Driving Impressions – December 2010
by Greg Cavanaugh
This might sound trite, but I really have no beefs with this car . . . other than the lack of a center armrest and lazy throttle tip-in. In fact, I highly recommend the Fiesta for lots of people; there’s really no reason a car like this couldn’t be the main car for a large portion of America.
No longer are small cars also “economy cars.” While they are economical, they are not cheap, neither figuratively nor literally. The Fiesta, in this guise, stickers at 20K. Not exactly Toyota Yaris territory. Then again, this Fiesta has SYNC, completely keyless access (both for locks and start up . . . just leave the key in your pocket!), heated seats, a telescoping wheel and 16” rims. It doesn’t feel “cheap” either. It’s sufficiently quiet, fully smooth, and highly comfortable, too.
This car is not going to service a family of five or more as their only vehicle, but for everyone else, you’d be surprised. Folding the seats swallowed my commuter bike (see Driving Impressions September ’10), albeit with the wheels removed. Certainly any couple that doesn’t have to cart around kids would do well with the Fiesta, too.
What most people don’t get however, is that small cars are not a compromise or let down at all. They’re generally just more fun. The Fiesta in particular makes a strong case. It darts around like a go-cart. It’s super easy to park. It feels light and lively. The power is by no means ample with only a 1.6-liter, but it’s certainly sufficient. You’re not going to win many races in this one. A mid-90s Saturn wagon handily smoked the Fiesta on an impromptu acceleration test. I’m going to chalk up part of the shellacking (Obama said it; why can’t I?) to the Fiesta’s tepid throttle. It seems there is a one- to two-second delay between pushing the pedal down and actually getting forward movement. The Fiesta is not the only new vehicle guilty of this, either. I’m wondering if this is becoming commonplace today to help pad mileage figures for the manufacturers.
I’ve driven a fair number of vehicles in the last couple of years and, oddly, this is one I really didn’t want to give back. I didn’t feel guilty, like while driving a large SUV. I didn’t feel gluttonous, like driving a vehicle with a sticker that is half the price of my house. I didn’t feel lame, like driving the same vehicle everyone else is driving on the road. I felt, content. I felt, free . . . I REALLY liked the keyless package, SYNC the phone and keep it and the key in your pocket, just get in and drive! The same goes for getting out. Hit the stop button on the dash, get out, hit the lock button on the outside handle and you’re done.
I can’t go through a whole write-up about a small car without mentioning the fuel economy benefit: 29 city/ 38 highway. (Even better when you opt for the manual transmission.) More Americans need to be driving cars like this. They are comfortable, fun, functional and responsible . . . and if it can’t be your only vehicle, make it your second vehicle.
It’s party time.
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED: $20,330.00 (base price: $16,995)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 97 cu in, 1596 cc
Power (SAE net): 120 bhp @ 6350 rpm,
Torque (SAE net): 112 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual, optional 6-speed dual clutch automated manual (as tested)
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 98.0 in Length: 173.6 in
Width: 67.8 in Height: 58.0 in
Curb weight: 2583 lb
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 29/38 mpg
