Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan

We recently reviewed the 2011 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback, and were very impressed by FoMoCo”s new subcompact. Usually, it is the Europeans who get to have all the fun with different variants of models we wish we had on the stateside. But this time, Ford decided to offer the 2011 Ford Fiesta in two variations in the North American market; a sedan and a hatchback.

We were recently able to get our hands on a 2011 Ford Fiesta SEL sedan. Without regard to hatchback/sedan variants, the SEL trim level offered a considerable amount of bells and whistles, which were lacking on the SE. One such feature was the 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. There were also other tech features that we enjoyed, such as push-button start.

Given all these differences, is the SEL sedan worth the premium in price over the SE hatchback? Read on to find out.

Click here to read our original 2011 Ford Fiesta Review for our full take on the Fiesta.

Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan:

2011 Ford Fiesta Specifications:

• Base Price: $13,320.
• Price as Tested: $16,390.
• Engine: 1.6L inline 4-cylinder ““ 120-hp and 112 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual; 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.
• Curb Weight: 2,537 lbs.
• 0 to 60 mph: 10 seconds.
• Top Speed: 118 mph.
• Fuel-Economy (city/highway): 28/37 mpg (manual), 29/40 (automatic).

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan - Exterior

Exterior:

Lifestyle, taste, and outright preference are going to be the main determinants as to whether one purchases a hatchback or sedan. Whatever the case, we have to give our accolades to the sedan; it is quite the looker with its nicely sculpted boot featuring restyled tail-lamps, which make the car look a bit more elegant and refined than the hatchback model.

As far as specifications are concerned, the only technical difference between the hatchback and sedan is the overall vehicle length; 160.1 inches and 173.6 inches, respectively.

What does the SEL (known as the SES trim on the hatch) trim level give the Fiesta”s exterior? Some features offered by the SEL that are absent on the SE include LED driving fog lamps with chrome bezel surrounds, power heated side-view mirrors with turn-signal indicators, and 16-inch premium painted wheels. All of these features combine to make the SEL”s exterior considerably more attractive than that of the SE, but cost the buyer some extra cash.

2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan - Interior

Interior:

The interior is essentially the same as that of the hatchback. Surprisingly enough, there is no difference in legroom between the variants. Ford says that both models have rear legroom of 31.2 inches, rear shoulder room of 49 inches, and rear hip room of 49.2 inches.

The space advantage between the two models lies primarily with the hatchback, which provides for 15.4 cu.ft., compared to the 12.8 cu.ft. provided by the sedan. When invoking full use of the 60/40 split rear seats in the hatchback, cargo space expands greatly to 26 cu.ft.

The SEL (SES) Package that was on our sedan test model adds a full SYNC In-Car Connectivity system with turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth, MP3 Connectivity. The push-button start feature is the only tech feature that really stood out from the SE and SEL models we tested, and it certainly adds another layer of convenience.

Click here to learn more about the SYNC In-Car Connectivity from our friends at PocketBerry.com.

2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan - Powertrain

Performance:

2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan - 6-Speed PowerShift Automatic

The sedan we tested came with the same 1.6L inline 4-cylinder engine putting out 120-hp and 112 lb.-ft. of torque, as it is the only engine currently offered for the Fiesta lineup. The difference in performance however, was a product of differing transmission pairings. The sedan came mated to Ford”s 6-speed PowerShift automatic, which is optionally available for all Fiesta consumers for an additional $1,070.

Despite our general preference for manual transmissions, we found the PowerShift much more preferable as it provided confidence while driving such a small car. The transmission also provided for a bit more zip than the manual. For those buying the Fiesta because they are concerned with how much they”ll pay at the jump, the 6-speed PowerShift also improves fuel-economy over the 5-speed manual. Mated to the manual one can expect an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 29/38 mpg (city/highway). The 6-speed PowerShift automatic returns an EPA estimated best-in-class 30/40 mpg.

2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan - Side View

Overall:

As far as the hatchback/sedan question goes, we really can”t recommend one way or the other. We can however, recommend the 6-speed PowerShift over the 5-speed manual, and we do thanks to the extra stability, confidence, and the fuel-economy it offers. We also recommend opting for the push-button start if the extra cash is of no import to you.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan 6-speed PowerShift we tested is at the highest end of the Fiesta line and starts at $17,390. The Fiesta SE hatch starts at $15,120 with the 5-speed manual but the automatic upgrade will cost you a total of $16,190.

Review 2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Ford Custom Graphics

Want a more custom look to your Ford but don’t want to cash out the money for it? Well, you’re in luck. FoMoCo has announced that it is offering new vinyl graphics that offer the look of a custom paint job at half the price.

The Ford Custom Graphics website, originally launched in November for custom vinyl wrap designs for the Ford Fiesta, is now expanding its horizons to other Ford models including the Ford Mustang and the Ford F-150. Other Ford vehicles like the Flex, Fusion and Taurus will be added later.

“Mustang owners might prefer race-themed graphics like stripes, flames or matte black accents, while our F-150 customers might like something a little more rugged like camouflage or a faux diamond plate aluminum look,” said Jim Abraham, Ford”s Licensed Accessories manager. “The neat thing about the website is that we”re tailoring the designs to our customers.”

Check out Ford Custom Graphics here.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Ford Custom Graphics:

Press Release:

BUBBLES, FLOWERS AND FLAMES: NEW FORD WEBSITE LETS CUSTOMERS CUSTOMIZE THEIR VEHICLES

* Ford is making it easy, cost-effective and fun for Ford owners to turn their car or truck into a unique personalized ride with custom vinyl graphics
* With nearly 50 designs to choose from for each vehicle, the custom vinyl graphics offer the look of a custom paint job at half the cost; available through www.fordcustomgraphics.com
* Ford custom graphics are launching with the new Ford Fiesta and will soon expand to include graphics for two of the most customized cars in the country ““ the Ford Mustang and F-150; the program will later roll out with customization options for all Ford vehicles.

DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 ““ A new website is making it easy, cost-effective and fun for Ford owners to turn their car or truck into a unique personalized ride with vinyl graphics that offer the look of a custom paint job at half the price.

The website ““ www.fordcustomgraphics.com ““ launched in November with vinyl wrap designs for the new Ford Fiesta is now expanding to include graphics for two of the most customized cars in the country ““ the Ford Mustang and F-150 ““ and later will offer customization options for all Ford vehicles.

“Ford knows that customers want a vehicle to be all their own,” said Jim Abraham, Ford”s Licensed Accessories manager. “The Ford Custom Graphics website complements our strong accessory portfolio and enables customers to put a personal stamp on their vehicle.”

All it takes is a few clicks of a computer mouse.

“You click on your vehicle and its exterior color, select the graphics you like, and then the website will show you exactly how the designs will look on your car or truck,” explained Abraham.

Approximately 50 designs were created specifically for each vehicle. All are available in a variety of colors and sizes and were designed with the target customer in mind.

People interested in the hip, new Ford Fiesta, for example, can choose from cool, fun designs like bubbles, arrows, dots and flowers. Mustang and F-150 customers will have an entirely different portfolio to choose from.

According to Abraham, the website will continue to evolve over time to meet consumer demand and expectations.

“The whole idea behind the program is to offer our customers new ways to personalize their vehicle and provide a new exterior look throughout the ownership experience,” he said. “In order to do this, we are going to keep revising the available graphics packages to give customers fresh new ideas to choose from.”

Without giving away too much detail, Abraham says that consumers can look forward to seeing custom graphics that leverage some Ford corporate sponsorships along with other categories like green driving.

Ford Custom Graphics: The look of custom paint at half the cost
Ford Custom Graphics offers customers the look of custom-painted designs, but without the expensive price tag, according to Tom Stemple, chief executive officer of Original Wraps, Inc., a provider of “on-demand” custom graphics to the automotive industry and the company that developed the website for Ford.

“Vinyl wraps are typically half the cost of custom paint work,” he said. “Another advantage is that they can be easily removed if the customer wants a new design or decides to sell the vehicle. Paint is permanent, and custom-painted vehicles are often much more difficult to resell.”

In addition, all of the custom graphics feature 3M Scotchprint® On-Demand quality vinyl. They are professionally installed at Ford dealerships and include a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.

Vehicle personalization: Have it your way
Forty years ago, if you wanted to personalize your vehicle you hung a pair of fuzzy dice from the rearview mirror or slapped a trendy sticker on your bumper. Today, the automotive aftermarket has grown into a $31.85 billion industry and includes everything from grilles and custom body kits to interior accents and performance parts.

With cool products ““ like custom graphics and a variety of other vehicle accessories ““ Ford is aiming at a larger slice of the aftermarket pie.

“We are doing everything we can to be on the leading edge of trendy new product offerings, and the idea of on-demand custom graphics is a great example of that,” said Abraham.
According to Sheryl Connelly, manager of Ford Global Trends and Futuring, the growing interest in vehicle personalization mirrors a broader societal trend.

“The one-size-fits-all model isn”t really relevant to today”s consumers, and it”s not necessarily a desire to stand out from the crowd. It”s more a desire not to be lost in the masses,” she said. “People are personalizing everything ““ cell phones, computers and clothing ““ and it”s no different with automobiles.”

- By: Kap Shah

Ford announced today that it will introduce the dual-clutch PowerShift 6-speed seen on the Lincoln C Concept in its 2010 small-cars. Weighing in less than 30 pounds than the 4-speed automatic currently seen on the Focus, the PowerShift 6-speed automatic will deliver the fuel-efficiency of a manual gearbox.

Ford currently offers a PowerShift transmission on the European Ford Focus. The 2.0L TDCI Focus uses a twin wet-clutch system; however, the new PowerShift that will debut on the 2010 Ford Fiesta will be a dry-clutch system that will be more efficient.

Ford said that almost 100 percent of its transmissions will have advanced 6-speed gearboxes by 2013.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

FORD TO INTRODUCE FUEL-EFFICIENT DUAL-CLUTCH POWERSHIFT TRANSMISSION IN NORTH AMERICA IN 2010

DETROIT, Jan. 21, 2009 ““ Ford Motor Company announced today it will introduce an advanced dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission in North America in 2010 for the small-car segment.

PowerShift will deliver the fuel efficiency of a manual gearbox with the convenience and ease of a premium automatic transmission ““ making it a key enabling technology as Ford targets best-in-class or among-the-best fuel economy with every new vehicle it introduces in North America.

“PowerShift represents a true competitive advantage for Ford and is one of the many technologies that will help our global small-car platforms set a new world standard for efficiency and drive quality,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering, who announced PowerShift’s production timing at the 2009 Automotive News World Congress. “This advanced six-speed is an improvement over today’s automatic transmissions in terms of fuel economy, while providing customers an even more fun-to-drive experience.”

Overall, Ford has committed that almost 100 percent of its transmissions will be advanced six-speed gearboxes by 2013. Six-speed transmissions already have helped vehicles such as the 2010 Ford Fusion achieve best-in-class fuel economy, while at the same time allowing the Ford Flex and Ford Escape to achieve unsurpassed fuel economy in their respective segments.

Ford is leveraging six-speed transmissions, advanced internal combustion engines such as EcoBoost, hybrids, full electric vehicles, vehicle weight reduction and electric power-assisted steering to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions fleet-wide by 30 percent by 2020.

Automatic Comfort

Compared to traditional automatic four-speed transmissions, PowerShift can help reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent depending on the application.

PowerShift provides the full comfort of an automatic with a more sophisticated driving dynamic, thanks to uninterrupted torque from the dual-clutch technology, which consists essentially of two manual transmissions working in parallel, each with its own independent clutch unit. One clutch carries the uneven gears ““ 1, 3 and 5 ““ while the other the even gears ““ 2, 4 and 6. Subsequent gear changes are coordinated between both clutches as they engage and disengage for a seamless delivery of torque to the wheels.

In Europe, Ford currently offers a PowerShift transmission in the Ford Focus. This PowerShift uses a twin wet-clutch system to handle the higher torque levels of the 2.0-liter TDCI engine available in the Focus.

In North America, a dry-clutch derivative of Ford’s PowerShift transmission will be used for added efficiency and durability. A dry clutch transmits power and torque through manual transmission clutch facings, while most automatic transmissions utilize wet clutch plates submerged in oil. As a result, the dry-clutch PowerShift transmission does not require an oil pump or torque converter, providing superior mechanical efficiency.

“A dry clutch is a real sweet spot for lighter vehicle applications,” said Piero Aversa, manager, Ford Automatic Transmission Engineering. “PowerShift is more efficient, it saves weight, is more durable, more efficient and the unit is sealed for life, requiring no regular maintenance.”

PowerShift, unlike conventional automatic transmissions, does not need the heavier torque converter or planetary gears. In addition, the dry-clutch derivative eliminates the need for the weighty pumps, hydraulic fluids, cooling lines and external coolers that wet clutch transmissions require. As a result, the dry-clutch PowerShift transmission can weigh nearly 30 pounds less than, for example, the four-speed automatic transmission featured on today’s Ford Focus.

Differentiating PowerShift even further in terms of its customer appeal is its shift quality, launch feel and overall drive dynamic, which are all facilitated by an expert blend of Ford-exclusive electro-mechanical systems, software features, calibrations and controls. These unique driving features include:

“¢ Neutral coast down ““ The clutches will disengage when the brakes are applied, improving coasting downshifts and clutch robustness as well as reducing parasitic losses for increased fuel economy.

“¢ Precise clutch control in the form of a clutch slip to provide torsional damping of the engine vibration ““ This function improves noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at low engine speeds and enables lower lugging limits for improved fuel economy.

“¢ Low-speed driving or creep mode with integrated brake pressure ““ This function simulates the low-speed control drivers are accustomed to from an automatic transmission. The amount of rolling torque in Drive and Reverse is precisely controlled, gradually building as brake pressure is released.

“¢ Hill mode or launch assist ““ Prevents a vehicle from rolling back on a grade by maintaining brake pressure until the engine delivers enough torque to move the vehicle up the hill, providing improved driver confidence, comfort, safety and clutch robustness.

Ford is hoping the Fiesta will win fuel-economy conscious consumers over when it is launched in the U.S. in 2010. To help gain some traction for Ford’s latest global compact car, Ford will be handing out 100 Fiesta’s to 100 tech-savvy enthusiasts under a new program called “Fiesta Movement.”

Ford will ask the 100 lucky individuals to relate their experiences through social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr and YouTube. Ford says the by handing out Fiesta’s to the selected consumers, Ford will have the opportunity to learn more about what consumers wants and needs in the growing compact segment.

Starting later this spring, the chosen consumers, or as Ford calls them – “agents” – will be asked to complete missions in their Fiesta on a monthly basis and capture their experiences digitally to share with Ford and other consumers.

Applications for those interested in becoming an agent can be found online at www.fiestamovement.com or www.fordvehicles.com/2011fiesta. The application process includes a two- to five-minute video explaining why applicants want the opportunity to become part of the Fiesta Movement. Applications will be accepted through March 13.

FoMoCo announced yesterday that while its European sales fell 21.4 percent, the new Ford Fiesta helped it outperform the overall industry. The Fiesta sold more than 42,000 units in the 19 most important markets in the two months since its launch.

“The Fiesta is already our second best-selling model behind the Focus,” Ingvar Sviggum, vice president of marketing, sales and service for Ford of Europe said in a statement. “In the U.K., the Fiesta’s market share for November was the highest since January 1998 for the nameplate, and the new Fiesta attracted 1,000 more retail British buyers than the previous model in November 2007. This is a promising start for our all-new global model.”

The 2010 Ford Fiesta is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2010. The Fiesta will be offered in a three-door hatchback variant alongside the five-door hatchback and the sedan. Ford plans to price the Fiesta below the Focus.

2010 Ford Fiesta:

Source: Detroit News

While Jeremy Clarkson is busy driving the Ford Fiesta of a military landing aircraft, FoMoCo is busy promoting the compact cars U.S. launch. Even though we may be a little more than a year away from seeing the Fiesta on our roads, Ford feels that it should start marketing the car as soon as possible and has launched a mini-site for the new small five-door and three-door hatchback.

Unlike the Europeans that will get a variety of engine choices, the U.S. will get a 118-hp 1.6 4-cylinder unit with VVT. It will be mated to Ford’s new PowerShift dual-clutch transmission.

The car will be based completely on the European model with minor changes to meet U.S. safety standards when it arrives here in 2010. The recently unveiled Ford Fiesta Sedan will also make it to the stateside in 2010 as a 2011 model year.

Source: Ford

At the Guangzhou Auto Show today, Ford unveiled the new Ford Fiesta ford-door sedan which follows Ford’s signature kinetic design language along with inspiration for the Verve Concept that made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show a year ago.

Production of the new Fiesta sedan will begin in the first quarter of 2009 at Ford’s Nanjing, China facility. The Ford Fiesta Sedan you see in the pictures is tailored to satisfy customers in China. However, additional version of the new Fiesta sedan will be available across Asia and North America starting 2010. Production will take place in Thailand and Mexico. Engine and other technical specifications will be revealed closer to launch.

Ford said the Fiesta sedan will not be made available in Europe.

2010 Ford Fiesta Sedan: