Driving Sports

Subcompact fans have been waiting for years to see the shiny side of the newest Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 - the two cars have shared a chassis platform for years overseas, and now they’re sharing a platform for dual introductions at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

With a rush to market born of the 2008 fuel price spike, Ford has just now unveiled the 2011 Fiesta, to be available at dealers nationwide in 2010.

The original Ford to bear the Fiesta nameplate was among the late unlamented econo-boxes of the 1970s and 80s that couldn't get out of their own way. Ford kept the name going on a series of sub-minis marketed around the world through the 90s and this decade, but until now, they haven't brought the Fiesta name back to America.

Here at Driving Sports, we hope that people have forgotten those original Fiestas and won't hold the name against Ford's new super-mini, because by all accounts, this one's a screamer.

The new little Fiesta will be gifted with a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve engine making 119 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque.  And the Fiesta weighs just 2500  to 2600 pounds, depending on four-door or five-door body options and equipment. With those numbers, the little Ford should deliver performance in the MINI Cooper range, which doesn't suck.

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

Ti-VCT gives variable – yet precise – control of valve overlap or the duration of time in which both intake and exhaust valves are simultaneously open. Valve overlap management by sophisticated controller mechanisms is critical to eliminating intake and exhaust flow compromises.

This technology also optimizes phasing on both intake and exhaust camshafts by spinning them ever so slightly to advance or retard valve timing, resulting in improved throttle response at initial throttle tip-in, reduced emissions at part throttle and enhanced efficiency at higher rpm. The outcome is more power, responsiveness and fuel efficiency from less overall cylinder displacement.

But the part that makes Fiesta truly fun-tastic is that you can expect about 29-30 MPG in the city, and up to 38-40 on the highway, depending on your engine package.  And it runs on regular gas.

Another notable feature is the Fiesta's all-new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission, which combines the responsive performance of a manual shift with the convenience of a traditional automatic. Buyers will also have a 5-speed manual transmission option.

Fiesta’s PowerShift transmission gives better fuel efficiency than a traditional torque convertor automatic or even a manual shift transmission. Twin internal clutches keep the PowerShift in constant mesh, continuously optimizing for maximum responsiveness and fuel efficiency, depending on engine speed, vehicle speed and input from the driver’s foot on the accelerator pedal.

PowerShift is a dual dry clutch transmission, operating with sealed internal lubrication, reducing friction and adding to Fiesta’s fuel economy. The lack of pumps and hoses reduces complexity, saves weight and contributes to fuel efficiency.

Inside, every Fiesta comes equipped with a standard Aux port for your MP3 player and the Ford/Microsoft SYNC voice-activated control system. The car also comes with Ford’s nifty EasyFuel capless fuel system - no more lost gas caps!

Fiesta also offers keyless entry and push button start, a feature unique within the segment. Drivers of all sizes can adjust the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel to suit their individual preferences. Reflecting Fiesta’s versatility and adaptability, adjustable cup holders can accommodate Red Bull cans and Big Gulps along with every container size in between.

Ford says that more than 500,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn. In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding drive quality, design and value. It’s winning enthusiastic media reviews in Asia. Now, the all-new Fiesta offers North American consumers a stylish, fuel-efficient alternative.

Bottom line - we can't wait to get our hands on one of these and take it through the twisties. Jeremy Clarkson at Top Gear liked it, so we're eager to give it a try.

Update 12/3/09 - Pricing has been announced: $13,320 (plus destination, tax) for the sedan, $15,120 for the hatchback. The spiffy dual-clutch will run an extra $1000. A fully-equipped hatchback (model SES), with SYNC, SIRIUS, 16-inch wheels, front-disc and rear drum brakes, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-clutch automatic and body-colored nose runs $18,865.