Click above for more pics of the U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta
Autoblog reader Chris stopped for a Whopper with cheese at just the right moment the other day, as he happened upon a U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta five-door hatchback in his local Burger King's parking lot. The car's status was confirmed by the rather open Ford engineer who was driving it, who claimed that his car was 98% production ready for the U.S. He even let Chris sit in it, and he reports that the interior (see pic here) fit and finish was top notch with soft-touch materials and some seriously impressive seats. He told us the switch gear, IP dials, etc. also worked well and that he was surprised to find push button start in such a small car. While Chris did ask about what was powering this particular Fiesta, the engineer refused to comment saying only "we should be excited with what the plans are." Consider us excited. Thanks for the tip, Chris!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
barry @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:03PM
I hope they sell tons of these. I like.
2007RC46SP2 @ Aug 22nd 2008 5:45PM
the big question.
how's it gonna stack up next to the new FIT?
Xcountryflyer @ Aug 22nd 2008 6:28PM
Finally--the true Ford turnaround starts. This is one sharp entry-level compact. It is so much better looking and interesting than the Focus--who would buy one of those ugly things?
ugg.tryptophan @ Aug 22nd 2008 6:43PM
next to the Fit, the Fiesta might as well be the best looking car in the world
Smegley @ Aug 22nd 2008 6:47PM
The Big Answer:
Next to the FIT this will do quite well.
I'd be embarassed to be seen near a FIT but I would buy and drive this Fiesta in a heartbeat. It may not pull many of the Honda faithful, but there are plenty of people who want a small, efficient car, but don't want to deal with Honda's arrogant and retarded dealerships, and don't want to lower themselves to being seen in a clownish Yaris. Besides, this may get better mileage than both the FIT or Yaris when done.
MasterCKO @ Aug 22nd 2008 8:28PM
Agreed. This really does look good, and from the description of the inside (and the picture), this REALLY looks like it's going bring Ford back as a brand that turns heads and gets purchased. Way to go, Ford and way to go Mullaly and the rest of the top brass, for making the changes that needed to be made.
black @ Aug 22nd 2008 9:12PM
If its cheap Ford probably will.
mike @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:04PM
Another Hot Hatch, whoever said that CAFE will kill fun cars is eating his hat now.
I think if Ford gets this car right they could really make some headway in small car segment.
Civic is great, but Corolla is awful, while they are not DIRECTLY competing agains one another, Fiesta should be able to get those who do not want a Corolla or a Yaris.
Provided Ford will not screw up..........what are the chanses they wont?
MastrCake @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:09PM
Well, considering that this is "98% production ready", and how good this thing looks, the chances are pretty low.
MastrCake @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:13PM
oops... The chance of them screwing up are LOW! NOT the chances of them NOT screwing up!!!
Damn me and my grammar...
Brian @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:29PM
CAFE killed alot of rear drive cars that I was looking forward too. rear drive impala and small rear drive pontiac based on an austrialian platform.
refugee7 @ Aug 22nd 2008 5:05PM
I have to agree... I wished CAFE didn't kill some RWD cars :-(. Hell to gas mileage, I'll earn the money I need to pay for the gas thank you very much.
Rich @ Aug 22nd 2008 6:02PM
The UK has similar regulations, and there's no lack of BMWs, Mercs, and so on to choose from. It takes a bit of willpower from Detroit to make it happen, that's all.
lumbarn @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:05PM
Wow that is nice, I can't wait to test drive this and the 09 fit
Flashpoint @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:06PM
bought goddamned time.
after the MKs, I expect a hell of a lot more from FoMoCo
Jason @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:22PM
You speak the Gospel my friend! Far too long has Ford stifled the US market with washed over vehicles! Finally a true European Ford! About time FOMOCO, I certainly hope the Focus will look as amazing and lets keep our fingers crossed that the Focus RS comes state side!!!
That One Person @ Aug 22nd 2008 5:28PM
It sure helps out when you get some decent people running the company.
Anyways, I like it. I may have to wait for this thing to hit the market.
MemphisNET @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:08PM
Very nice indeed
zamafir @ Aug 22nd 2008 8:16PM
x2, i like it, inside and out, looks like ford's plans to finally stop shafting us are going to bear pretty awesome fruit.
Zeitgeist57 @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:10PM
I'm more of a GM guy, but I have to admit that this appears to be a seriously stylish and practical car. If Ford got the engineering right, they will definitely have a serious contender on their hands...