http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/21/n...-in-under-15k/

 

Isn't that little too high? That's barely cheaper than 2009 Focus and it is more than 2008 Focus.

2008 Focus S, both coupe and sedan, start at $14,400. Ford is killing Focus S for 2009 so base price for Focus SE will start at $15,200.

 

Ford did indicate that they were planning to position the Fiesta as a sort of 'premium' B class car. The first thing I thought when I heard that is "Ford wants this thing to be like the Fit" and I think now we are seeing that is the case. It could work I suppose, and I understand the logic Ford is using effectively trying to offer a small car which offers significantly better fuel economy while still providing the consumer with a car that feels and drives something like the larger models they are accustomed to.

Still, IMO that isn't the ideal positioning for a small car in this market and I think this limits the appeal here. A fundamentally well designed car which does all of the important things well but which makes clever usage of cost cutting and which comes in at 11k or so would absolutely sweep the segment IMHO. Tricks like the flatter glass Dacia uses on the Logan, or the interchangeable side-view mirrors employed on the same car, or even the clever dashboard material employed on the old Acura RSX which was extremely cheap to use but which looked pretty darned good....all of these things and many more can contribute to create a car which still drives as good or better than anything in the class while cutting costs in areas people will likely never realize was a focus of cost cutting.

In the end I think Fiesta will do relatively well because virtually everything else in the class is boring as h***, seriously unattractive, or both....at least it should do well until somebody figures out how to build a car just as interesting or moreso for a few grand less. But it isn't the B class street sweeper it could have been.

 

So what kinds of engines and gas mileage can we expect from Fiesta?

Are engines gonna be the same as those used in Europe? That would be great, 1.2L, 1.3L, 1.6L and over 35 mpg in the city.

 

Actually this is one of the areas that worries me. Rumors have been hinting that, initially, we are going the Rocam engines from SA and nothing else. While these are an interesting design which make amazing torque for their size they don't place a huge emphasis on refinement. I can see things to like about this decision, like the low cost and the big torque, but the low cost factor appears to largely be going into Ford's pocket so that can't be considered a boon to the consumer and people aren't going to care about great torque if it comes at the cost of refinement.

Hopefully Ford has figured out a way to keep NVH within reason giving us torque-happy little hatchbacks that let them make a decent profit.

 

What are Rocam engines?

 

This pricing def makes me sad, i was hoping based around 12k. Doesn't make sense to me to be the same price as the focus....

 

Rocam engines were initially designed as a cheaper alternative to the Zetec-Sigma engines. (a lot of folks think the engine is based on the old Zetec-Sigma design but, apparently it is actually based on the older Valencia engine design) They use a SOHC/8-valve arrangement with a Roller-Finger Camshaft design which is a large part of what gives the engine such great torque for it's size and where it got it's name. They also employ other cost cutting measures like chain drive for the cams instead of belts, a cast iron block, etc, etc. We'll likely get the 1.6L version if I had to guess, although other configurations do exist like a 1.3L version and even a supercharged 1.0L version.

I'm still undecided on this engine, primarily because I worry about NVH. It was designed primarily to be a less expensive alternative to the DOHC/16-valve engines then in use but it really turned out to be quite the little torque monster. For example, the 1.6L produces about 110lb-ft of peak torque with 90 percent of that available by 1500rpm and manages this on fuel with an octane rating that makes 87 octane look like champagne. Those numbers will shame virtually all of the high tech DOHC units running around and should make this car pretty punchy on the low end. Also, the Rocam has developed a surprisingly large enthusiast following in the markets where it is sold. Even more they were designed to be extremely durable and reliable and are very fuel efficient, all of which are good things.

Blue II over on BON once stated the Rocam was a bit like a 'mini-Hurricane/Boss' engine, no doubt primarily referring to power production and how the engine manages to produce the same. If that's the case I'm really excited about the upcoming 6.2L V8 because that would mean it will be a torque monster of the first order and that it should be pretty fuel efficient too.

 

Thanks for explanation.

 

They will probably move the Focus up in price a bit...

 

I think the strategy is sound. What are the competitor's products selling for?

The Fiesta offers a better range of standard equipment (i.e. push button start - at least in Euro version) and with fuel prices headed the way they are, there is a strong argument for moving 'B' segment cars up-market just a bit. The Fiesta already looks like a much nicer car than either Fit or Yaris.

 

Honda Fit - $13,950
Toyota Yaris - $12,950 (sedan)
Nissan Versa - #12,980

 

Will it cost more than Fit/Yaris/Versa? Yes. Will it be a much better car? Hell yes.

The Focus is most likely moving up a couple Thou when the new C2 version launches, so there will be a difference between it and the Fiesta.

 

Those prices are all find and dandy, but good luck finding a Honda Fit at that price. Every one in my area (as well as the Versa and Yaris) are all in the high $16,000 to $17,000 range. No where near their base prices.

 

Those are MSRP prices for base models.
If you keep adding options that price will go up.

 

That's pretty much the case here as well. They still sell quite quickly - at least as far as the Fit (which IMHO, is the benchmark in this class) is concerned.

 

looking forward to driving a fiesta.