vehicles. The Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and Honda Fit are among the leaders in this group.
Both Fiesta models have a 1.6-liter, 119-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The 2011 Fiesta gets great fuel economy with 29-30 mpg in the city and 28-40 mpg on the highway.
The design of the Fiesta, which Ford refers to as kinetic, is very sharp. Take note of the the sleek predator’s-eye headlamps and the three-bar grille up front and the rear spoiler, and you'll notice that the Fiesta looks athletic and aggressive.
The interior has equally attractive styling and good features.
The V-shaped center console has a multifunction LCD display screen that controls Ford’s SYNC communications system. SYNC lets you integrate your MP3 player and Bluetooth hands-free calling, and gives traffic and directions information. Ford says power mirrors and a four-speaker stereo with USB port and auxiliary input jack are standard on the S trim, while power locks, doors and a CD player are standard in the SE.
The SEL trim is comprised of SYNC, a premium sound system, 16-inch wheels and LED parking lights.
The hatchback has the boasts the same trim-specific features and also features a rear wiper.
One drawback is that this really does feel like a subcompact when you are inside. So larger drivers and passengers might be a bit cramped, especially on long trips.
The Fiesta's impressive list of options includes heated leather seating, multicolored ambient lighting, cruise control, keypad keyless entry, push-button engine start and metallic door sill plates and shift knob.
Ford has packed plenty of safety features on the Fiesta. Dual-stage front airbags, curtain airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats and a driver’s knee airbag provide plenty of impact protection. Electronic stability and traction control, and the available Hill Start Assist systems bolster the safety.
The Fiesta ranges in price from around $13,300 to just about $17,200.
That's a very good deal.
And Ford, by bringing back the Fiesta, has given car shoppers something to celebrate.
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