Autoblog

Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Fiesta ST ready to back up its big brother

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Fiesta ST - Click above for high-res image gallery

We can't find much fault with the 2011 Ford Fiesta, but if there's one major gripe, it's a lack of power (well, and paddle shifters for the dual-clutch gearbox). However, it looks like that lone complaint may be addressed with the introduction of the Fiesta ST, the smaller sibling to the recently revealed Focus ST.

Similar to the mule caught in Detroit earlier this year, the three-door Fiesta is back with a massive front-mount intercooler, revised body work, new wheels and a high-performance exhaust, along with some racy Recaros that probably won't make the trek from prototype to production.

While it's doubtful Ford would port over the Focus ST's 247 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost mill, the 180-hp turbo'd 1.6-liter or rumored EcoBoost 1.4 are definitely in the cards. With the Focus ST finally having a shot in the States, the globally-certified Fiesta ST might come along for the ride. And maybe a set of paddle shifters will be included in the package.

Gallery: Spy Shots 2012: Ford Fiesta ST

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Fiesta ST ready to back up its big brother originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Real Gymkhana 3 will debut 9/14, next Tuesday

Zach Bowman — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Racing

Ken Block and his crew from DC Shoes didn't exactly stun the world with Part I of Gymkhana 3. The clip was more music video than sideways action, and after worshipping the first two hoon-laden pieces of cinematic glory, we were all expecting, well, more. Fortunately, it appears that Block has his heart set on delivering. According to Jalopnik, Part II will feature all of the tire and wheel-shredding glory we've come to expect from the rally world's number-one showboat. The team began teasing the next installment with a Craigslist ad hawking a pair of very abused 18-inch Volk wheels. Whatever the next clip entails, we're nearly guaranteed to see some sparks fly.

The next video is set to drop on September 14, and was supposedly filmed in France using the team's beastly Ford Fiesta rally beater. Can it top the sheer magic of Gymkhana I? Miracles do happen.

[Source: Craigslist via Jalopnik]

Real Gymkhana 3 will debut 9/14, next Tuesday originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, UK

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover mule - click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is enjoying early success with the Fiesta here in the United States, but in Europe, where the Fiesta has been on sale for years, it's time to start thinking about the future. Our friendly neighborhood snappers at CarPix have scored spy shots of what appears to be a high-riding Fiesta-based crossover designed to slot in below the Kuga crossover in the automaker's European lineup.

A Fiesta crossover might sound a little odd at first take, but when it comes to production, it should be roughly the same size as a Nissan Juke or Mini Countryman. That in mind, don't rule out the possibility of the Fiesta CUV making its way to the U.S. Expect to see a variety of powertrains offered for European customers including some EcoBoost options, and both front- and all-wheel drive configurations should be available. Check out our gallery of high-res pics before to get a closer look at the forthcoming Blue Oval tall boy.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Ford

Ford Fiesta "You so Pimping, You so Sexy" ad by Film Riot - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford may have its own ad campaign for the Fiesta, but we're mildly amused by this one-off, three-minute-long ad created by the folks at Film Riot, an online how-to show about filmmaking. The Blue Oval currently sponsors the Film Riot crew, so it makes sense that the funky new Fiesta hatch (in Lime Squeeze, of course) would be the star of their ad spoof.

One part Swagger Wagon rap and one part Sprockets, the Euro-inspired dance track fits the Fiesta perfectly. Note to Ford: Edit this down to a 30-second television spot posthaste, or keep it in its entirety for next year's Super Bowl. Follow the jump to see Film Riot's ad for yourself.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy

Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

RallyCar Rallycross at New Jersey Motorsports Park - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tanner Foust took the top spot in the first-ever Rallycross competition in the United States this past weekend, piloting an all-wheel-drive Rockstar Engergy/Etnies Ford Fiesta.

Rallycross has existed around the world for years, but the sport officially debuted in America at the 2010 X Games, where it was called Super Rally. Foust just happened to win gold in the inaugural X Games competition, too. Rallycross mixes circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition on a short course, featuring jumps, hills, unbanked turns and quick transitions between different road surfaces. Two more Rallycross events are scheduled to take place this year, all of which will be held at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Foust has been participating in European Rallycross events for quite some time, and he's also gained exposure by competing in Formula Drift and previous X Games competitions. What's more, Foust is one of the hosts for the U.S. version of Top Gear. Somebody get this guy a vacation.

Look for the next U.S. Rallycross event to take place on October 2-3 and follow the jump for the full release about Foust's win along with a brief video of Tanner ripping down the front straight with his rear bumper flapping in the wind.

Gallery: RallyCar Rallycross at New Jersey Motorsports Park

[Source: Tanner Foust]

Continue reading Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video]

Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford Fiesta shipments flowing again after faulty part fixed

Chris Shunk — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Fiesta launch was supposed to be smooth as glass, but few complex plans go off without a hitch. The first samples of Ford's hot subcompact were stalled due to hazardous weather near the Mexico assembly plant where it's produced. Ford mailed out $50 MasterCard gift certificates to stave off its increasingly impatient order holders, but unfortunately the delays aren't over. The Fiesta had more problems in the last week, but this time Mother Nature had little to do with the delay.

Automotive News is reporting that a quality problem has further postponed some Fiesta shipments, which means already waiting buyers will have to wait a bit longer. Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields declined to say which part caused the delay, but sources at AN say that a faulty seat lever is the culprit. The Blue Oval claims that the issue is now fixed and production has ramped back up in an effort to meet demand. Ford further says that it is unlikely that any defective parts have made it to customers.

While we're sure that Ford management is less than thrilled with the hiccups in the Fiesta launch, Fields summed up the situation by saying, "The great news is that we have a product that is in really high demand."

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Ford Fiesta shipments flowing again after faulty part fixed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford offers $50 gift cards to customers facing late Fiesta deliveries

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Due to circumstances reportedly beyond Ford's control, many customers are having to wait a bit longer to receive their new 2011 Fiesta sedans and hatchbacks. After Hurricane Alex and Tropical Storm Bonnie rolled through Northern Mexico earlier this summer, railroads were damaged that provide shipments to the factory where Ford builds the Fiesta.

Customers may have to wait up to two weeks longer than expected to receive the hot new subcompact, and as a token of appreciation for being patient, Ford will be giving these customers a $50 MasterCard gift card. That's a free tank of gas and a smattering of delicious coffee drinks... or a fancy dinner for two!

In speaking with Automotive News, Ford sales analyst George Pipas says that Ford has "about 6,500 to 7,000 [Fiestas] in transit to dealers" and that the cars should start to be fully stocked within the next couple of months. For now, customers will have to wait patiently and take solace in the extra $50 in their pockets when it finally comes time to take delivery.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ford offers $50 gift cards to customers facing late Fiesta deliveries originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Offspeed Pitch: Richard Petty joins Ken Block, AJ Allmendinger in marketing Ford Fiesta?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities

Brace yourself, race fans. Things are about to get a little weird. Ford has decided to meld the seemingly unmeldable worlds of NASCAR and rally to help promote the 2011 Fiesta. Ken Block, Richard Petty and AJ Allmendinger have joined forces as an unholy trifecta of motorsports action, unified by their common love of the number 43. We don't need to tell you that Petty famously campaigned old four-three in the heyday of NASCAR, netting 200 Sprint Cup wins and a total of seven championships in the process. Meanwhile, Block has established himself as one of America's flashiest rally drivers, while Allmendinger has inherited Petty's 43 throne in the current NASCAR series.

The three unlikely amigos will be campaigning for the Blue Oval's new '43 Fiestas' sweepstakes, where entrants will have the opportunity to lay their hands on a bevy of prizes. A total of 43 first-place prize winners will walk away with a 40-inch LED-LCD HD flat-screen television, while another 43 grand-prize winners will receive airfare, lodging and tickets for two to the Ford 300 Nationwide series and the Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. If that wasn't swank enough, one of the 43 grand-prize winners will drive home in a 2011 Fiesta.

But wait, there's more. Should Allmendinger happen to take the checkered at the end of the race, all 43 grand-prize winners will win their very own Fiesta. Head over to the 43 Fiestas site to enter for you chance to win. You can also hop the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Ford via 43Fiestas.com]

Continue reading Offspeed Pitch: Richard Petty joins Ken Block, AJ Allmendinger in marketing Ford Fiesta?

Offspeed Pitch: Richard Petty joins Ken Block, AJ Allmendinger in marketing Ford Fiesta? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Humor

Ken Block takes out the trash - Click above to watch video after the jump

At some point during the development of the American vernacular, the term "grocery getter" became a term of condescension. Thing is, lugging around a few bags of consumables and clipping apexes don't have to be mutually exclusive. Ford is hoping the average U.S. car buyer has outgrown the prejudices of his forebearers and is willing to jump into something with a hatchback. To help dispel any lingering thoughts of boredom, the Blue Oval has called on none other than Ken Block to use his guano-crazy Fiesta WRC rally racer to take care of a few household chores. Sideways.

The quick clip after the jump is filled with the kind of car control we've come to expect from Block, even with his recent run of bad luck in the WRC. If you like what you see in the video, you can register for a chance to win a 2011 Fiesta worked up to look just like Block's racer. Something tells us the grand-prize car won't be all-wheel drive, though. Hit the jump to watch the video, as well as check out the full press release with details on the drawing.

Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style

Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unlikely Pacer: Ford Fiesta to lead the field at CarFax 400

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Sedan, Ford

Sure enough, the upcoming Sprint Cup Carfax 400 will be paced by none other than the Blue Oval's tiny 2011 Fiesta Sedan. With less than a third of the displacement of the tube-frame beasts lapping Michigan International Speedway, we wouldn't quite expect lightning-quick pace laps, but hey - safety first. While pace cars are typically some sort of performance product, manufacturers aren't past parading less than muscular new hardware in front of the captive audiences of the raceway.

If Ford was looking for a way to bring its marketing for the Fiesta out of the social media realm and into a more mainstream American venue, they could have hardly done better than the Sprint Cup. On average, the series races net 7.9 million viewers. On Sunday, August 15, each and every one of those souls will get to watch a maroon four door fiesta lead the pack, complete with a massive Blue Oval decal down the side. Talk about cheap advertising. Check out the gallery for a few shots from the car's unveiling.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta Pace Car

[Source: Ford Racing via Facebook]

Unlikely Pacer: Ford Fiesta to lead the field at CarFax 400 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works

Chris Shunk — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ken Block isn't a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.

The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with "we're discussing those types of things but there's nothing set in stone at this point." Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.

So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can't see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 - we couldn't think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn't resist). Head over to the KROQ website to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!

Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta

[Source: KROQ]

Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

As the launch of the 2012 Focus draws closer, Ford plans to roll out several variants of its C-segment people mover. And at this year's Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval will reportedly kick off the party with the debut of a new Focus ST which could finally make its way to America next year. The Focus ST is expected to be propelled by an uprated version of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four - the same mill fitted to the Euro-market Mondeo - but with output boosted well over the current 200 horsepower.

In ST trim the engine should produce about 250 hp and close to 260 pound-feet of torque, with all that twist coming in low in the rev range to balance high-revving fun with enhanced around-town driveability. The ST should hit 60 mph in under six seconds with combined mileage of about 29 miles per gallon (U.S.). Earlier this year, Ford acknowledged that it was developing a "global" performance version of the new Focus, but never said explicitly that it would be offered in North America. Here's hoping that changes in Paris this September.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

[Source: AutoExpress]

Report: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O'Neil Fiesta Rally Experience

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Hatchback, Ford

The real revolutionaries in the Fiesta Movement - the cars themselves, not the agents - have more work to do even though they're kind of on sale now and the revolution is over. Ford is giving 43 of the 100 Fiestas from the movement to the Team O'Neil Reilly Rally School in New Hampshire, where the hatchbacks will be refitted for student racing duty.

They'll form the core of the Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience, the only manufacturer-backed rally school on the continent. One- and two-day courses start at $495, and your gravel guide will be a man who's coached Travis Pastrana and Ford's WRC driver, Ken Block. Maybe while you're there you'll find out what made Reilly quip, "Driving the Fiesta is like driving an expensive German car." All the info you need on how to get there you can find in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ex-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O'Neil Fiesta Rally Experience

Ex-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O'Neil Fiesta Rally Experience originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta shipments delayed due to hurricane, damaged railroads *UPDATE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Those waiting patiently for one of the most anticipated new vehicles of the year are going to have wait just a little bit longer. According to Automotive News, Ford has been forced to delay the initial shipments of the 2011 Fiesta by 10 to 14 days due to Hurricane Alex, which hit Northern Mexico in late June, and Tropical Storm Bonnie, which made landfall shortly thereafter.

It seems there are a number of damaged railroads around Ford's factory near Mexico City, and the automaker has been forced to reroute some of its shipments. Ford is reporting that it has collected about 2,000 down payments from customers waiting for the 2011 Fiesta, and some of those vehicles will be arriving later than initially planned.

While nobody wants to wait any longer than necessary for their brand new cars, an extra 10 days or so shouldn't cause too big a problem, right? Especially when it's due to... an Act of God.

*UPDATE: A Fiesta fan on Facebook has uploaded some images that show the damaged railroads in Mexico, one of which can be seen to the right. Click here for more.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ford Fiesta shipments delayed due to hurricane, damaged railroads *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Design/Style

It's a ~~Sony~~ 2011 Ford Fiesta with graphics - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has given Fiesta buyers a chance to turn their purchase into something a little unique. The company is offering a number of customization options for the new pint-sizer, including a rash of interior options and exterior graphics. For starters, the car can be equipped with a number of interior lighting accents, including an illuminated shift knob and door sill plates, or LED mood lighting for the cup holders and foot wells. Outside, Ford will be happy to set you up with an aggressive body kit and rear spoiler, for a price.

That's fancy, sure, but the neat part is wide variety of vinyl graphics available straight from the factory. Ford calls one of the decals a "body tattoo," but it's really nothing more than a big sticker that spells out Fiesta along the side of the vehicle. Those looking for something a little bolder can choose between over 18 other designs. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta Graphics

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Wrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta

Wrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Mazda2 versus Ford Fiesta

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda

In case you missed it, we just published our First Drive of the brand-new Mazda2 today. If your attention spans is anything like ours, allow us to remind you that we've also driven the Ford Fiesta once or twice. Since both cars are built atop the same platform and will be competing for your hard-earned bucks in short order, the natural question is: Which one would you choose?

If you don't have time to read both of our drives, here's a quick glance at some of the more salient details:

	2011 Ford Fiesta	2011 Mazda2
Base Price	$13,995 (four-door sedan), $15,795 (hatchback)	$13,980 (hatchback)
Engine	120 horsepower, 112 pound-feet of torque	100 horsepower, 98 pound-feet of torque
Transmission	Five-speed manual, Six-speed dual-clutch auto	Five-speed manual, Four-speed auto
Base Weight	2,537 pounds	2,309 pounds
Efficiency	29/40 (auto), 28/37 (manual)	27/33 (auto), 29/35 (manual)

Naturally, there's more to the equation than the tale of the tape. For instance, if you're in the market for an automatic transmission, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox in the Fiesta seems to be a much more attractive option than the old-school four-speed automatic in the Mazda. Also, the Fiesta can store more cargo and has more comfortable seats.

It would seem that the scales are tipping in the Blue Oval's favor. Consider too that the Fiesta is available as both a sedan and a hatchback while the Mazda2 is a hatchback only. Add in an available navigation system, leather interior, SYNC infotainment system and heated seats - none of which are available on the Mazda - and we've got a slam-dunk win for the Ford. Right?

Perhaps not. Our man Steven Ewing, the only member of the team to have driven both U.S.-spec models, tells us that the Mazda2 is notably more fun to drive than the Fiesta. Plus, he claims the 2 looks better in its specific shade of green, if that kind of thing is important to you. So, is the promise of an added dose of driving enjoyment worth the significant loss in comfort, convenience and economy? That's up to you to decide.

View Poll

Poll: Mazda2 versus Ford Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the Ford Fiesta a late arrival, or on time? Either way, customers are getting antsy

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has said all along that its hotly anticipated Fiesta would arrive in dealerships this summer, but an Automotive News report shows that some customers are getting a bit anxious waiting for their new ride. Production copies of the B-Segment compact have been churning out of The Blue Oval's Cuautitlán, Mexico plant since May, and dealers around the country have been placing significant orders for the heavily marketed vehicle. Dealers have even taken cash down payments for over 2,000 Fiestas, with tens of thousands of additional hand-raisers waiting in the wings.

So what's the problem? It appears that some customers thought their Fiesta would have already arrived by now. The Fiesta Facebook page even has customers that are none too pleased with the fact that they haven't yet taken delivery on their little sedan or hatchback. At least one dealer reportedly told AN off the record that he was under the impression that he would already have some Fiestas in stock right now, and that the vehicle hasn't yet been cleared for shipping.

Does that mean that there is some sort of quality issue holding up the launch? Not according to Ford spokesperson Angie Kozleski, who insists that the launch is going according to plan. Kozleski points out that customers have several different ways to check the progress of their vehicle, including a reservations call center and a reservations hotline. Kozleski reportedly told AN that it takes up to three weeks for the vehicles to get from Cuautitlán to the U.S. border, and that vehicles will begin hitting dealerships in the "next several weeks," so if you have one on order, sit tight.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Is the Ford Fiesta a late arrival, or on time? Either way, customers are getting antsy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Buick, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki

Edmunds' Top 10 'Dark-Horse' cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

We all know the typical sales winners of the automotive universe. Come hell or high water, Honda Civics and Toyota Camrys will still float off of the lot. Granted, that's good news for most automakers, but at the same time, there's a wealth of under-appreciated models languishing under the beady eyes of inflatable gorillas across the country. The good people of Edmunds have taken it upon themselves to wrangle up a top 10 list of those long forgotten winners and filed them under the collective banner of "Dark-Horse" candidates. Sexy.

We're absolutely down with cars like the 2010 Buick Lacrosse, 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and the 2010 Hyundai Genesis, but the 2010 Nissan Versa has us scratching our heads. While the car is a perfectly decent little compact, the market is awash with other excellent options. Need proof? Look no further than another Edmunds Dark-Horse selection, the 2011 Ford Fiesta. We suppose that with all the hype surrounding the new Blue Oval hatchback that it can't as easily be considered a forgotten option, at least at this point. Hop the jump for the full press blast and check the gallery below for the top picks.

Gallery: Edmunds Top Ten Dark-Horse Cars

[Source: Edmunds]

Continue reading Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles

Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Suzuki

Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Cars for under $18k - Click above for high-res image gallery

Being in the market for a cheap new car used to mean resigning yourself to time bombs like the Chevrolet Citation or windups like the Geo Metro or Ford Aspire, but the times, they are a-changin', and the good folk at Kelley Blue Book have worked up their very own top 10 list of cool cars for under $18,000.

Not surprisingly, the 2011 Ford Fiesta nabbed a mention thanks to its 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway EPA rating and mile-long standard feature list. Likewise, the new 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring received a spot on the list. The Korean automaker's new long roof manages 23 city and 30 ~~mph~~ mpg highway thanks to its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

The base Mitsubishi Lancer also made the cut - another 2.0-liter bruiser, the baby brother of the Evolution nabs 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Suzuki also got some love on the KBB list with its SX4. When optioned with the five-speed gearbox, the car walks away with 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Rounding out the list is the ever lovable 2010 Honda Fit. Just like the Suzuki, if you want a few more miles per tank, you'll need to opt for the manual transmission. Thusly equipped, the little Honda can 28 mpg city and up to 35 mpg highway.

Want to see what else made the list? Hit the jump or visit KBB for the whole list.

Gallery: Kelly Blue Book Top 10 Cool Cars

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Continue reading KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree?

KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials

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Our iTunes feed for the Autoblog Podcast is still busted, thanks to the TV Squad debacle with an update gone wrong. We're still waiting on resolution of the issue, and the real fix may involve each and every one of you having to resubscribe. We'll let you know.

In the meantime, if you subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast via iTunes, you may not automatically receive this week's episode. The easiest workaround until we get this fixed is to use the link below to download the MP3 file directly and drag it into iTunes. We're terribly sorry for the inconvenience, thanks for your ongoing patience.

For Episode #178 of the Autoblog Podcast, Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth cover GM's profit announcement, the delayed Honda Civic redesign, the 40 mpg fuel economy rating for the Ford Fiesta, and wistfully pine to have been part of our recent sports car comparison test. It starts with the Autoblog Garage and ends with a couple questions, with 82 minutes between snippets of theme music. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta

In the Autoblog Garage:

BMW 750Li
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Toyota Tacoma

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth,
Runtime: 1:22:04

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Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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