January 16, 2011
While not turning your bank account inside out by the way, the Fiesta makes even more since in that it offers the economy market just one more option in addition to the Honda Fit, Kia Soul and the Nissan Cube or, you can also take a look at the Chevy Aveo, Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa for comparison. All a good thing since this one is a looker when it comes to body style. While other models do have more cargo room and in some cases more head room in the back seat for taller passengers, the Ford Fiesta is still a desirable option for a number of reasons.
First, the engine, which is best described as smooth with good steering, responsive chassis and quiet driving even on the highway. As said before, options are either the nifty hatchback or a sedan style. Just a mention, for more cargo space the hatchback is the better choice.
Even in the basest trim and in a car at this price-range, the keyless ignition audio and cell phone functions with voice commands is an exception to almost any rule in this class car. The 2011 Ford Fiesta comes in S, SE and SEL for the sedan body style and SE and SES for the hatchback.
Sedan S is at the bottom of the line regarding options with 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Up a notch and you get power windows and door locks and a CD player or the SEL has LED parking lights, a rear spoiler and a much better sound system with satellite radio and six speakers. Add to that an auto-dimming rearview mirror and the aforementioned voice-command system including navigation and do you really need anything else.
For the hatchback-lover the SE hatchback has about the same as on the sedan, but add a rear spoiler and wiper and for the SES hatchback there is a rear wiper addition.
For options too, the various packages might be hard to choose from with the upper trim features offered as add-ons in the lower trim levels and another favorite (and unheard of) what about heated leather seating? A Super Fuel Economy package means better gas mileage and that is aided by a blocked-out lower grille and lightweight wheels, among other tweaks.
With a 1.6-liter inline-4 offering 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque, the five-speed manual transmission is what most prefer, but you can also opt for the six-speed automatic.
Safety is another important feature on the Ford Fiesta with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, appropriately placed airbags and even a driver knee airbag.
Inside, there are metallic accents that bring this car up a notch making it feel good and classy inside. There is a climate control system with three easy knobs that’s a no-brainer and the navigational devise is a cinch too.
A great drive and for the money, that statement even goes up a few notches. You are in control of the car and the road and even though it’s not going to get you 0 to 60 like a Ferrari, you didn’t really ask for that anyway.
Least You Need to Know: With that 1.6-liter inline-4 engine note too that, while the standard is most often preferred, there is still a plus to the automatic that might be worth a look. It’s the automated dual-clutch manual transmission feature for more speedy gear changes and, you get 0 to 60 in 9.5 seconds if you must.
Miles Per Gallon: You can’t go wrong at 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: At $13,320, more than reasonable.
Source: Washingtontimes.com
About Parker Ford Lincoln, Inc.Parker Ford Lincoln Inc., is a multi-President Award-winning dealership in Murray, Kentucky offering new Ford and Lincoln Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Visit us online at http://www.parkerford.com/.
