Fuel economy is on the mind of every car shopper out there today. Unfortunately, many shoppers looking at new subcompact cars are getting sticker shock, not because the cost is so high, but because these vehicles are not getting the fuel mileage that consumers expect. Hybrids and import diesels get good mileage, but they are expensive and have relatively high maintenance costs, which place them in that lofty “some day…” category.
The designers at Ford took a look at what the competition was doing wrong, like releasing subcompacts that get less than 35 MPG, and has introduced the brand new 2011 Fiesta coupe and 4-door subcompact car. Wanting to keep the new model affordable and a penny pincher at the pumps, Ford opted to go with an uber-efficient four-cylinder gasoline engine opposed to powering the car with hybrid or electric technologies. The 1.6L 16-Valve Duratec engine comes standard on all Fiesta models, pulls 120 horsepower, and boasts 40 MPG on the highway, rivaling the Toyota Prius in fuel efficiency for thousands of dollars less.
The secret is in how Ford was able to reduce the vehicle’s overall weight without skimping on modern amenities and safety features. By reducing the size of certain components and eliminating access weight in the central regions of the car, the 2011 Ford Fiesta comes in at under 2,600 lbs. Despite its light weight and small stature, Ford wants consumers to know that the Fiesta’s frame is composed of more boron steel, the strongest steel available to auto manufacturers, than any other model in their lineup, almost ensuring the Fiesta will receive a top rating in NHTSA crash testing.
Combining an efficient gas engine, a feather-light body, and modern styling could be the answer for car buyers who want the benefits of a hybrid without the high payments. The 2011 Fiesta looks sharp and it makes cars like the Chevy Aveo and Hyundai Accent look like gas guzzlers.
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