2011 Ford Fiesta Review and Prices

The stylish Verve concept previews Ford’s promised subcompact challenger to Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and other “B-Class” cars. The styling will change--as well as the name--but a Mazda foundation ups the chances for success.


What We Know About the 2011 Ford Fiesta

Fuel-stingy minicars are back in vogue, thanks to escalating gas prices. Ford has long promised such a car for its U.S. lineup. In fact, it had one ready several years back, but canceled it on learning the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris would show up.

Since then, the Blue Oval has been working on what it thinks will be a more competitive minicar. Though Ford isn’t talking timetable or specifications yet, the three Verve concepts, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show, and 2008 Detroit Auto Show suggest the showroom version is well on the road to completion. So does the debut of a new Mazda 2, which will parent the U.S. baby as well as a redesign of Ford’s popular European Fiesta. Right now, sources predict the American version--which will be badged Fiesta--will arrive in 2010 as a 2011 model.


The 2011 Ford Fiesta is another “world car” project a la Ford’s 1981 Escort and 2000 Focus. Like the original VW Beetle, the idea is a basic design that can be built and sold profitably the world over, because one car serving many markets drastically cuts development costs and raises profit potential. That’s why General Motors still dabbles with world cars, too.

In the past, though, Detroit “world cars” ended up with so many regional design and engineering changes that economies of scale were diminished, if not erased. The Focus is one example. At first, the U.S. and European models were quite similar. Then Ford Europe did a 2005 redesign that U.S. marketers deemed too costly. In other words, a Euro-based Focus would have been priced out of its U.S. market slot. Which is why our Focus still uses the original design, already paid for, albeit heavily updated for 2008.

Ford says Focus will be a “world car” again in its next incarnation, expected around 2011. There’s not much choice. Ford is running very low on cash and must leverage its global resources--that timeworn Detroit cliché--to get the most new model bang for the bucks it has. That’s why Ford CEO Alan Mullaly is busy spearheading a global product plan that aims for big savings by greatly trimming the number of platforms and parts in Ford Motor’s worldwide inventory. The increased sharing won’t be confined to small cars, either. Ford also plans to merge two different midsize sedans, the American Fusion and European Mondeo, into a single basic design, with only modest tailoring for various markets.

All this explains why the 2011 Ford Fiesta will be closely related to the next-generation Fiesta, but possibly sourced from low-wage Brazil or Mexico to achieve a competitive El Norte price. And because Ford now assigns small-car development to Japanese affiliate Mazda, which is plenty experienced that way, the Fiesta will be derived from the recently-released second-generation Mazda 2. That model isn’t coming here, but its good U.K. and Continental notices bode well for the North American Ford.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta will share a new B2E corporate platform with the Mazda 2, but have different styling (penned by Ford designers in Europe) and perhaps different powertrains too. It will look more conservative than the Verve concept, which Ford says suggests the general “design language” of the production car. But the concept is certainly expressive, as is the wedgy Mazda 2, so the showroom Fiesta won’t be another plain two-box appliance like the Fiesta sold here way back in 1977-1980.

Size wise, the 2011 Ford Fiesta should be close to the Fit, Yaris, Chevrolet Aveo and other so-called “B-Class” minicars, but a generous wheelbase versus overall length should make for a surprisingly roomy four-seater, judging by the Mazda 2. It’s front-wheel drive, of course, and a 4-door sedan body style is assured for the U.S. Two- and 4-door hatchbacks are likely for Europe and possibly for our side of the pond as well.

Powertrains should come from the Mazda 2, which in various markets offers twincam 4-cylinder engines of 1.3 and 1.5 liters. We’d guess the U.S. 2011 Ford Fiesta will get the 1.5 at least, or perhaps a 1.8-liter enlargement providing the extra low-end torque that’s always so helpful for U.S. driving conditions. Transmissions should comprise a 5-speed manual and an optional 5-speed automatic, also per the 2. Standard equipment should include antilock brakes, front torso side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Traction control will certainly be available, maybe even standard. Stability control is a likely option, as it is on the Mazda.


Depending on marketers’ courage, the 2011 Ford Fiesta may offer upscale extras like sport suspension, 16- or 17-inch tires to replace standard 15s, power windows, keyless power door locks, perhaps even a navigation system. The options list will almost certainly show the new Ford Sync system for voice-activated control of cell phones and portable music players, if only to court the youth market. An available 5-speed automatic would be a competitive advantage among B-Class cars, where 4-speed transmissions are the rule so far. Let’s also note that the latest Mazda 2 weighs some 220 pounds less than the previous version, which bodes well for both performance and fuel economy in the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Ford Fiesta


B-Class competition is heating up fast. Suzuki now offers sedan and hatchback versions of its little SX4; Toyota’s Scion brand has replaced its small xA hatchback with the more-refined xD; and 2009 brings a new, slightly larger Honda Fit with fresh styling, better performance and more interior space. The Toyota Yaris will also be tweaked before its expected redesign for model-year 2012. And Korean brands Hyundai and Kia won’t be idle. There’s also the prospect of a low-cost Chinese-sourced mini from newly independent Chrysler, though its timing is still a bit murky. With all this, the 2011 Ford Fiesta will have a lot to contend with, but it should be up to it, assuming the well-received Mazda 2 is any guide.

2011 Ford Fiesta Release Date: Ford isn’t talking, as we said, but most sources except an on-sale date in the first half of calendar 2010.

2011 Ford Fiesta First Test Drive: Assuming the above timetable holds, media previews should be scheduled for fall 2009.

2011 Ford Fiesta Prices: They’re obviously a long way from being decided, but the 2011 Ford Fiesta could well displace the bottom-end versions of the compact Focus. We’d look prices to start at around $12,000 and range up to $16,000 loaded. Currency exchange rates between now and intro time will loom large for Ford in determining the final numbers.

2010 Ford Fusion

2010 Ford Fusion

2010 Ford Fusio

Soon after catching its Mercury sibling out in the wild, the first photo of the 2010 Ford Fusion made its way to the internet, along with details on the revised powertrain offerings.

A Bold Front

Though much of the sheetmetal between the A- and C-pillars carries over unchanged, the fore and aft ends of the 2010 Fusion do receive considerable cosmetic changes. The three-bar grille grows larger and plays into a large power bulge on the hood, similar to the Interceptor concept shown at the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Ford only showed a camouflaged example during our preview, but from what we could tell, change in back is rather limited. We're expecting slightly larger taillights (with an interesting honeycomb pattern) and large, chrome exhaust tips - even on the hybrid model.

Yeah, that thing's got a hybrid.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Fusion Hybrid. For 2010, Ford's fitted the hybrid powertrain from the Escape Hybrid cute-ute to both the Fusion and the Mercury Milan - though it's also added a few new features for the sedan.

For starters, there's the issue of the battery pack. Yes, it's still a nickel metal hydride pack supplied by Sanyo, but chemistry changes allow it to carry 20 percent more power than the Escape's pack. That's a significant feat, considering it's 23 percent lighter and considerably smaller, allowing it to tuck in behind the Fusion's rear seats.

But the biggest change lies with the transmission itself. Yes, it's mated to the same 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 found in the Escape/Mariner hybrids, but the hybrid electric CVT (e-CVT) has been substantially recalibrated. With a gentle right foot, drivers will be capable of accelerating up to 47 mph in pure electric mode. An impressive figure, but Ford promises equally exciting numbers when it comes to fuel economy. The Fusion Hybrid should best the Toyota Camry Hybrid - which already attains 33 mpg in the city - by at least 5 mpg.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


Lightning may have struck twice, but when the folks at Ford's Special Vehicle Team decided to trick out another F-150, the result - the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - was a completely different kind of truck.

Though the F-150 Lighning may have appealed to those hankering for muscle-car fun and a pickup bed out back, the F-150 Raptor allows drivers to take blistering performance off the beaten path.

"Most of the major manufacturers have focused on on-road performance," said Mark Grueber, Ford's marketing manager for large trucks. "So when we looked at what was available in off-road truck performance, it was somewhat limited."

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

We'd imagine so, as we've seen no factory offering quite as extreme as this. Though it's certified for street use and carries some svelte creature comforts, the Raptor is essentially a purpose-built off-road race truck, not unlike those campaigned in the Baja 1000.

SVT looked first at the F-150's underpinnings, and scrapped most stock suspension parts. The most change came up front, where SVT added unique upper- and lower A-arms, a new tie-rod, and new half-shaft joints. All four corners also benefit from the addition of internal-bypass Fox Racing Shox, which increase stiffness as the suspension compresses to keep the truck from bottoming out.
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor



Unless you're really flying over some desert terrain, we doubt that'd happen. The front suspension has a whopping 11.2 inches of travel, while the rear suspension has 13.4 inches. Coupled with the standard 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, the package should be more than adept at tackling boulders or landing a stratospheric jump.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


If that sounds like a Trophy Truck, the Raptor also manages to look like a Trophy Truck. Yes, there's quite a bit of stock F-150 thrown into its exterior appearance, but enormous fender flares (there to wrap around the seven-inch wider track), a large power bulge on the hood and front fender vents give the Raptor a muscular look of its own. We're not sold, however, on the new grille - devoid of the typical blue oval logo, it's also home to clearance lamps mandated by the truck's new girth. Interesting, yes; attractive? We'll have to see the truck in person before we can judge that.

But for the off-road faithful who'll buy this truck, appearance isn't everything. They'll be more interested in the 310-hp three-valve 5.4-liter V-8 offered as standard equipment on the Raptor, as well as the forthcoming optional 6.2-liter V-8, rumored to produce approximately 400 hp. They may also care more about the auxiliary switches for their off-road lighting or the off-road driving mode, which eliminates all stability controls and allows for some wheel lock under low speed braking.


2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


Which is just as well. Ford offers no less than nine flavors of the F-150 for casual pickup users like ourselves. Perhaps it's fair - if not prudent - to offer one for buyers who consider the Sonoma Desert an expressway...

New Ford Fiesta 2009

Unfurl the streamers and strike up the band: we're getting a European

Ford. The next version of Ford's Fiesta subcompact is due to arrive on our shores in late 2009, and when it does, it'll ride on the same platform and carry the same basic bodywork as Fiestas everywhere else in the world.

A four-door sedan (based on Ford's 2008 Verve concept, shown below) initially will be the only available body style, but a two-door hatch could soon follow.

Because the Fiesta was originally designed for Europe, the U.S.-spec version will get a slightly longer nose and front bumper assembly in order to meet federal safety standards. European buyers choose from one of three gasoline-powered four-cylinders - a 1.2-liter, a 1.4-liter, or an all-new 1.6-liter - and diesel power also will be available. As for us? Ford will say only that a "fuel-efficient four-cylinder" will power stateside Fiestas.

LET'S FOCUS ON THE MARKET: The next Fiesta will undoubtedly bring Ford some much-needed cachet in the U.S. subcompact market, and if it's anything like its predecessor, it'll be a fine car to boot. But we still think that a truly modern Focus - like the one Ford sells in Europe - would be a better bet to help reinvigorate the brand's U.S. sales.

Ford Capri: the concept ready in 2009

Ford Capri: the concept ready in 2009,

Again, this will be all about dell’anniversario. Or better: it exploits the anniversary as an element of continuity in time between past and future. In 2009, forty years since debut, Ford will present the concept of Capri, waiting on the market as the final two years later.

Again, this will be all about dell’anniversario. Or better: it exploits the anniversary as an element of continuity in time between past and future. In 2009, forty years since debut, Ford will present the concept of Capri, waiting on the market as the final two years later.

According to a dossier prepared by Auto Motor und Sport, author of render, style will draw inspiration from the forms smooth and smooth the Visos, prototype exhibited in 2003, while the range engines will not be so different compared to the units today: starting a four-cylinder (140 horses) and high efficiency, through the various diesel and reach the peak with the five-cylinder turbo, 250 hp. The prices would have as their point of attack the Euro 20000.

According to a dossier prepared by Auto Motor und Sport, author of render, style will draw inspiration from the forms smooth and smooth the Visos, prototype exhibited in 2003, while the range engines will not be so different compared to the units today: starting a four-cylinder (140 horses) and high efficiency, through the various diesel and reach the peak with the five-cylinder turbo, 250 hp. The prices would have as their point of attack the Euro 20000.

2009 Ford Escape

Now Escape to places with more Power and Gears!

The new 2009 Ford Escape provides more functionality and powerful features having four cylinder engine. The engine for the new machine also has the capability to be transplanted to Escape Hybrid and other similar types of model like Mercury Mariner or Hybrid models.

The new machine is fuel efficient with 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine, its economical and boosts powerful engine parts. It can run one mile per gallon as per the EPA cycle. As per the sources at Ford, the new 4 cylinder will produce 170 horsepower that is 11 percent increment compared to the current engine. The extra 17 horsepower comes through a new variable and timing system increasing the displacement of the machine over 2.3 liter engine.

The V-6 boosts the power for the year 2009. The machines 3.0 liter V-6 engine is capable of producing 230 horsepower that is up by around 30 horsepower. The earlier 4 speed unit models of Mariner and Escape produced last year are now replaced by a six speed automatic transmission which is up by one mpg in fuel economy.

The new 2009 Mercury Mariner features a new chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers which cleans up the vehicle’s aero profile helping to boost the economy. The 16 inch tire helps curbing down the rolling resistance.

The new latest Ford’s Escape offers the Sync infotainment system along with the Sirius Travel Link system having a 911 assistance, the 911 assistance helps the passengers for emergency services if the need be. Other features that a 2009 model includes are suspension tuning and standard stability control having roll stability control on different types of Hybrid models.

2009 Nissan Maxima Preview

2009 Nissan Maxima Review

Nissan’s Maxima Sedan….. seems to be most uncommon name inspite being common, that’s because of continous intentional experimentation by the automaker itself. After its luxury car, sporty car, mainstream mobile version it has been reincarnated at the New York Auto Show. However, this time the automaker is bringing the sedan back to its roots. From the very beginning, Maxima has been on top in the Nissan line-up, be it in terms of size , price or the luxurious vanities it provides to its lavish customers. Believe it… this is even after the Japanese company’s Infiniti luxury brand hit the roads. But after closely inspecting the 2009 Nissan Maxima you’ll agree with me that its no less than a sports car. Today, when SIZE does matter, Nissan has actually downsized the 2009 Maxima, both in terms of wheelbase and overall length. However, no compromise as far as numbers are concerned, like the 290 horse-power the refined3.5-literVQ V-6 pumps out an unbelievable35 more than the hood of last year’s Maxima. Torque is up nine pound _feet, meanwhile, to 261.Yet mileage astoundingly holds at last year’s 19 city and 26 highway. The VQ, one of the best engines on the market,is mated to an updated version of Nissan Xtronic CVT, which offers improved manual shifting mode, as claimed by Nissan. Optional features include paddle shifters and 19- inch wheels and tires, the better to put all that torque to the pavement. The overall look of the ’09 will come as no surprise to Maxima fans, though a closer inspection will show how sporty translates into sheet metal, notably with the sweeping roof line that flows into the high, broad rear shoulders. And lastly, how can one imagine a Japanese company without hi-tech gizmos. iPod Connectivity standard includes 9.3-gigabyte hard-drive audio package, a voice controlled navigation system, with real-time traffic and a rearview camera. The 2009 Nissan Maxima Sedan will vroooooom the market by June

2009 Ford F-150 Truck Review

America's pinup pickup, just got a facelift. Borrowing the looks from the 2008 F-250, the F-150 gets higher and L shaped lights, also a much needed grill change. Now for the guts of the truck, it will be sporting an improved more rigid box frame which give a 10 percent increase in torsinal rigidity, which in laymans terms means it will have a more smoother ride and it will be able to tow and haul more. It also got a safety upgrade, it will now have Standard Roll Stability Control minimizes rollover risks, and Trailer Sway Control reduces the risk of accidents while towing. Ford is breaking new ground with this.

Ford will also be rolling out a Platinum edition which is all chromed out, which will likely be the replacement for the nearly non-existent Lincoln Mark LT, all others packages will still be there King Ranch, Lariet, XLT, Sport, and XL(listed in order of price).

The Ford F-150 has been America's best selling pickup for three decadess, and with this new design it looks like its going to have nothing to worry about With this truck out in '09. This will surely come as a blow to GM, who is trying its best to compete, and to the emerging Toyota Tundra. Kudos for Ford's new CEO former Boeing President, Alan Mulally, for having a plan to turn Ford around, for now though it looks as if America's Baby-Boomers favorite truck isn't going anywhere.