Just two weeks away from receiving my diploma from San Diego State University, I find myself with the keyless fob to start my almost one-of-a-kind 2009 Euro-spec Ford Fiesta five-door hatchback. It’s an enviable position, I realize, because I was selected as one of the 100 “socially vibrant millenials” to participate in the “Fiesta Movement” designed to promote this new small car in America.
I’ve teamed up with Leftlane to provide you with regular updates on my experiences in the Fiesta. Though Ford has provided me with the car, they’re not dictating what I do with it or what I say about it. I’ll probably stay away from Tijuana, but anything else is fair game.
I drove “my” Panther Black Ford Fiesta home a couple of weeks ago from Willow Springs Race Park and during the course of the subsequent 1,100 miles I’ve added to my Fiesta, I’ve already managed to attract quite a bit of attention, as you can see in my first “sighting” video below.
Two people have exited their vehicles on the road to run towards me, grinning ear to ear, and proclaiming their love for this exciting new premium subcompact hatchback. Wait, premium subcompact hatchback? We have those in America? Yes, we certainly will when Ford brings the top-selling European market Fiesta over in about a year as a 2011 for an estimated price in the low-teens.
I’ll be providing regular updates on my little Fiesta over the coming weeks, but for now let’s start with a basic rundown of what makes it a premium subcompact.
In Europe, drivers buy small cars because they want them, not simply because they’re cheap. With the success of the Honda Fit, among others, Ford thinks it’s high time to join the party. Or the fiesta, if you will.
For starters, it offers unique-to-the-class features like rain-sensing wipers, capless “Easy Fuel” fueling, Ford’s Microsoft-developed Sync hands-free system and heated leather seats – not to mention its driver-oriented European engineering.
Beyond the driving experience, which I’ll address in further detail in the future, a few things stand out. Most notably, the Fiesta’s high-speed silence. Luxury car-esque, the Fiesta provides so much isolation that the three recipients of my handsfree (thanks, Sync) phone calls said there was virtually no indication of road noise on their end. This isn’t like any small Ford you’ve been in; in fact, it’s not like any small car ever sold on these shores.
But small car virtues like fuel economy don’t seem to have been lost in the translation from econobox to cool ride. I’ve been averaging approximately 34 mpg in mixed driving from the 1.6-liter four-cylinder that pumps out about 120-horsepower. In my car, it’s mated to a five-speed manual, but by the time the slightly revised North American-spec cars arrive next year, the Fiesta will get a six-speed dual-clutch automatic dubbed PowerShift as an option.
So there you have it: A brief inside look into Ford’s latest world car. Sure, it’s not the first world car Ford has tried – and it’s not the first Fiesta sold in America, either (Leftlane Editor’s note: If you currently own a U.S.-spec 1978-1980 Fiesta, please contact us using the form on the site!). But if my first week’s experience is any indication of the long-term experience of owning a Ford Fiesta, the Fiesta is a reason for celebration in Dearborn.
Words and photos by Mark Kleis.
05/14, 3:57 PM
posted by:
crash1433
I think we are going to sell a ton of these when they arrive. 34mpg and excellent driving dynamics. If this turns out to be half the car the euro version is it will be a huge hit
05/14, 4:06 PM
posted by:
livelyjay
We best be getting the 5 door here. The sedan version looks like a$$.
05/14, 4:13 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Thanks Mark for the blog,
It’s interesting to see that they aren’t forcing you to do certain things and goto certain places in the ride to promote it more, that says tons about how Ford is, and that’s trusting and really confident. Too bad they put those hideous side graphics on it, I would like to just peel them off! I’d like to see some interior shots of the Fiesta, and see if the materials inside are not all hard plastic like in the US spec Focus.
05/14, 4:30 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
I think it’s a beautiful looking car. I agree with crash1433, if it’s even half of what people keep saying it is it’s gonna sell great.
05/14, 4:38 PM
posted by:
muttonchops
The entire upper part of the dash is SOFT. Just an FYI:) ANd it will be soft here too.
05/14, 5:04 PM
posted by:
crash1433
I’m not sure but I think they will all be hatches for the first part of the build with the sedan coming later. I am a big fan of the hatch as well. I just gave my brother my 2003 zx3 with 124k as a first car. I loved it. Lots of room and handled great.
05/14, 5:07 PM
posted by:
A4
Can the sedan, and make sure we get a 3-door as well.
05/14, 5:45 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
The more of these Ford can move into everyone else’s garage the more resources they’ll have to devote towards the next Mustang I want in my garage. I wish the Fiesta the utmost of success.
05/14, 6:16 PM
posted by:
KempoGuy
I think it’s obvious to everyone Ford is moving the right direction in many ways…. financial foresight: no bailout $s needed, great new designs and vehicles: Fusion, Fiesta, new Taurus, hybrids, etc., working the global design angle to get their best vehicles to all their markets. They are hitting the mark while GM and Chrysler circle the drain. It’s awesome to see the new Fiesta tooling around my home town…I recognize all the picture locations! Mark (you lucky dog) how much of chance do I have to check out your Fiesta in SD?
05/14, 6:59 PM
posted by:
TomF
Love this car in 3-door or 5-door form. Beautiful form and it’s going to hit the States just as the recession eases up a bit and people are jonesing, cautiously, to buy something within their means. The Fiesta could be the Model T of the 21st century. Meanwhile, GM’s same-segment offering will hit the market in 2036, cost $80,000 and get the mileage of a Trailways bus. You got to support FoMoCo.
05/14, 7:46 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
I have to say this in all honesty kempo yes Ford is starting to hit the mark. The thing is has to be consistent every year in and year out that was their failure after letting Jack Telnack go who brough the Ford Taurus. What Ford needs to do is make sure the very Best Engineer(Who has a Great plan and VISION) 1st and Foremost goes into Allan Mulally’s spot when he leaves the company. Allan is doing super I think. But that is the Crux. This is what Honda and Toyota does their President and or CEO has a limited Tenure at the top for a 3 or 4 years and their Mechnical or Electrical Engineers that hold the Post of CEO for a Great Manufacturer. Lawyers do one thing real good nothing except pass laws that favor them and no one else especially the middle class. You Don’t put a Lawyer, Accountant, Saleperson-(I Don’t care if they have an MBA and a Post Doctorate in Sales – Don’t belong) in there to run a company that turns out the best product in the world consistently. So the Main Job the Ford Kids need to do is two things- 1 Stay out of the Role of CEO and if selecting the best New Engineer that meets those credential then that is what they should do. Make sure they keep Bean Counters and Marketing Idiots stay the HELL out of being a CEO. It should be Engineering Excellence that Drivers a Great Vision new vision of where the company needs to go next. Mark Fields is along for the Ride he isn’t doing a thing for his million dollar salary I can tell ya. He should step down or look for a new line of work if you ask me. I say that after listening to the guy talk he’s a BS artist none other. I can smell that type a mile away and I could care less about his Harvard MBA it does apply!
05/14, 7:51 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
Yes I will look for the Fiesta when it comes equipped with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic dubbed PowerShift as an option. It’ll get over 40 MPG and be an awesome car. Oh yeah I meant Mark Fields is just as I described worthless and his MBA DOES NOT APPLY for being President of North America. They need another great Visionary in that post as where transportation engineering, vision , and excellence will be NEXT!
05/14, 7:56 PM
posted by:
ASIMO
Shout out to 619/858/760, yo! You were just a few blocks from where I sit in LJ. Seems like a cool little car.
Bankruptcy, your post gives the cross eyes.
05/14, 9:00 PM
posted by:
AudiS4
This will really give Honda and Toyota some serious competition, looks like Ford is on a roll, finally some good news.. no if only GM and Chrysler got there game together
05/15, 12:25 AM
posted by:
wostover
I saw one of these when I was on vacation in San Francisco last week…it looked very nice, Ford did a good job.
05/15, 3:26 AM
posted by:
bigdawg
I currently drive a 2008 Honda Civic EX and will be looking to replace that car when the Fiesta goes on sale in the U.S. I want a blalck 5 door hatchback like the one pictured wthout the graphics & every available option.I have own fords for years and never had a problem out of any of them( Ranger, 500, Focus etc,) I wish I never defected to a Asian brand. If the Fiesta is any indication on how the next Focus might be it’s going to be a tough choice for me to choose between the two. Keep up the great work Ford. I can’t wait to be a customer of your company again. I look mforeward to more updates on how the car performs for your you while it is is in your possesion. When You have a chance please post detailed interior picks.
05/15, 9:48 AM
posted by:
Struggle
This is a gem.
When? If?
Me likey the 5 door.
05/15, 12:08 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
I saw three of these on the back of a semi-truck going down the road yesterday. Not bad… definately looks better than the POS Focus. I imagine that this car will practically kill all Focus sales when it hits the market.
05/15, 2:17 PM
posted by:
bigp
ya yes i can get the car of my dreams .. i want the 4 door
05/18, 12:48 AM
posted by:
MarkKleis
Hello everyone,
Sorry for the late reply…I was out of town on a road trip with the Fiesta!
To address the questions, I will make sure to have lots of interior pictures, comments, and thoughts for my next editorial on the car that will be coming shortly.
As for the readers in the southern California region, I would be more than happy to show you the car, give you a ride, and allow you to check it out. I will have a website up for the next editorial with a way to contact me to see the car. So hang tight, in a week or two you will have a way to see the car in person.
Thanks again for the positive comments.
Mark Kleis
05/20, 8:56 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
Mark Kleis will you do a Road Trip to Chicago cause I’d like a Ride in a NEW FORD Fiesta!
05/26, 6:17 PM
posted by:
MarkKleis
I do plan on driving back to Detroit at some point, so maybe Chicago will be on the agenda too. I will be sure to mention that in future articles.
BUT, you can also check the Fiesta Movement website for the “Ride and DRIVE” events. They will post new times and places monthly. Ford’s goal is to have 100,000 test drives before the car launches.
Mark