2008 Geneva Auto Show: 2009 Ford Fiesta Preview – Ford is bringing one of its biggest selling models back to the U.S. market after a nearly three decade absence. Americans who are old enough will remember the Ford Fiesta as the first time they heard the phrase “world car” back in the mid-1970s. Only the Mk. I made it to these shores, but six successive generations have been sold throughout most the world. Now the Mk. VIII is poised to debut in North America between 2008 and 2010. Debuting in Geneva in three and five-door versions, it is still unclear if the U.S. will get either model or a sedan only.
Why it Matters
Ford really needs something to compete with the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and the Chevy Aveo, and the Fiesta makes sense for the U.S. market.
What’s Under the Hood
Ford has given no indication what motor the U.S. version would have. However, based on the Fiesta’s history and the competitors it faces in the U.S. market, the most likely engines are the 1.6 liter inline-four cylinder gasoline motor and possibly the 1.4 or 1.6 liter common-rail, direct-injection diesel. Given the pricing of cars in this segment, a hybrid seems unlikely in the first few years of sales.
What it Looks Like
The new Ford Fiesta destined for Europe looks very similar to the Verve concept introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show last August. The most notable change is the addition of a B-pillar at the rear of the door and the loss of chrome trim encircling the entire side window panel. But Ford has a tendency to hold its European styled vehicles in Europe and ship variants they believe to be more appealing to U.S consumers here. What Ford will do to it before it hits the U.S. of A. still remains to be seen.
What Ford Says
We're confident that the combination of dynamic new 'kinetic design' exterior, great interior design and craftsmanship, and a host of new technologies and features will provide compelling reasons for a new generation of customers around the world to take a fresh look at the Ford Fiesta. I know they will be both surprised and delighted with what they see and feel.
What We Think
Ford hasn’t sold anything smaller than the Focus in the U.S. since the Aspire in the early 1990s. With truck sales stagnant, tighter fuel standards and gasoline prices hovering near $3.50 per gallon, the Blue Oval needs this car in its American lineup.