A rebirth of the Fiesta

quite a spectacle with one of the main highlights being the launch of the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

For decades, small economy cars from American carmakers have been about as desirable as a cold hamburger.
Overall build quality, upkeep costs, reliability and longevity – the most important factors in this segment – were points of embarrassment for Escorts, Neons and Cavaliers.
But with the Euro-bred 2011 Ford Fiesta (which slots under the Focus to become Ford’s new entry-level model.
Up until now, the Honda Fit was the sub-compact class standout thanks to its impressively versatile interior, pleasing driving dynamics and high overall quality.
But those who truly get a kick out of driving will likely find the Fiesta even more fun.
Its smooth, eager engine, precise and well weighted steering and an agile chassis show that one need not be resigned to a dull drive just because one needs a small, practical and inexpensive car.
Unlike its competitors, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is available as both a sedan and hatchback.
Of course, the hatchback provides greater cargo capacity, but some folks prefer the more formal look of a sedan, which is likely why Ford is offering both.
Either way, the Fiesta provides sprightly handling, a compliant ride and a quiet cabin at freeway speeds
There is some distinctive Fiesta alternatives in this competitive segment. Among hatchbacks, the Fit and the Kia Rio stand out, and the aptly named Nissan Cube, which we don’t have here in Africa, makes a unique aesthetic statement.
Compared to these, the Fiesta hatchback lags well behind in terms of maximum cargo capacity and rear seat room for taller passengers.
The Fiesta sedan, meanwhile, has a bit less rear seat room than the Chevy Aveo, Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa.
But it floors them all with its more engaging and well-rounded personality. It is definitely a car to look at if you are shopping for an inexpensive but desirable set of wheels.
It comes with four doors in both sedan and hatchback form. There are three trim levels for the sedan (S, SE, and SEL) and two trims for the hatchback (SE and SES).
The S sedan is the bare-bones, entry-level Fiesta and comes with 15-inch steel wheels, a capless fuel filler, power mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a four-speaker AM/FM stereo (with an auxiliary input jack and USB port) and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
The SE sedan adds metallic cabin accents, power windows and door locks and a CD player.
The SEL sedan adds LED parking lights, a rear spoiler, 16-inch “premium painted” wheels, a premium sound system (with satellite radio and six speakers), ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and the Sync multimedia voice-command system which now also offers turn-by-turn navigation.
The SE hatchback is equipped similarly to the SE sedan but adds a rear spoiler and wiper.
The SES hatchback is equipped similarly to the SEL sedan but adds a rear wiper.
Some options are grouped into packages that allow lower trims to have the upper trims’ features, and the upper trims have access to optional features such as keyless entry/ignition and heated leather seating.
There is even a Super Fuel Economy package that optimises fuel mileage via aerodynamic tweaks (blocked-out lower grille, underbody panels), lightweight wheels and special tires. Individual options, depending on trim, include 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and special paint colours.
All 2011 Ford Fiestas are powered by a 1.6-litre inline-4 that generates 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional.
Technically, the automatic is actually an automated dual-clutch manual transmission; it provides quicker gear changes than a traditional torque converter-based automatic.
The 0-100km per hour sprint for a manual-equipped car takes 9,5 seconds – about the same as a Honda Fit.
Ford estimates the Fiesta’s fuel economy at 30 miles per gallon within the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway for the automatic and 29mpg and 38mpg respectively for the manual model.
Standard safety features include stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Also included is a class-exclusive driver knee airbag.
With its soft-touch dash top, metallic accents, edgy styling and tight build quality, the Fiesta’s cabin has a premium vibe to it that is unexpected in an economy car.
The centre stack controls for the audio system look odd at first but prove intuitive, while the three-knob climate control system could not be easier to use.
Ford’s Sync system (standard in top trims) allows voice control over the audio system and your cellphone, and it also provides features such as voice-prompted turn-by-turn navigation (it works respectably well) and emergency assist. Another high-end feature not often seen in this segment is the available keyless entry/ignition system.
I can say without hesitation that this car provides the most rewarding drive in its class.
Though its acceleration is just average, in the real world of stop-and-go traffic and freeway merging, the Fiesta’s mill is a pleasure.
The manual transmission is precise and easy to shift, boasting a linear clutch and light throws.
The available six-speed automated dual-clutch automatic is another unusual perk in this class. It will be a pleasure to get behind the wheel of the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
Buckle up and enjoy.
l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]