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VIDEO: rightpedal episode 4: 2009 Ford Fiesta Part 2/2

Posted by Hootan Mahallati | May 25, 2009 | In ford videos rightpedal videos

Last week, we introduced you to the 2009 Ford Fiesta in part 1 of our two-part review. This week, we bring you my reaction from behind the wheel as I drove Jill Hanner's Fiesta around the streets of Brooklyn and on the BQE freeway. My time with the car on camera was limited, so I will elaborate on what I thought of the car here. For those of you who are watching our reviews for the first time, we have included the rightpedal rating scale below as a reference.

Having read about the Fiesta before I drove it, I expected above all a 'fun' car, and I was not disappointed. Even though the Fiesta we drove had a modest 120hp, it felt like more, and that was a surprise. While I wonder what an automatic version would feel like, the manual transmission version was geared for spirited driving. The engine did not sound or feel harsh even when I pushed the car quite hard. Four cylinder engines are not regarded for their sonic qualities, but Ford's engine acoustics engineers have obviously done their homework.

An even bigger surprise was the car's great ride. There is a fine line between a suspension tuned for sporty-but-comfortable driving and a tooth-shattering go-kart reincarnation. One of my favorite cars of all time, the Mini, drives through corners like a dream, but hit a pothole while driving one and you will want to get out of the car to make sure it is still in one piece. I drove the Fiesta over some embarrassingly harsh asphalt on the BQE freeway in New York and over some rough patches of Brooklyn and it absorbed the bumps beautifully. I did not have a chance to test the Fiesta's cornering abilities on my drive, but it changed direction very sharply, which bodes well for that fun weekend drive on your favorite twisty roads. Personally, I would prefer a heavier feel to the steering, as I found the Fiesta's light steering at odds with the car's generally sporty personality.

The Fiesta looks fresh and it will likely stay so for several years. We got many stares and heard many comments from passers-by, all of which were positive. For those who would consider a small car with a small carbon footprint only if your sense of personal style were not compromised, the Fiesta will unquestionably be one of the top choices on the market when it arrives here next year. It is fair to call the Fiesta an impressively balanced car for every day use, which is why it received a commendable 3.5 rightpedals from us. We have reserved a half-pedal or so for a high-performance version that might very well be in the works. I just hope that Ford does not alter the successful balance they have already found with the current European model.

You can watch this episode full-screen on our Blip.TV channel.

4 Comment(s)

Big E | posted 1 year, 2 months ago

I just can't believe Hootan is getting excited about a Ford fug Fiesta! Sure, it's probably not the worst car in the world, but stil....

Big E

Hootan Mahallati | posted 1 year, 2 months ago

Big E, it's exciting to see a small car not being crap!! It didn't get 4 pedals for a reason, but you have to admit, it's a good car for what it is.

Big E | posted 1 year, 2 months ago

Lots of small cars aren't crap! Mind you, what's the definition of crap? And what's the definiton of small? Mini Coopers are small and not really crap, Lotus / Caterham Super 7s are very small and not crap. Impractical yes, crap no. Except in a crash. Citroen 2CVs (do you know what these are in the US?) ARE small AND crap. No argueing!

Big E

Hootan Mahallati | posted 1 year, 2 months ago

Mini would get 4 to 5 rightpedals depending on trim and engine, for sure. Ford Focus RS would do the same.

Not too many 2CVs around here, but I learned how to drive in one, so I can't attack it. Come on, you have to love a car you can't flip over (unless you go 60mph in reverse and turn right hard!)