Spy Shots: U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta sedan spotted chilling in Michigan
Our friends over at Jalopnik managed to get their hands on a few spy shots of what appears to be a U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta sedan out and about in upper Michigan undergoing some harsh cold weather testing. Despite the heavy coat of grime, road salt and camo, it's clear that we can all let out a sigh of relief because the overall look of the car hasn't changed too much from what's been on the road in Europe and China for the last few months.
The only significant change that's readily apparent is a revised front fascia and a different bumper that appears just a bit worse for the wear as it has likely been reinforced to perform well in U.S. crash testing. We sense a slight underbite look on this prototype, but we'll reserve final judgment for the day we get to see one live and undisguised. Expect a U.S. debut before the end of the year.
[Source: Jalopnik]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
sk 6:04PM (2/27/2009)
It looks abused
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no. 6:07PM (2/27/2009)
Dear Ford,
Please don't screw this up.
Best Regards,
Our Wallets
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Kumail 6:10PM (2/27/2009)
More importantly, don't forget the hatchback :D
Maybe even also a Sport version, or is that too much for a company that got a bailout and has many enthusiasts looking forward to this car?
no. 6:16PM (2/27/2009)
Ford hasn't received a bailout, yet.
I completely agree with the hatch. The small sedan's proportions look downright goofy.
Mike 6:45PM (2/27/2009)
Kumail,
Too bad you can't delete your post since you got your two gripes wrong.
1. They've already announced the hatch will come to the U.S.
2. They haven't taken any bailout money
Yaroukh 11:19PM (2/27/2009)
@Kumail: You make nice example of how uninformed ppl are about Big3 situation. When an AB reader/commenter! does not know that FoMoCo (for 1000th time) _DID NOT GET ANY BAILOUT_ how are US-automakers supposed to fight common peoples' perception about their products?
No offense, you just made me wonder.
xspeedy 6:11PM (2/27/2009)
Ford, if you are listening, don't screw with the original Euro styling and don't stick a big scnnoz US bumper on that thing. Get rid of the damn grill and bring us proper wheels for it.
Lastly, don't forget the hatch.
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Michael 6:26PM (2/27/2009)
So far, all B-segment cars have required modifications for US crash performance.
The original Honda Fit got 10+ inches in bumper extensions for the US market.
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XGM 10:00PM (2/27/2009)
That doesn't mean they can screw it up and make it ugly. I really hope it does look like the Euro one...
alexacoon 6:27PM (2/27/2009)
"Expect a U.S. debut before the end of the year."
So when can I buy one (Hatch!) ?? I've heard the first quarter 2010, fall 2009 and now this. Anyone?
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Infinihertz 6:41PM (2/27/2009)
fordvehicles.com lists it as "coming stateside early 2010."
LankySean 6:30PM (2/27/2009)
I never though I'd say this but here goes, I think my next car is going to be a Ford (as long as they release this as a hatchback).
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Robert K. 6:38PM (2/27/2009)
Dear Ford,
Give me a 3 door hatchback, painted that lime/electric greenish yellow color from the Top Gear review of the Ford Fiesta, give me some large alloy wheels with low profile tires instead of crappy hubcaps, and the Microsoft Sync audio system with good speakers.
Do that and I'll gladly open my wallet to you.
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Mark K. 6:41PM (2/27/2009)
So, 7 out of 8 posters said "Hatch". Person from Ford reading this will promptly pass that information to the higher managment. Then, Ford managment will do the right thing (as always) - new Fiesta will be available in US as a sedan only.
I still can't believe what I'm seeing in those pictures.
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Yong Turk 3:11PM (2/28/2009)
The new Fiesta will be available as both sedan as well as a hatch. There will be no 3 door hatch for the states
kballs 2:18PM (3/01/2009)
Even better would be if they also had a Fiesta Hatch with an EV option, which would be more useful/versatile than the Focus EV sedan that they said they were working on.
I totally want an EV in the family because I'm tired of trying to keep track of maintenance on my wife's car when at least one of us could get by with an EV for daily commuting (keep a dinosaur blood burner for longer weekend trips). EV maintenance is mostly just brakes and tires, maybe CV joints and shocks/struts (not oil, belts, spark plugs/coil pack, coolant, radiator rust/leaks, transmission fluid, timing belts, leaky gaskets, etc. and everything else having to do with an ICE), a lot easier to track.
Dustin 6:44PM (2/27/2009)
Changing the front end = ruining a good thing.
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Jim 6:47PM (2/27/2009)
"We sense a slight underbite look on this prototype, but we'll reserve final judgment for the day we get to see one live and undisguised."
chances are the camo is strategically padded to make you think that.
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Mazda FTW! 7:05PM (2/27/2009)
I love reading comments which precede the arrival of a "domestic" vehicle from Europe/Australia.
"Can't wait to pick mine up"
"Cannot believe my next car is a domestic!!!"
And then the car gets the actual launch.....................
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Dustin 8:45PM (2/27/2009)
Mazda FTW, what point are you making? Are you saying that people are "all talk," or are you saying that the manufacturers screw up the vehicle en route to the U.S.?