[PowerShift]

Business week quotes Jim Farley on how the Fiesta will be packaged for US sale.

The Fiesta will be a test of whether U.S. drivers are ready for higher-end small cars. Farley wouldn’t disclose a price for the Fiesta, but said Ford hopes that buyers will be enticed to buy one of several option packages rather than simply the base model. (As part of an overall push to reduce complexity, Ford is selling options as part of a few packages such as “sport” or “luxury,” rather than letting consumer pick from a checklist of extras.)

Frankfurt Auto Show: Ford Sees Fiesta as U.S. Hit - BusinessWeek

I think I speak for most everyone here when I say I would prefer the checklist of extras.

However, I understand that limiting model choices is a way of controlling costs without reducing quality.

I just hope that the manual trans and PowerShift automatic are available with all trims as freestanding items.

 

[FiestaFan]

Yeah, the only options I really want to be standalone are A/C (if it's not standard in the first place), ATX/Powershift and Sync. I'm more used to automatics and consider them something of a must (heresy I know), and I'd certainly like the chance to own a car with a twin-clutch at that. The auto trans will add at least $1000 to the price anyway but I'd prefer not to have to get a $3k option package just to get something as fundamental as power windows or as relatively cheap as Sync (which I believe runs something like $300 as an option currently?)

 

[mrbirdman330]

So much for the personalization idea. If they're doing this consider the manual transmission only for the base and the base plus model. Sync will most likely be available for all models but when you really want the good stuff you're stuck with an automatic. Basically how the Fusion is set up.

 

[Marc]

Frankfurt Auto Show: Ford Sees Fiesta as U.S. Hit - BusinessWeek

And 2 Unhelpful comments from readers ...

 

[focusse]

An automatic transmission will always be an option even on the base model. Most people don't particularly care for stick shifts. If they only offer an automatic on upper trim levels they are going to lose a LOT of sales. An automatic is optional on all U.S. Fiesta competitors, i.e. Fit, Yaris, Versa, etc. Personally, if I do decide to get a Fiesta it will definitely be the 5 door hatchback with automatic and I'd shoot for the mid trim level. Don't need Sync and all the fluff...just more stuff to go wrong and is incredibly expensive to fix. I just desire a good quality car that is comfortable, refined, with very good fuel economy and great driving dynamics. I believe the Fiesta fits the bill as well as the all new 2011 Ford Focus. Can't wait till January when the all new Focus debuts at the NAIAS in Detroit.

 

[BRGT350]

heated leather, automatic climate control, auto dimming mirror, manual transmission, hatchback, power windows/locks, keyless starting, Sync, Sat radio (if not an option, that is ok, I have been using the same pnp unit for 6 years), 1.6L engine, and white paint. The aero package would be nice as well. Done.

Judging by the EU trim levels, I will be shooting for something like the Titanium. Basicaly the most expensive hatchback with a manual you can buy.

 

[mrbirdman330]

I don't think they're going to be doing the keyless starting system with the Fiesta yet. Will probably see it in a year or two.

My options are 5-door hatchback, power windows/power locks, keyless entry, sat radio, manual transmission, heated mirrors, and Air Conditioning. Color "Orange Peel" or as it tends to be called "Orange Passion" 1.6L engine and a spoiler. Rear fog lamps and HID head lamps are desired but probably not given as options right now until further information is given.

 

[FiestaFan]

For me I'm thinking 5-door hatch, auto, power windows/locks, A/C, Sync. Don't need anything else really. Well, cruise control, but if that's not standard then Ford is insane. Can't decide on a color - maybe that dark maroon color since it's my school color and that would be kinda cool, or perhaps red as I'm partial to red cars...eh I have several years to think about it anyway

 

[mrbirdman330]

Yeah cruise is a must for the long road trips.

 

[streetfiesta]

In a Black or Orange Peel Hatchback :

Must have- manual trans, power windows, 1.6L, A/C

Would like to have- spoiler, TURBO (not likely from Ford yet), sport tuned suspension

 

[golf strom]

I'm interested in a manual tranny and A/C (a necessity in the southeast) I don't really NEED anything else. I would maybe WANT to see an ala carte option for the euro sport seats and a sport suspension. I am willing to simply pay a bit more for for a product that is truly "high quality" read that as durable with the best basic hard parts available for a longer and more reliable service life. Spare me the fluff, like sync, fancy stereos, and the like.

 

[azulejost]

Since we're specing out the ideal Fiestas, options I'm hoping for include: those 16" 7-spoke alloys I always go on about, EU or sport suspension, Sync for the handsfree phone capability (though it always seem to be painful having to turn on bluetooth and such--it'd be nice for the wired input connector to allow for phone functioning with the iPhone, etc.), either nice cloth (not the typical fuzzy American stuff) leatherette (is my VW/MB history coming through? I know Ford wouldn't ever offer this) or maybe leather as long as it's not bundled with other stuff, manual trans, manual seats (not a fan of the weight or uselessness of a power seat), power windows/locks, AC. Would like to have the keyless entry from the pocket, but I'm not sure I would be willing to give up the turning of a metal key to do so. Projector beam lights, fog lights, maybe a sunroof. I'd get cruise as an option though I almost never use it, it's cheap in the age of drive-by-wire tech. Probably would go for the turbo as long as it doesn't push things too far above $20k and definitely not above $25k. Basically, the Titanium model looks pretty much right at where I'd buy.

Interested to see what the armrest/console will look like. Initially I wanted an armrest because my '98 New Beetle didn't have one, and I found myself wanting it during long drives. Though after the concerns of interfering with shifting, I'd rather just rest my right arm in my lap or drive with it. An unobtrusive armrest would be great, if difficult to pull off.

Hopefully trim levels and option packages will not limit things like color selection, transmission availability, and seat fabric choices. It is foolish to think that a person would only want every power/auto feature and only leather seats. I believe in the B-segment, Ford will keep leather as an option only on the top and maybe midlevel model, but am hopeful it will remain just that, an option. The Fusion has only certain colors available on the Sport model--that needs to change for the Fiesta. I'm interested to see which interior colors will be offered--black is a given, but will there be gray and beige/tan or only one of these? I'd consider black or gray, it all depends on the shade of gray (doesn't everything in life?)

 

[mrbirdman330]

I don't need a plastic annoying arm rest when I have my right leg as one. Thats one thing about my Focus ST, I've never ever really used the Arm Rest in it period. Others who have driven it yes but me personally no. I find it annoying when attempting to shift gears.

 

[golf strom]

Agreed mrbirdman about the center armrest on manual transmission cars....They almost ALWAYS intrude and almost make you contort your motion when you shift. This applies almost all manual cars with that arm rest. I personally think Ford should delete it on manual spec Fiestas.

 

[mrbirdman330]

The only reason I see why most people complain to want them is a place to rest their elbow while they hold their phone and text msg while driving. I see ALL THE TIME.

 

[golf strom]

The only reason I see why most people complain to want them is a place to rest their elbow while they hold their phone and text msg while driving. I see ALL THE TIME.

Same here....

I think all forms of texting, and phoning (hands free or not) while a car is moving should be illegal unless it is an actual emergency.