VIDEO Review: European-spec Ford Fiesta
by Chris Shunk on Jul 18th 2009 at 7:56PM 
Click above to watch the video after the break
The US auto industry has traditionally been a market for large cars, trucks and SUVs. High fuel prices and increasingly strict emissions regulations have made smaller, more efficient models a must-have for any OEM, but not every automaker has a B-Segment entry, including Ford.
That changes next spring, of course, when the 2011 Ford Fiesta comes stateside, and Dearborn is hoping to attract young buyers who won't mind paying a premium for good looks and high-end equipment. Since it'll be months before we'll be able to get our hands on the US-spec Fiesta, we tried out the European model for a weekend. Does the Fiesta have what it takes for Ford to turn the B-Segment on its ear? Follow the jump to find out. You can also read our full review by clicking here.
That changes next spring, of course, when the 2011 Ford Fiesta comes stateside, and Dearborn is hoping to attract young buyers who won't mind paying a premium for good looks and high-end equipment. Since it'll be months before we'll be able to get our hands on the US-spec Fiesta, we tried out the European model for a weekend. Does the Fiesta have what it takes for Ford to turn the B-Segment on its ear? Follow the jump to find out. You can also read our full review by clicking here.
Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec)
Euro spec Ford Fiesta Review
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Dustin 8:22PM (7/18/2009)
Ford needs to stop showing it in that stupid green color with those ugly wheels. This car is a style winner in the right configuration. Of course, the U.S. model won't be as cool, I'm guessing.
Reply
Yaroukh 8:53PM (7/18/2009)
> Of course, the U.S. model won't be as cool, I'm guessing.
Seems like you already have your decision made.
No matter what visual change Ford makes to US-spec Fiesta AB-readers will probably consider the change a failure, be it even slightly different color of rear lamps...
why not the LS2LS7? 9:46PM (7/18/2009)
Of course it won't be as cool. It'll be American. Many Americans think everything foreign is automatically cooler than anything American.
urdaddy 9:56PM (7/18/2009)
Why not the LS2/LS7? truer words have never been spoken. If its not from or takes place in America it's automatically cooler, better, smarter, tougher, or better looking.
travisty 10:25PM (7/18/2009)
I'll withhold my hate for the American version till it's revealed that it's only available in a 5 door or 4 door sedan, the suspension's been softened up and the seats now fit the average "fat-assed American". Then I'll begin my disgust and start looking elsewhere again...
bc 10:47PM (7/18/2009)
It will only be available as a 5-door or 4-door. Ford committed to building a hatchback as well as a sedan, but the 3-door figured to be by far the least popular configuration--unless you count the Mini, only the Yaris and Accent offer one, and how often do you see one on the road? This isn't a car that Ford can afford to have pile up on dealer lots, so it makes sense to start out with the body styles most likely to sell--even in Europe, some competitors (e. g., VW Polo) don't offer a 3-door any more. Maybe later on if it's successful--I personally would prefer a 3-door, but the 5-door will do.
CaramelZappa 3:10AM (7/19/2009)
I like the green. It's flashy and shows off the styling of the car very well. If I was buying my own I'd probably pick a different color, but I can see why they're using it to promote the car.
Kitko 9:00AM (7/19/2009)
why not the LS2LS7?
In Europe, we tend to think that certain American stuff is cooler than its European version. Say, ehm, Corvette is cool, Viper is cool. The rest of American line-up is dull on both sides of the Atlantic for most folks. As is VW.
Dave 10:56AM (7/19/2009)
Ford shouldn't waste their time with the Fiesta.
Just bring us the EuroFocus. And offer a stripped version for penny-pinchers.
At comparable equipment levels, the Fiesta will probably cost $500 less and get 2 mpg better. Not worth the effort.
Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 11:04AM (7/19/2009)
My wife and I are literally waiting for this car. However if Ford doesn't release the 2-door hatch we will go from gauranteed buyers to be completely turned off and ultimately become customers of another competitor. Which would mean Ford would have turned off a family of longtime new Ford buyers. I want to replace our ZX3 (which I love) for another sporty 2-door hatch. Make it happen Ford or you will lose at least 2 loyal customers (that recommend Fords to people all the time.)
Snowdog 11:41AM (7/19/2009)
The wheels look fine to me, but yeah that green has to go. Ugh.
I don't get the people who will buy the 3 door, but not the 5 door. WTH? They will have the same exact shape/looks except for an additional door handle, is that something to not buy a car over?
The only reason I prefer 3 doors over 5 doors is because they are generally a couple of hundred bucks cheaper. Other than that I don't care. What I really want is the functionality of hatch and most small American cars don't give you that option at all. What are you going to buy instead if they don't give you 3 doors? A crappy stripped Hyundia Accent or Toyota Yaris?
travisty 1:01PM (7/19/2009)
@bc - don't forget about the other 3-doors, the GTI / Rabbit, Astra, Scion tC, Civic Coupe / Si, etc. Most of us don't want the expense, the weight, and the worse looks of an extra 2 doors shoved onto the back. I haven't had anyone in the back seat of my car in at least 3 years (other than my wife... ;-)) and really don't see the need for them. Other car companies can offer 3-doors here, why can Ford?
Yaroukh 1:12PM (7/19/2009)
@Chibi Chaingun: There will be no 2/3-door Fiesta in US.
"Fiesta Notebook: Sitting down with Ford’s small car chief, Sam De La Garza"
http://tinyurl.com/mcm6xg
Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 10:08PM (7/19/2009)
@Yaroukh:
Wow, thanks. :*( That's worthy of a news article on Autoblog. At least now I know I should start looking elsewhere. Sure, I will still go test drive the 4-door, but if Ford thinks I'll change my mind when I get all giddy at the dealership, then they don't know their demographics well enough. I'm the target audience (26 year old game developer, married, environmentally aware, Austinite, online generation, online shopper) and I know what I want years before it ever even releases. The Fiesta *was* no exception.
naggs 6:00AM (7/20/2009)
i too would trade in my car for a fiesta 2 door hatch
naggs 6:06AM (7/20/2009)
Yaroukh thanks for the very good info, i guess its back to hoping that toyubaru thing happens
AutoCritical 12:48AM (9/04/2009)
I agree the Fiesta looks sharp and punchy. I love how it has been designed with strong gestural lines. Hard to pick the flaws - I want one! I did a small write up about it with some sketches to show what I mean here http://bit.ly/tctGG
Kurdaj 8:47PM (7/18/2009)
yea, need more than 1 color
Reply
Anthony 1:39AM (7/19/2009)
It comes in other colors, not following the fiesta movement maybe?
chad.dawkins 8:48PM (7/18/2009)
Needs more Baddies in Corvette.
Reply