New 2010 Ford Fiesta
What: Four-door small car with a four-cylinder engine more fuel efficient than some of the hybrids sold today.
When: A release in Europe is scheduled for Summer 2008. The Fiesta should arrive on U.S. shores in late 2009.
Price: Unknown. The smallest Ford sold in the U.S. today, the Focus, has an MSRP that ranges from $14,700 to just under $17,000.
New for 2010
You might have driven a Fiesta in the eighties, but Papa Ford has a brand new bag. In response to the rising price of fuel, Ford has developed a subcompact with the forward-looking design of a European model but the high gas mileage coveted for today's economy. First introduced as the Verve concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2010 Ford Fiesta will begin production in Europe this summer, with the intention to rollout regionally modified Fiestas in Asia, South Africa and the United States for the 2010 model year.
Based on the same architecture as Europe's Mazda2, the 2010 Fiesta is a four-door hatchback design. It should have a longer nose and front bumper than its European cousin, to comply with U.S. safety standards, and its highest trim engine is a purported four-cylinder that makes 118 horsepower and gets a combined mileage that is close to 39 mpg.
What the Auto Press Says
The automotive press' initial reports are positive concerning the Fiesta's anticipated cute design, upscale cabin features and miserly fuel habits. As a result, test drivers wait with baited breath to get their hands on a pre-production model for a full endorsement.
For some preview spy shots direct from Ford check out our Slide Show.
Here is what the press has to say about the coming 2010 Ford Fiesta:
- "The next Fiesta will undoubtedly bring Ford some much-needed cachet in the U.S. subcompact market." -- Automobile Magazine
- "While appearing not unlike a shrunken three-door Focus, the Fiesta has reasonably engaging lines, making for a fun, youthful image." -- Motor Trend
- "The top-of-the-line new Fiesta's Duratec gas engine will be rated at just over 118 hp, good for a 0-to-62 MPH jog in just under 10 seconds, yet still providing a combined fuel economy of 47.9 MPG (That's be 38.9 MPG for us colonials). Not to shabby." -- Jalopnik
- "These are impressive numbers to be sure. What's not impressive is the Fiesta goes on sale in Europe this October, but won't hit the states for another full year, fall 2009." -- Kicking Tires
Key Details
Little is known about the upcoming Fiesta, but it is expected to have a similar interior to concept displayed in Frankfurt, including a center stack with a mobile phone-based design, red ambient lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Auto writers also report the Fiesta will feature an "Intelligent Protection System" with a standard knee air bag and seven additional air bags. Automatic windshield wipers and cruise control will be optional. Though the first Fiesta to hit the U.S. will feature four doors, you may see a two-door variant come soon after.
Stay tuned for more details on the 2010 Ford Fiesta.