Ford: Popular Fiesta Hatchback Coming to the U.S.

Ford (F) has finally confirmed that its European-styled Fiesta hatchback is set to make its U.S. debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Since Ford started promoting the car through its Fiesta Movement back in March, more than 50,000 people have expressed interest--97% of whom currently do not drive a Ford.

U.S.-spec cars are expected to feature a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin independent variable valve timing. This should ensure enough pep for the American palate, while likely planting the Fiesta among the most efficient non-hybrids on offer.

Ford’s Sync communications and entertainment interface will be an available option, offering a high degree of technological connectivity--an option which has proven popular on the Focus sedan so far.

Other basics include keyless entry, available 16-inch aluminum wheels, a choice of three different cloth or leather upholstery options, plus a four-inch multifunction display, seven airbags and a standard electronic stability control system.

Ford looks to have a winner on its hands. The Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europe's number two selling car and Ford of Europe's top-selling vehicle. Nearly 340,000 current generation Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn, with 21,800 delivered to customers in August alone.

The new 2011 Ford Fiesta is set to arrive in dealerships in the U.S. next summer.

Comments

[epeon:]

I bought a Ford escape about six months ago. I must say, it is a surprizingly good car. My wife has a Lexus and I can truthfully say I prefer the Escape. It is comfortable, convenient, and (so far) the quality is excellent. It has the small engine and six speed transmission so I get 26 mpg. Oh, the Escape is about half the price of the Lexus.

Ford is really making nice automobiles and they are inexpensive.

Oct 07 10:20 AM

[notsosmart:]

if possible ford should be supported by all americans.i have no connection to the auto industry & own only 200 sh bought @ a low price. i have very little skin in this game but i admire the co for its products & its refusal to get involved with the gov.

Oct 07 05:40 PM

[sethmcs:]

I personally hate small cars. I drive Lincolns. Nevertheless the Fiesta is a winner with generation y. That's who its designed for.

Oct 07 11:51 PM

[Dant:]

When Ford selected A. Mulally as their leader, they made an excellent choice. Ford may be America's last best hope for auto manufacturing. I have owned several Ford nameplates over the years and have not been dissatisfied with performance, reliability, value or comparative economy. My next purchase will be a Ford product.

Oct 08 09:37 AM

[crosseyed:]

my sister just purchased a Ford Flex.Her son was aghast.He has a Range Rover Sport.He then drove the Flex and apologized to his mother with the words "Mum this is a fantastic car!I am the idiot who paid $67,000 for my ride and you paid $32,000 for a ride that on balance is as good as the Range Rover."

Oct 08 10:30 AM

[turbodave:]

I want the diesel version !

Oct 08 10:35 AM

[TinyTim:]

Shouldn't this be "Fiesta is coming to the US AGAIN"

I seem to remember a compact Ford hatchback by this name (also from Europe) back in the 70's or 80's.

Oct 08 05:29 PM

[jpete8:]

I believe Ford was the main force teaching the Asians how to build autos after World War II. They were heavily invested in Mazda and have been smart enough to learn from their students over the years. I think they once said that they knew Honda and Toyota would be the big players and that they hoped Ford would be also.
Adaptability and innovation are quite evident now when their new cars such as the Flex, Fiesta, and Taurus are compared with other cars. Ford shows why free enterprise is the key to success in this country and hopefully will remain so in the future.

Oct 09 11:18 AM

[BeachRider:]

The Fiesta has been a Ford nameplate since the late 70s. Ford has, at times, tried the models in the US, but they were 'too small'. You have to believe that, if Smartfortwo, Scion xB and Cube and other cars are now catching American interest, Ford should try it here again. It has always been one of Ford's biggest sellers, worldwide. Like Focus, it has its afficianados; there are some quite-sporty versions in some countries.

Oct 09 12:05 PM

[Tdot:]

Ford introduced the European Fiesta in the US in 1978, selling it alongside the rear wheel drive Pinto. Both were discontinued in 1980 and "replaced" with the larger Escort. Ford returned to the subcompact market in 1986 with the Korean-built (Kia) Festiva, redesigned and renamed as Aspire in 1994 through 1997.

The bottom line was the bottom line. These subcompact cars were never particularly profitable for Ford in the US, except perhaps briefly during the occasional oil crisis, when the retail price of gasoline would jump and American would start to buy up small cars again to replace or supplement their big heavy sedans, sports cars, trucks, and wagons.

The new Euro-style 2011 Fiesta represents Ford's third attempt to take a mighty swing at the subcompact auto market, looking primarily to younger buyers and those seeking an environmentally friendly car for daily commuting. The main difference from past attempts will be in the content. Traditionally the subcompacts were stripped down to the very basics, with slow performance characteristics; and options included an air conditioner and an AM/FM radio with (maybe) a cassette. The new subcompacts will have virtually the same base content and performance as the larger, sportier cars, with a lot of additional attention to styling and features to captivate the crowds.

Close on Fiesta's heels will be the redesigned Euro-styled compact 2012 Focus, which slots between the Fiesta and mid-sized Fusion, which should be due for another significant redesign around 2013.

Oct 10 09:18 AM