Arriving this summer, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is a fantastic alternative for smaller families that don’t need to drive often or are in need of a second vehicle. Boasting luxury not often seen in its class, amazing fuel efficiency and playful exterior and interior features, the Fiesta is sure to wow families needing a compact, economical car to meet their driving needs.
Model Tested: 2011 Ford Fiesta
Key Competitors: Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa
Price: MSRP starting at $12,999
Urban Mom’s Rating:
Urban Mom Tester’s Topline: The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a compact car that offers a big punch. Although not necessarily large enough for carting multiple children off to hockey, band practices or carpooling, it is a practical alternative for the city-dwelling family that drives on occasion or as a second car for commuting families. With a surprisingly roomy interior and sufficient trunk space, certainly more then expected, the Fiesta is fully equipped with top of the line syncing features (plug in your iPod and go) and economic value, which is often the bottom line when purchasing a family car.
Exterior Features and Style: The Ford Fiesta has a young, hip quality that makes it stand out amongst its main competitors. From its vibrant exterior paint colours, including Lime Squeeze (my personal favourite), Bright Magenta and Blue Flame, to its strong, sporty design, the Fiesta exudes an air of class and fun- perfect for an urban family to be seen in (although this suburban girl would drive it too!).
Interior Comfort and Style: I was pleasantly surprised with the trim level that the 2011 Fiesta offers its drivers. Keeping in mind that it is a compact car, it offers leather or cloth seats, with front heated seats available. Seven airbags, halogen headlights, ABS, power mirrors, and a 4 Speaker audio system are all standard. Ford’s Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) is an advanced system that compensates for uneven road conditions, crosswinds, or slight tire imbalances- something that, as a parent, helps make you feel more secure on the roads. Although the back row of seating doesn’t offer much room, you could comfortably fit one car seat or two children/teenagers. The focal point of the Fiesta’s interior, the instrument panel located front and centre, allows for connectivity (hands-free syncing) and is sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike. It keeps all controls in a central area, making it easy for the driver and passengers to adapt heat/cooling, sound, etc… For a small car, I felt the features were desirable and certainly attractive in their design.
Drive: I drove the Fiesta throughout the winding roads of San Francisco and thoroughly
enjoyed every moment of it. A fun and zippy car, it hugs curves and excelerates with ease on the straightaways, reaching faster speeds quickly. Although a little bumpy in the back seats, the ride was mostly smooth and easy, with a relatively quiet engine (something I really appreciate when highway driving).
Bells and Whistles: Keyless entry, push-button start and adaptable cup holders (so they’ll fit your sippy cups and Big Gulps) are some of the fun features of this car- ones not often found in this class. However, you would not be purchasing the Ford Fiesta just for its bells and whistles. You would be purchasing it for its fuel efficiency, economic value, solid track record (over 700,000 Fiesta’s sold in Europe since it’s launch in 2008), and overall performance. Without the in-car entertainment centres and large interior, the Fiesta is a car for a family that doesn’t want/need those features and instead looks for comfort and value, with a bit of flash.