2011 Ford Fiesta Competition

There’s no shortage of choices in the subcompact (B-car) segment.  Fiesta’s top 3 contenders are the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and the Nissan Versa.  Out of the 4 vehicles, Fiesta delivers better fuel economy, a class-exclusive 6-speed PowerShift automatic and spirited Euro-feel handling that is a blast to drive and it also gives you more for your money! One may say that the Fiesta SEL and SES are pricier than the competition, but you have to consider that they offer far more value and bang for your buck with standard SYNC, ambient lighting, premium audio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, 16” aluminum wheels!

Fiesta VS. Honda Fit

· Lower base MSRP with no sedan offered on Fit (5-door hatchback only)

· More horsepower and torque

· Significantly better fuel economy

· Larger fuel tank (12.0 vs. 10.6 gal.) for a greater cruising range

· Electronic Stability Control is standard on Fiesta, but costs extra on the base Fit

· More front-seat leg room

Fiesta VS. Toyota Yaris

· Lower base MSRP for sedan

· More horsepower and torque

· Standard 15” and available 16” wheels; Yaris only has 14” and 15” wheels

· Better fuel economy, especially on the highway

· Larger fuel tank (12.0 vs. 11.1 gal.) for a greater cruising range

· Standard power mirrors and door locks, cost extra on Yaris

· Standard telescoping steering column, not available on Yaris

· Standard tachometer, costs extra on Yaris 5-door

Fiesta VS. Nissan Versa

· Versa 1.8 models have a larger engine with more hp/torque, but the cost is a severe hit in fuel economy including Versa’s optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

· Fiesta is fun to drive with Euro-inspired handling and an available 6-speed PowerShift

· Electronic Stability Control is standard in Fiesta, but costs extra on Versa 1.8S

· More front-seat leg room

· Standard telescoping steering column, not available on Versa

· “Ok, but Versa has a 1.6L base sedan model for less than $10,000.” Very true, but you need to consider VALUE of all the Fiesta has to offer.  The base Versa doesn’t come with air conditioning, any power features, ESC, ABS, Brake Assist and map pockets.  In fact, it doesn’t even offer a radio or clock!

Fiesta is also poised to take on compact (C-car) competitors.  For many, Fiesta’s attraction is not just about size and economy, but also the unique style, features and value it offers.

Fiesta VS. Honda Civic Sedan

· Lower starting MSRP* compared to Civic ($15,655 for DX model; up to $22,255 for Si)

· 5-door hatchback model not offered on Civic

· Available 6-speed PowerShift automatic vs. Civic 5-Speed automatic transmission

· Significantly better fuel economy (excluding Hybrid Civic)

· Fun-to-drive Euro-feel handling and a tighter turning diameter

· More sedan cargo volume

· Standard features not found on Civic include driver’s side knee airbag, LCD multifunctional display, EasyFuel capless fuel filler system and Electric Power Steering (EPAS) (excluding Hybrid Civic)

· Available features not found on Civic include SYNC, Intelligent Access with Push-button Start, ambient lighting and heated front seats

Fiesta VS. Toyota Corolla

· Lower starting MSRP compared to Corolla ($15,450 for base model; up to $18,960 for XPS)

· 5-door hatchback model not offered on Corolla

· Available 6-speed PowerShift automatic vs. Corolla 5-speed automatic transmission

· Fun-to-drive Euro-feel handling with a quicker steering ratio and tighter turning diameter

· More front-seat leg room and sedan cargo volume

· Significantly better fuel economy

· Standard features not found on Corolla include driver’s side knee airbag, LCD multifunctional display and EasyFuel capless fuel filler system

· Available features not found on Civic include SYNC, Intelligent Access with Push-button Start, ambient lighting and heated front seats

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• 2011 Ford Fiesta: RideLust Review (ridelust.com)
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• “Ford Fiesta Earns 40/29 MPG Rating” and related posts (thetruthaboutcars.com)

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