[focusse]

Took the opportunity this morning to test drive a Fiesta for the second time at a Fiesta Ride & Drive event. My first test drive took place in early May and wanted to try it out again as well as clear up some questions I had in my head regarding roominess (since I'm 6' 1"). I cleared everything up in my mind and MUCH more! The Fiesta is simply an amazing car. I drove one with the 1.4 liter engine with an automatic and had one of the marketing reps drive me in the 1.6 (been a long time since I drove a stick, didn't want to start training on their car and burn up a clutch). Both cars are incredibly refined and solid as a rock. Both engines are super quiet and very polished. I am DEFINITELY 110% sold on the new Fiesta.

A huge kudos to Ford for an absolutely superb little gem!

 

[golf strom]

The only question that remains is....will the US spec models be the same?

At this point it looks like chances are LESS than 50/50..sorry to say.

 

[Mark Kleis]

The only question that remains is....will the US spec models be the same?

At this point it looks like chances are LESS than 50/50..sorry to say.

I'm not losing any sleep over it... especially after my recent lengthy talk with the Fiesta brand manager. Unlike some around here, I actually have very high hopes and expectations for the US spec car.

 

[er13]

I'm getting on the Mark Kleis train of optimism. Booerns to all naysayers (how about wait until we actually see the US version in full production form before we draw conclusions) Go Fiesta 2011!

 

[focusse]

I am also feeling very positive about the U.S. Fiesta. I think we need to keep in mind that today we are dealing with the "new" Ford Motor Company. This isn't your dad's Ford Motor Company any longer. Things are changing and definitely for the better.

By the way Mark, when and where can we read your interview with Sam De La Garza?

 

[PowerShift]

I agree that the US spec Fiesta has tons of potential. Yes, it will be different from the Euro version in some ways, but US driving conditions are different than Europe and the car has to match. Why view this as a bad thing?

 

[azulejost]

I think the reason so many people are expressing concerns or complaints is that there are high hopes and expectations based on the Euro model's reviews. Regardless of each of our individual concerns, we are all excited enough to frequent these forums. Forums tend to be skewed toward complaints and problems over the positives for any vehicle, and the Fiesta will be no different as there is no way for one vehicle to completely satisfy every wish people have for it. We express our desires now hoping that the changes or lack thereof will be made while there's still time before production begins.

Ford, like every other manufacturer, has a history of doing some great things and some not so great things. It certainly is fun to keep up with the development--looking forward to the official unveiling and ordering guides.

Will the production version be perfect for the most discerning and picky of us? Doubtful, but here's hoping it will keep the Fiesta at the top of our lists instead of moving on toward something else.

 

[Mark Kleis]

I'm glad I'm not alone on wishing things would be more positive. It's really a drag to log into an "enthusiest" forum and read negativity all day long.

As for the interview with Sam, I have to finish up my mission video and HDR photos (HOPEFULLY tonight), and then start that editorial. I would expect later in this upcoming week to see it on Leftlane - news, reviews, and info for the auto-industry

I will post here to let you guys know!

 

[golf strom]

I hate to be a boor, but I have less than a positive outlook for the US spec car. Sure the US market is a bit different , BUT the gap between what the potential buyer of this car in the US wants and those in Europe is really very, very narrow.!!!!!!! Now if you're talking about the potential customer in the USA being one that now drives say a Chevy Impala there is no question that they are still worlds apart, yet the US customers Ford is going after with the Fiesta (especially with the HB) are so close in their parameters there really is little or no reason to change ANYTHING except that mandated by DOT and the EPA.

I have no issue with Ford offering things like Sync and an I pod adapter as options on the car for the USA, but once they start making MAJOR alterations to the suspension (of even the basic car) and seating I am starting to lose interest.

I really hope that somehow a few of the Euro spec cars are able to linger in the US up until the US spec car arrives in the USA and a true comparo can be made between the two. Head to head . I think that would shed a major light on the reality of the final product the US receives.

In any case I am eagerly awaiting the article on the interview you've had with Sam De La Garza, Mark. Thanks for your work in advance!!!

 

[Scott06GT]

I hate to be a boor, but I have less than a positive outlook for the US spec car.

Then why do you keep Poo Pooing the car then? Wait till its out!

 

[streetfiesta]

Booerns to naysayers. LOL. It is important to voice our desires if we are going to get the features that we want. Ford scours over enthusiast sites like this one for market research.

 

[golf strom]

Then why do you keep Poo Pooing the car then? Wait till its out!

I'm NOT "poo pooing" the car AS IT IS in European form ....AS IS the Fiesta is a FANTASTIC machine that is probably the best b segment car you can buy for the money. I am blasting Ford in Dearborn when it deserves it for changes they are making that YOU and others will likely COMPLAIN about after it gets those undesirable changes and debuts in the USA with the likely possibility that they might lose sales.