Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Fiesta hatchbacks
Though Ford has stated that it will only sell the new Fiesta in the U.S. as a sedan, the debut of two hatchback versions at the Geneva Motor Show this week, a three-door and a five-door model, apparently has the Blue Oval boys and girls reconsidering. Ford's new marketing chief Jim Farley told Automotive News that a decision about whether to sell the hatchbacks in the U.S. as well will come in 12 months. The company will be watching consumer reaction to the Verve hatchback concepts at second-tier U.S. auto shows this year to see if they resonate with young buyers (It may also show the production Fiesta hatchbacks in the U.S., as well). Hatchbacks have traditionally been a tough sell in the U.S., which is what prompted Ford's initial decision not to sell them here, as well as, we presume, the decision cancel the Focus three- and five-door hatchback models when that car was redesigned this past year.
Of course, we think the new Fiesta looks like a winner based on what we've seen this week in Geneva of the production models. But whether or not the hatchbacks will sell in the heartland of America depends more on what they will cost than anything else. And there's the rub. Since the Fiesta was designed to satisfy European tastes that demand quality small cars, they will likely be more expensive than the economy car fare we're used to in the U.S. Would you pay a few bills more for a Fiesta hatchback knowing it was a direct port from Europe? Our answer is yes.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
James Garner recovering from mild stroke
VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8
IIHS releases official results on the smart fortwo
Tragedy at LeMons: Send love and a little bit more
Officially Official: New Ferrari California exposed!
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang
Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Project Track Slut, Part One: Pick a weapon on the cheap
_thumbnail.jpg "Lamborghini Reventon unboxed in Las Vegas")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
hentaiboy22 @ Mar 5th 2008 4:05PM
prolly
EVan @ Mar 5th 2008 4:06PM
No.
EVan @ Mar 5th 2008 4:09PM
Bring on the sedan though.
...and the Focus, Kuga, Mondeo, etc...
If they would brand them as Mercurys they could get past the considerable cost difference between the European and American "Ford" branded vehicles.
John P. @ Mar 5th 2008 4:10PM
They should sell the hatchback. I want one.
geo.stewart @ Mar 5th 2008 9:41PM
3 door!
naggs @ Mar 6th 2008 6:06AM
i will only consider the 3 door
Andrew L @ Mar 5th 2008 4:10PM
yes
ugg.tryptophan @ Mar 6th 2008 12:19AM
does autoblog even read its comments, the answer is always the same every post, bring it to america!
Tsunami Racer @ Mar 5th 2008 4:10PM
i'd say "yes" so long as it's not a distraction from their other 'mainstream' products like the next gen versions of the fusion/taurus and the foci. if they can't get those right, they might as well forget about the entire passenger car market, let alone a niche product like the fiesta.
toyota, honda, nissan and yes, even chevrolet have subcompacts, but they also have strong compact and midsize products already.
Reuben @ Mar 5th 2008 4:10PM
I might buy one.
3cubed minus 3squared plus1 @ Mar 5th 2008 4:11PM
It depends on how much, but I probably would.
Bob L. @ Mar 5th 2008 4:12PM
Yes release only the hatch. both in the two and four door!
Colin Smith @ Mar 5th 2008 4:31PM
Stop associating small with cheap and accept that the raw materials in a car are really relatively inexpensive components compared with the engineering. It costs very little more in materials to build a large car than a small one, so actually small cars have to be relatively better to justify themselves.
Same with food. Some people say they got a huge amount on their plate, therefore the restaurant was good. Others say, the food tasted wonderful, and we were given enough, therefore the restaurant was excellent.
Quantity or quality. Sometimes both, but do you need both, and can you differentiate?
Nellydesign @ Mar 6th 2008 8:34AM
Actually, with the profit margins on cars as slim as they are, a few dollars for materials can mean the difference between a car that's profitable and one that's not. So yeah, it is a big deal. Companies that sell unprofitable cars don't last long. The real question is, will the added cost (and added price) give a result that makes more people want the car regardless of its price? Those are the questions that get asked every day in the industry.
hooligan @ Mar 5th 2008 4:14PM
By all means bring it here. We could use some nice small cars that are fun to look and and to drive. However, if they are going to mess with the formula and soften the suspension for America, keep it. Of course I'll be holding out for the Abarth Fiat 500.
duders @ Mar 5th 2008 4:31PM
As will I. That Abarth 500 will probably be the first new car I buy, the fiat group better hurry up and get it over here. The money is burning a hole in my pocket.
Jay MIller @ Mar 5th 2008 4:15PM
Give me something to shop against the Fit, Astra, and Golf
I3ziko @ Mar 5th 2008 4:15PM
Hatchbacks!
don't care much for the ugly butt sedan.
zoomzoomr @ Mar 8th 2008 1:26AM
Unfortunately, the sedan is a sure thing for the US.. but I can't imagine Ford ignoring the appeal of a hatchback to pit against the Fit and Aveo! My hope is that Ford will bring the 3-door and allow Mazda to bring the 5-door Mazda2.
Syco @ Mar 5th 2008 4:16PM
I say yes, that car would be a good addition to Fords American lineup.
While your at it bring over the Mondeo to..