2011 Ford Fiesta fetching more premium than the Focus

2012 Ford Focus SEL Sedan

The all-new Ford Fiesta, the first North American subcompact offering by Ford since it killed the Pinto here in 1980, is commanding a solid price. It currently goes for more than the compact Ford Focus and competing offerings from foreign automakers. Right now, the Fiesta has been fetching on average, $3,000 to $4,000 above the $13,995 base. That puts the Fiesta”s average price above the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

The Fiesta represents Ford”s attempt to turn around its history of crapping out with small cars in the U.S. market, as they answer the need and demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles in the U.S. The Fiesta is an integral part of CEO Alan Mulally”s plan to transform the company, and a prime example of his credo that American”s are ready for smaller vehicles with bigger and more numerous amenities.

The Fiesta image has completely shape-shifted into something of a delicacy of sorts, as buyers of this incarnation of the car are more educated, affluent, and environmentally conscious than those of years past. Ford”s experience with this car has spurred them to reinvent the focus in hopes that the same will happen. That would certainly be a positive for Ford”s global growth strategy, as 60% of Fiesta buyers were first-time Ford buyers.

Click here for our review on the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

Click here for our review on the 2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan.

Refresher: The 2011 Ford Fiesta is powered by a 1.6L DOHC 4-cylinder engine making 120-hp with a peak torque of 109 lb-ft. The EPA rated the 2011 Fiesta at 29/40 mpg (city/highway) when mated to a 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission and 28/37 mpg when mated to a 5-speed manual. Pricing for the 2011 Ford Fiesta starts at $13,320.

Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SEL Sedan:

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News