So there are more and more mules with not just taped over turn signals in the mirrors but solid plastic housings devoid of any sign or potential of turn signals being housed therein. This is one feature that absolutely should not be dropped from the mid to high range models at the very least--it is a cheap safety feature that doesn't require complex electronic micromanagement. The optimist in me wants to say that since this car has the steel wheels and regular halogen headlights, the mirrors just won't be part of the entry level.
As far as the lower grille, the last hope I can find to cling to is the stitching on the bra/camo suggesting the trapezoidal shape could lurk beneath. That, and the fact the matte black plastic below the white camo tape seems especially poorly fitting.
The passenger side wiper better be a mule only deal because having that constantly in the visual field would be distracting and highly annoying. I'll go as far as saying if that could not be easily remedied , I would have a hard time living with it. The EU version has no trouble incorporating two unequal length wiper arms and having them lie entirely below the visible windshield area--do it like they do. My hypothesis for this is that the wire that leads from beneath the hood past the vent window and into the front door obstructs the normal resting position, so this is just a mule fix. Again, I'm trying to be optimistic here.
The steering wheel looks the same to me, same stitching at 1, 5, 7, and 11 positions. I don't really likely buttons on the steering wheel, but as long as they don't get in the way of spirited driving I'll do my best not to complain. The left stalk seems to last the trip/talk control from the EU models (maybe it's the base model deal again?), but at least it looks like there are no wiper controls there so hopefully Ford will leave that on the right stalk. It would be a disaster if they redo the dash--I want to think the instrument panel could still be the same just well hidden by the dash cover and well placed rolled up paper. That's not something that could be easily switched to the EU style, so if that is a failure it may be enough to turn me away. I think I prefer the front roof-mounted antenna, but if it's at the back that won't be a game changer.
Yet again I've written way too much, but this is very concerning for me. This is not a car I just find exciting, but one I fully expect to purchase if the EU quality, features, and design are part of the US package. Should Ford fumble this opportunity, I will look at the next Focus, but the Golf TDI 6-spd manual may be enough to lure me back to VW even after a disastrous experience with them. I'd love to be able to consider a Mustang GT, but I'm not willing to go that far quite yet.
I know that we enthusiasts have diverse and intense demands for the Fiesta. Regardless, Ford could easily produce a US Fiesta that will satisfy 90% of our wishes without extremely prohibitive costs. I hope they have already realized this with Job 1 only 8 months away. We're all pulling for you on this one Ford.
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