Ford Fiesta Review

Unlike buying a sports car or luxury cruiser, signing on for an economy car isn't usually an occasion to celebrate. Yet with belt-tightening just about everywhere you look, the virtues of value and fuel efficiency are becoming just as important and appealing as eye-watering acceleration and sumptuous comfort. On a roll of late, Ford is ready to tap into these potentially changing tastes with the relaunch of its subcompact Fiesta nameplate in the American market.

Last offered here for a brief (and lamentable) three-year run back in the 1970s, the new Ford Fiesta hopes to erase any lingering bad thoughts associated with its name and at the same time take advantage of the current downsizing zeitgeist with an injection of more refinement, sportiness and style into the economy class. As a result, we've found that the new Fiesta boasts impressive comfort and driving dynamics. An inviting cabin design and unexpected features like keyless ignition and Ford's Sync system only add to the allure. In other words, the Ford Fiesta is a winner. Even if you never thought you'd find yourself considering a subcompact car, it may be time to reconsider.

Current Ford Fiesta

The all-new four-door Ford Fiesta subcompact is offered as a sedan in S, SE and SEL trim levels, and as a hatchback in SE and SES trim. S sedans are pretty basic but include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and four-speaker audio with auxiliary audio jack and USB connections. The SE models add powered accessories and a CD player. The SEL and SES move further upmarket with LED lighting, 16-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, the Sync multimedia system and an upgraded stereo with satellite radio.

Optional items include larger wheels, special paint colors, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery and heated front seats. For the truly fuel-conscious, there's also a Super Fuel Economy package with aerodynamic body enhancements, lightweight wheels and special tires.

Engaging performance puts the Ford Fiesta at the head of the class, made possible by a smooth and torquey 120-horsepower 1.6-liter inline-4 coupled to a five-speed manual or six-speed automated dual-clutch manual transmission. Fiestas can sprint to 60 mph in about 9.5 seconds, while estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg city/40 highway with the automatic is notably thrifty. The Fiesta's fun-to-drive quotient is further enhanced with segment-leading steering response and suspension tuning that yields a sophisticated ride-and-handling trade-off.

The Ford Fiesta protects its occupants with most expected safety features along with one that's not so expected: a driver's knee airbag. A soft-touch dash and tight construction give the Fiesta a feeling of quality normally lacking in an entry-level car. The Fiesta's controls can be a bit confusing for those technologically challenged, but they are well placed within easy reach.

Those who can't live without their iPod and cell phones will find the available Ford Sync system invaluable, as it uses voice commands to control portable music players, your cell phone, turn-by-turn navigation and emergency assist. In terms of backseat and cargo space, the sedan is competitive with its rivals but the hatchback offers considerably less than Honda's Fit does.