http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/23/f...ack-in-the-us/

Bravo to Farley!

 

Seems the Brass wants a couple of "outside" Fords in the USA as of late.

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/23/f...ack-in-the-us/

Could the light finally be dawning in the deepest, darkest, miasmatic recesses of Michigan's Mahogany Row?

The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris economy runabouts are going to be massively outclassed by this when it arrives in September. Ford’s first “world” car is, in fact, a world beater. How many B-segment, fuel-sipping subcompact cars come with upscale features like this:

• Keyless vehicle technology; 'Ford Power' engine start button.
  
• Ford’s new Easyfuel capless refueling system.
  
• integrated HMI (Human Machine Interface) centre stack with controls on the steering wheel.
  
• USB connectivity.
  
• SYNC mobile device integration.
  
• Ambient interior lighting.
  
• Integrated turn signal mirrors.
  
• Comprehensive safety system including driver’s side knee airbag.

It also looks as though it comes with Xenon projector lamps, too...though I don't know if those will be available in North America (or maybe as an option).

Basically, the Fiesta brings a host of big-car features to the small car segment for the first time. This is PRECISELY the strategy Ford needs - SET the bar, rather than chase it.

 

Merged Hollywood's thread with Tomservo's . . .

 

The only thing that bothers is that we won't see the fiesta on the lots here for over 2 more years, they are saying calendar year 2010 for North America, with it coming out in Europe later this year, I don't see why we will get it 2 years after Europe does.

And I think a lot of the buzz will be gone by then..

 

We'll get it one year after it debuts in Europe. That's not TOO bad. By then, oil will cost $150 a barrel and demand for such cars will be high.

 

Ford, we need this car yesterday!

 

Slap in a turbo GDI motor and that DSG type tranny that Volvo's developed and viola, the perfect hat hatch for that segment of the market. And I agree with Hollywood, given the likelyhood that gas will only get pricier, the small car market segment could get hot and this very stylish Fiesta would be perfect. Look at what a cult car the Mini Cooper S has become, evidence that a well done econobox need not be some drab penalty box.

And remember hatchaphobes, the more small efficient cars Ford sells, the easier it is for them to make CAFE standards and the more gas swilling V8 Stangs they can thus sell.