The 2011 Ford Fiesta is an all-new subcompact available in hatchback and sedan body styles.Unlike much of its competition, the Ford Fiesta is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. There are some distinctive Fiesta alternatives in this competitive segment. The Fiesta sedan, meanwhile, has a bit less rear seat room than the Chevy Aveo, Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Ford Fiesta comes with four doors in both sedan and hatchback form. The SE hatchback is equipped similarly to the SE sedan but adds a rear spoiler and wiper. All 2011 Ford Fiestas are powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 that generates 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. Disappointingly, there is no manual-shift feature.
Ford estimates the Fiesta's fuel economy at 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway for the automatic and 29/38 for the manual.
Safety
Standard safety features include stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Ford's Sync system (standard in top trims) allows voice control over the audio system and your cell phone, and it also provides features such as voice-prompted turn-by-turn navigation (it works respectably well) and emergency assist. At 12.8 cubic feet, the sedan's trunk capacity is class-competitive. The Fiesta hatchback offers a bit less than that with its rear seat up. Unfortunately, the seats don't fold completely flat, and the Fiesta's 26 cubes of maximum cargo capacity pale in comparison to the Honda Fit's 57 cubes and the Kia Soul's 53 cubes.
Driving Impressions
We can say without hesitation that the 2011 Ford Fiesta provides the most rewarding drive in its class.
Model Lineup
The Fiesta is offered as a sedan or hatchback, both with four doors. Heated leather seats, anyone? The Fiesta sets new standards for available equipment in the small-car segment across three trim levels: S, SE and the equivalent SEL sedan and SES hatchback. The SE option list is extensive, including 6-speaker SIRIUS sound, Ford's Sync connectivity suite (now including many voice-activated smart phone applications), heated mirrors and seats, a power moon roof, cruise control and a rear spoiler. At the SES/SEL level, the Fiesta can be as well outfitted as many entry-level luxury cars. Options for SES/SEL buyers include leather seating, heated front seats and push-button starting, meaning that short of such luxuries as air-conditioned seats and power rear window shades, the little Fiesta packs most of the big-car experience into a compact package.
The Fiesta is offered as a sedan or hatchback, both with four doors. Heated leather seats, anyone? The Fiesta sets new standards for available equipment in the small-car segment across three trim levels: S, SE and the equivalent SEL sedan and SES hatchback. The SE option list is extensive, including 6-speaker SIRIUS sound, Ford's Sync connectivity suite (now including many voice-activated smart phone applications), heated mirrors and seats, a power moon roof, cruise control and a rear spoiler. At the SES/SEL level, the Fiesta can be as well outfitted as many entry-level luxury cars. Options for SES/SEL buyers include leather seating, heated front seats and push-button starting, meaning that short of such luxuries as air-conditioned seats and power rear window shades, the little Fiesta packs most of the big-car experience into a compact package.
This proven engine is mated to a conventional 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic.
As an entry-level car, the Fiesta remains a front-wheel-drive commuter at all times; there are no all-wheel-drive or higher-powered variants. All Fiestas sip 87-octane gasoline, at 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway. On the Road
From behind the wheel, the Fiesta is one part compact commuter and two parts big car. Ford clearly spent time refining it, and the standard electronic power steering is an upscale touch.
From behind the wheel, the Fiesta is one part compact commuter and two parts big car. Ford clearly spent time refining it, and the standard electronic power steering is an upscale touch.