The US-Spec Hatchback Spied

[PowerShift]

Well, it does exist after all. Here's a Fiesta hatchback testing in the US wearing the same front and rear camo as the sedans we've been seeing.

Photo Gallery

Hopefully it will start production the same day as the sedan: April, 26 2010.

[azulejost]

I'll throw in my assessment of the hatch since it's the first look at a 5-door mule we've had. Obviously, any or all of the parts could be for testing purposes only, but here goes.

First thing to catch my eye was the chrome trim along the lower window sill abruptly ending on the rear door and not following the rear side window up to the angle on the C-pillar as does the European version. It looks poor in this exercise so hopefully the chrome will be continued onto the side window for the models with chrome, or maybe some models won't have this chrome at all.

It's hard to tell too much about the taillights or bumper, but the lights seem to at least have the possibility of being the same as the EU version (the article suggests otherwise, but what a tragedy a single red turn/brake/tail setup would be). The rear bumper doesn't look much longer either. I will hope the side mirror has the incorporated turn signal, but it seems it could be blacked out on this mule.

Also, it looks like there's a moonroof just in sight which would be a nice feature though sure to be packaged with who knows what other options that may or may not be desired. And the Focus wheel keep finding uses--as long as they run out their welcome before the production Fiestas show up.

I continue to hope for the best with the production US Fiesta--pictures like these bring out the excitement and anxiety of all that Ford could potentially hit a home run with vs. decontenting to oblivion.

[Marc]

Originally Posted by azulejost

It's hard to tell too much about the taillights or bumper, but the lights seem to at least have the possibility of being the same as the EU version (the article suggests otherwise, but what a tragedy a single red turn/brake/tail setup would be).

Looks okay to me.

[BRGT350]

After looking closer at the rear taillights, they look to be close to the EU version. I thought they were like the older Fusion's, but I think it is just a trick of the camo. The good news is that the rear overhang is not excessive, and is much less than I would have figured.

Things that concern me;
The removal of the turn signals from the mirrors. I really like the added safety of having signals up high and more towards the center of the car. They don't change the styling of the car, just add extra safety.

Why is the dash covered? It is hard to tell what is going on under the cover.

Since the car is clearly a mule, I have no concerns about the mismatching window trim and Focus wheels. When I was at Ford I saw a Mondeo parked outside an office that was full of all different colored body panels. The car looked worn, but I knew it was a mule of some kind.

[TimBrown]

If they hope to sell any of the fiestas in Canada, they damn well better make a decent hatch or wagon..mmmmmm wagon fiesta..

I certainly don't want them to swap out the dash too... by the time this car hits, my wife will be done school and the Focus will be getting long in the tooth, and we'll want to get a second car, preferably newer, or brand new.

Side note, anyone have any idea if these will fit baby seats at all?

-tim

[BRGT350]

The rear should fit baby seats with no issues. Some of the agents have small children and received the ISOFIX adapter for the child seats. I don't have any children, so I did not get the ISOFIX thing. Width wise, the Fiesta is not that much smaller than the Focus.

[TimBrown]

Fantastic news.. I'm really hoping to convince my wife that our next car should be a fiesta, as I'm a huge fan of small cars, and others that I love (including the fit and fiat 500), she isn't so crazy about. If there is no hatch, however, there is no purchase, end of story.

I actually don't mind the Focus wheels on the Fiesta terribly, but I hope they have some more attractive and proportionate wheels on offer when the car debuts.

[Mark Kleis]

Bryan, just curious, what other B-segment car are you considering?

[mrbirdman330]

For the love of pete they're using Focus Rims, bye bye any of the stylish 16x6.5 Rims.

[streetfiesta]

Who keeps the stock rims anyway? Seriously?