Comparison tests and reviews, Feature Articles, First Drives, Ford

First Drive: 2009 European Ford Fiesta vs Fit vs Yaris vs Versa

November 17, 2009

And then it was into the Toyota Yaris, the oldest design in the group and perhaps at a disadvantage to the others given the pace of technology development in the small car segment. It was, therefore not a big surprise that it exhibited the most understeer on the track, and had the smallest passenger and cargo compartments. While it didn’t embarrass itself, the Yaris showed itself to have fallen behind the times in dynamic capabilities and occupant accommodation, and I would expect the next-generation model to address these shortcomings. In the meantime, the Fiesta has it all over the Yaris.

Ford Fiesta (European model). Click image to enlarge

The rest of the day was spent solely in the Fiesta, and I can report that I was quite impressed with the entire package. It is certainly the most daringly styled car in the segment, with nary a straight line on its swoopy body. Its interior styling is very well done, with a dashboard you wouldn’t be surprised to see in a sports car, and very supportive seats – a complete give-away to its European origins.

It is its origins that have me wondering what the North American-spec Fiesta, to be built in Mexico in four- and five-door versions, will be like. Ford says that it will retain 90 per cent of its “Euro-ness,” with the missing 10 per cent surely including the necessary bumper, safety and emission standards. In the recent past, compact cars with strong European influence have not met wide acceptance with small-car buyers in the U.S., whose preferences tend to dictate what we get here in Canada. And yet, such cars sell like hotcakes in Quebec and the larger cities outside that province.

Will the Canadian Fiesta retain the supportive seats, tuned suspension, steering feedback, linear clutch and shifter feel, perfectly-spaced pedals, willing engine and fun-to-drive demeanour of the Euro versions I drove? We can only hope so. Will it retain the unsatisfactory finish and limited usability of the folded rear seat, or the useless cupholders which will very quickly let tall beverage containers fall into your lap at the first corner? We can only hope not.

Based on a day with the European Fiesta, and assuming a few small changes are made for Canadian conditions, I feel confident that Ford will have a very competitive and enjoyable sub-compact car for its first entry in that class in many years.

In about six months, we’ll all know for sure.

Pages: 1 2