First Drives, Ford

First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta

April 26, 2010

2011 Ford Fiesta. Click image to enlarge

Attention to detail both inside and out is apparent, starting with the sweeping, elongated headlamps that frame and connect the hood to muscular, sculpted front fenders.

On the inside, material fit and finish is top notch and there is no difference here from the European model. The biggest change is on the front seats where the dial adjustment knobs have been replaced by pull-type levers for both recline and height adjustability.

The optional Sync voice-activated communications system comes with the new APP Sync feature which not only allows you to stream audio and make phone calls over Bluetooth, but allows you to read text messages, twitter streams and to stream Pandora from your Bluetooth-enabled device. The 2011 Ford Fiesta is certainly not a subcompact penalty box.

2011 Ford Fiesta. Click image to enlarge

The biggest surprise on the inside of the Fiesta cannot be truly appreciated until you pull away for the first time: quietness. According to Ford, highway wind noise at 130 km/h (80 mph) is ten per cent quieter than a Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris or Nissan Versa and is quieter than the compact Toyota Corolla sedan – and I believe it!

Not everything is rosy though: my only complaint is that there is no driver’s armrest. This would make the interior of the Ford Fiesta the most comfortable in the class, but unfortunately is not available.

When compared to the European model, the North American Fiesta receives an upgraded suspension with stiffer springs up front and quicker damping in the shocks for both rebound and compression. What does all this mean to you? It means you get a subcompact car that feels like it is on rails and has a sporty ride but is not harsh in any way – it truly is a marvel.

The Fiesta soaked up the Pacific Coast Highway, and the other roads that snake down California’s coast, like it was a nimble sports car. Its 120-hp engine was a bit disappointing at times as we climbed the coastal mountains, which proved to be more than it could chew beyond third gear.

2011 Ford Fiesta. Click image to enlarge

The six-speed Powershift automatic eliminates the need to be constantly on top of gear changes and would be my choice. The automatic wins the fuel economy battle as well: officially the Fiesta is rated at 7.1 L/100 km city and 5.3 L/100 km highway with the five-speed manual while the Powershift six-speed offers even better fuel economy, rated at 6.9 L/100 km city and an impressive 5.1 L/100 km highway.

On the open road, the Fiesta is quiet and comfortable and will surprise you. With very little cabin noise, it is easy to cruise on the highway and with its communicative, compliant suspension the Fiesta does not feel like a subcompact car over the road. Cruising at highway speeds, I noted an engine speed of around 3,000 rpm with the five-speed manual and very little engine noise.

Ford was confident enough to put the Fiesta up against its competitors head to head (Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit) in a controlled performance environment. Journalists took their turns pushing these little cars to their limit, and time and again the Fiesta came out on top with its excellent body control, minimal lean and poise over rough terrain.

With its competitive pricing, excellent fuel economy, quiet cabin, and fun-to-drive nature, the 2011 Fiesta is likely to be a home run for Ford in Canada.

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