RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

This car looks like it's super-high quality. It's going to be sold in the U.S. with a 89 horsepower engine, though?

I know it's a turbo-diesel 1.6 liter, but I wonder what top speed is. 0-60 is 11.9 seconds, so...

But the fuel economy is incredible, and the build quality looks PHENOMENOL (check out the pics).

"This turbodiesel engine's primary appeal lies in its economy. It manages 67.3 mpg as a European average, compared with 65.7 mpg for a Toyota Prius. Its carbon dioxide emissions are excellent, too (110 g/km versus 104 for the Toyota) and there's an Econetic version on its way that emits under 100 g/km."

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..2.*

luis@championsmotorsports

yes my friend tells me they have these in england and by far its a nice car compared to all ford compacts here in the states..fuel saving is also the key..over in england he tells me they are paying almost 8 dollars a gallon of fuel..

JRichter

I think this would sell here but the hard part would be keeping the price down in the US as this is like a $25k car overseas. The build quality and reliability of the euro version is probably better than most of the US Ford car lineup but our version would probably be built at a Mexico plant and materials would be switched out for cheaper ones to keep the price down. If I was a fuel miser, I'd rather drive something like this than a Smart car which only gets like 30-35 mpg's and IMO barely qualifies as a real car.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

I believe the U.S. price will be around 14k base for this car.

Why would you rather have a Smart car that gets 1/2 the fuel economy than this?

Just curious.

(Also, this has diesel motor, and diesels are famous for longevity, with many lasting 500,000 miles or more)

JRichter

I said I'd rather have this (being the Ford) over the Smart (bad wording). I don't see the appeal of the Smart car at all (except as a fashion accessory maybe) and wouldn't choose it if it was the last vehicle for sale. It seems that its possible to make nice efficient, good looking cars with diesel or efficient gas engines without having to sell a hybrid or something like the Smart under the impression that you are getting a really economical car.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

Gotcha. I absolutely agree with you.

I find these high mileage, clean burning diesel cars a very exciting addition to the U.S. market.


And yes, the Smart car is actually somewhat of a joke because cars twice as large (or more) get mileage that's just as good.

Phalkhan

iTrader: (1)

It kinda looks like a Mazda 2.

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...a_2/index.html

Ajax

That's because they share the same platform.

zoom44

which was solely designed by Mazda as the next gen platform for this segment.

motorups

looks sharp but how long until it becomes available at a dealers lot in the U.S. ?

robrecht

Reminds me of my '79 Diesel Rabbit that got 45/60 mpg.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

Ahhhhh....so it is a Mazda.

Good thing Ford didn't sell Mazda, and they had better not.

Rumors are a late '09 or early 2010 release date in U.S.

YaXMaNGTO

I'd take one of these before a Smart. I couldn't believe the performance numbers on the Smart. Awful... damn near pitiful.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

"This [Ford Fiesta's] turbodiesel engine's primary appeal lies in its economy. It manages 67.3 mpg as a European average, compared with 65.7 mpg for a Toyota Prius. Its carbon dioxide emissions are excellent, too (110 g/km versus 104 for the Toyota) and there's an Econetic version on its way that emits under 100 g/km."


These kind of numbers blow me away. This makes a Prius seem rather thirsty. I actually think the Ford Fiesta turbodiesel get average (as in mixed city/highway driving) of almost 70mpg.

rotarygod

The Prius is really nothing more than an ecolovers joke of a wetdream. It's cost more than offsets any benefits you get and it's downright ugly. The Smart car just isn't smart. This is a much better option. Bigger than a Smart, better mileage than both, and probably priced competitively with a Smart. The smart choice is obvious to me.

HeavyMetal699

This car will not be coming to the states anytime soon in my opinion. For whatever reason the pollution laws are extremely harsh on diesel passenger cars here. Plus diesel prices are really high!

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

I agree!


I think it will. The Volkswagen TDI Jetta is already here, uses very similar technology, is 50 state-emissions compliant, and actually qualifies as a ULEV, I believe.

JRichter

US spec Fiesta but powerplant unknown

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/u...t-burger-king/

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

Sweet!

I swear that these cars are appealing to me more than ever. The fact that's it's got an American badge is a bonus for me, because of where I live.

I actually think that front looks fantastic, as does the interior. Way better than the Civic.

Betcha' it's the diesel.

pbuck1

Hate to tell everyone but the ford is going to be built by Mazda for Ford . The car will be built along side of the Mazda 2 in Mexico .

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

why would you hate to tell us that? we already know. lol.

its fine by us. i dont think the mazda2 will come with a turbo diesel option.