Ford has officially released the long awaited EPA ratings for the 2011 Fiesta which is set to go on sale in June. The class-leading Fiesta will offer 29 city, 40 highway MPG when equipped with the six-speed automatic PowerShift transmission – besting the next closest competitor – Toyota Yaris – by 4 MPG highway.
Ford has trickled out bits and pieces about the highly-advertised Fiesta for over a year, but now this new premium subcompact has official EPA ratings, boasting class-leading 40 MPG highway with the dual-clutch automatic, and 28 city, 37 highway with the five-speed manual (standard).
U.S. pricing for the Fiesta subcompact sedan will start at $13,320 for the base S trim level. Opting for the next trim level, SE, brings the total to $14,320. The hatchback is not available in S trim, but can be purchased starting in SE guise with a base price of $15,120. Ford says they decided to start the hatchback at the SE trim level in an effort to preserve the premium content and appeal of the European design.
The range-topping SEL Sedan and SES Hatchback cost $16,320 and $17,120, respectively. Moving to an automatic transmission adds about $1,000 to the price. Destination is $675.
“For North America, the global Fiesta was tweaked, not re-designed or re-developed,” said Steve Pintar, chief Fiesta engineer. “We built on the success of the European Fiesta and are really proud of how little has changed.”
Ford says the U.S.-spec Fiesta boasts 15 class-exclusive features – such as keyless entry with push-button start, Sync, EasyFuel cap-less fueling and a driver’s knee airbag, as well as significantly improved interior quietness (compared to the European product) due to the addition of a laminated windshield and additional sound dampening materials.
Fuel economy and power
Ford’s latest four-cylinder offering will be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission – rated at 28 city, and 37 highway mpg – or the six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic, which is officially rated for 29 city, 40 highway mpg.
“To be the only vehicle in the segment to deliver 40 mpg is something we feel consumers will appreciate,” said Pintar.
The 2011 Fiesta features a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. This four-banger features Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), which allows smaller displacement for increased fuel economy without compromising performance. Ford also makes use of an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff, combined with an engine accessory drive system that was designed to improve efficiency by reducing the energy it takes to power the air conditioner and alternator. When coupled with electric power assist steering, the small gains translate to measurable gains in fuel economy.
Vehicle driving dynamics
To complement Ford’s available powertrains, Ford reports that the front anti-roll bar was increased from 19 mm to 22 mm, and the rear twistbeam saw a 28 percent increase in rigidity, when compared to the European Fiesta. Ford also added a push-button feature – Grade Assist – which essentially helps to maintain low gearing for more responsive throttle under acceleration, as well as reduced braking during grade descent.
Customers will be able to choose from 15 or 16-inch wheels on most models, and an available 17-inch Ford Racing wheel as well.
Safety
To address traditional concerns of Americans regarding safety in a small vehicle, Ford has developed what it claims is the safest car in the segment. Ford boasts that the Fiesta features more Boron (strongest automotive-grade steel available) steel than any Ford product, with key placement of boron steel in the most vulnerable locations. In all, the Fiesta’s frame and sub-structure features over 55 percent high, or ultra-high strength steel.
In addition to paying special attention to creating a rigid steel cage for the Fiesta’s occupants, Ford has also incorporated a class-exclusive driver’s knee airbag, as well as dual-stage front airbags, curtain airbags and side airbags for a total of seven airbags.
Although the U.S. Fiesta has not yet been evaluated by NHTSA, Ford said it expects to receive top marks for the Fiesta in safety like its European counterpart.
Content and features
Highlights include Intelligent Access with push button start, electric power assist steering (EPAS), EasyFuel capless fuel filler, a noise-reducing laminate windshield, and Sync 3.0 with turn-by-turn navigation.
The U.S. Fiesta also gains Sirius satellite radio and has a four-inch information display screen located in the center of the dash. Other optional features include remote start, optional power-operated moonroof, premium audio, and several custom exterior graphics choices.
Availability
Fiesta is due to arrive in U.S. dealers in June, with exact arrival dates varying by region.
Source: Leftlane