Ford finally gets to waive their efficiency card in front of every automaker thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating of 40 mpg highway for the 2011 Fiesta. This makes it the most fuel efficient car in its class, besting the Honda Fit by 5 mpg and the Toyota Yaris by 4 mpg. It also achieved this remarkable number with Ford's new six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.

 

"The new Fiesta is yet another car in Ford's lineup that delivers class-leading fuel economy," said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. "From Super Duty to Fusion Hybrid and the new Mustang V-6, Ford is committed to fuel economy leadership with every new vehicle it introduces in all segments."

 

The 2011 Fiesta with the standard five-speed manual transmission is rated at 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The automatic still does better in the city, achieving 29 mpg.

 

The Fiesta achieves its best-in-segment fuel figures thanks to several fuel-saving technologies not normally seen at this price point. To increase fuel economy, the Fiesta features an efficient 1.6-liter engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver 120 horsepower, an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff feature, and an engine accessory drive system that reduces the energy it takes to power the air conditioner and alternator.

 

Optional is the PowerShift transmission, a six-speed automatic that combines the fuel benefits of a manual with the convenience of an automatic. Combined with electric power-assisted steering and some aerodynamic optimizations, and the Fiesta can go a long way on a single tank of fuel.

 

"We worked hard to deliver the class-leading fuel economy Ford is becoming synonymous for," said Steve Pintar, Fiesta chief nameplate engineer. "To be the only vehicle in the segment to deliver 40 mpg is something we feel consumers will appreciate."

 

The Fiesta is being built at Ford's manufacturing facility in Cuautitlan, Mexico. It should be available at dealerships this summer in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. The sedan starts at $13,995 and the hatchback at $15,795, which includes the destination charge.

 

theCD's take: Sexy curves both inside and out, low price, high efficiency, versatile hatchback form, and SYNC technology. Ford's created the car that everyone wants and needs.

 

Source: Ford