2011 Ford Fiesta: Fuel-Efficient, Progressive Design Offers Versatility, Personality

12/02/2009

Ford

Ford's hot-selling new Fiesta will deliver more than just great looks and the top fuel economy in its segment when it goes on sale in North America next year. The 2011 Ford Fiesta - available in four- and five-door body styles - also will set a new small car benchmark for safety, connectivity and powertrain technology.

"Fiesta was developed with customers, not just for them," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Global Product Development. "Fuel economy, spirited performance, efficient use of space and great looks are universal desires, across global markets -- and Fiesta delivers."

Kinetics and aesthetics

Kinetic design gives Fiesta a sense of movement -- even while standing still -- harmonizing character elements to reflect global Ford identity, which enables Fiesta to project its own air of confidence, style and individuality.

Adding eyes to the Fiesta face are sweeping headlamps that frame and connect the hood to muscular, sculpted front fenders. The design is further enhanced with a choice of nine vivid new colors. From Bright Magenta through Lime Squeeze to Blue Flame, Fiesta's broad color palette offers more choices than any other competitors in the segment.

Inside Fiesta

Fiesta is as dramatic on the inside as it is on the outside. Boldly sculpted surfaces, contrasting colors and comfortable, supportive materials make the interior as individual as the driver. First-row buckets with a 60/40-split second-row seat offer cloth or leather seating surfaces with comfort, style and individuality.

Fun, with fuel efficiency

The 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine develops an estimated 119 horsepower and 109 ft.-lb. of torque, making spirited performance and fuel-efficient economy signature attributes. Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy up to 40 mpg.

The advanced 1.6-liter features Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), allowing the engine to be downsized for fuel economy, while continuously optimizing camshaft phasing for throttle response, performance and flexibility.

Specially tuned front struts, bushings, dampers, stabilizer bars and a rear twist-beam axle keep Fiesta confidently planted. Sporty, European driving dynamics prevail.

A North American industry-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission offers the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual transmission, with the convenience of a traditional automatic. A five-speed manual transmission is standard.

For driving dynamics, Fiesta features Electric Power Assist Steering, which reduces complexity while saving weight and fuel. This speed-sensitive system provides optimized assist based on speed, cornering forces and movement.

Strength and safety

More than half of Fiesta's welded body structure is made from high-strength steel, including ultra-strong boron components, bringing confident road-holding, best-in-class occupant safety and quiet composure. Fiesta features dual-stage first-row air bags, a class-exclusive driver's knee air bag, side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac(R) with Electronic Stability Control.

Fiesta sales success

Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europe's No. 2-selling car and Ford of Europe's top-selling vehicle, helping increase Ford's share in Europe's main 19 markets. More than 500,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched in autumn 2008.