It’s official. The highly anticipated new 2011 Ford Fiesta has been certified by the EPA to achieve 29 mpg city and a full 40 mpg highway—the kind of best-in-class fuel efficiency customers are beginning to expect from Ford.
“The new Fiesta is yet another car in Ford’s lineup that delivers class-leading fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. “From Super Duty to Fusion Hybrid and the new Mustang V6, Ford is committed to fuel economy leadership with every new vehicle it introduces in all segments.”
That dedication is readily apparent throughout the Fiesta, from the car’s aerodynamic exterior to its leading-edge powertrain. The engine is Ford’s new 1.6-liter Duratec I4, which boasts features like Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and an advanced accessory drive system that optimizes the efficiency of the Fiesta’s air conditioner. To get the best fuel economy—as well as a surprisingly dynamic driving experience—that powerplant is then mated to a cutting-edge six-speed automatic transmission Ford calls PowerShift.
This gear changer is a true game changer, too: Thanks to advances like its dual internal clutch design, PowerShift lets Fiesta drivers enjoy the ease-of-use of an automatic, the performance of a stick and the fuel efficiency of, well, a Ford.
It all makes for a significant Ford advantage at the gas pumps, especially when compared to what other automakers are offering. The Fiesta’s 40-mpg highway fuel-efficiency rating is 5 mpg higher than that of the Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra Blue or Chevrolet Aveo, 4 mpg better than that of the Toyota Yaris, and a notable 3 mpg more than even a MINI Cooper can attain.
And for those who still prefer three pedals to two, Fiesta’s standard five-speed manual delivers EPA ratings of 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta gets started this summer at Ford dealerships through the U.S.
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