This time, it’s both. The 2011 Ford Fiesta was just ranked #1 on the list of “2010 Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000,” as put together by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.
The decision was based on things like safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort and technology—”the same set of criteria that consumers use,” according to KBB.com’s editors—but then also took into account the Fiesta’s “cool factor.”
That’s a commodity in no short supply lately at Ford, especially after the all-new Fiesta iced its position as the most fuel-efficient car in its segment. It recently notched ratings of 29 mpg city and a hybrid-like 40 mpg highway in EPA fuel-efficiency testing.
The Fiesta is no dorky econobox, though. The high-style subcompact also shows off nimble handling, a progressive “kinetic design” exterior, and an ergonomically crafted interior. Switchgear and vehicle controls in the center stack were designed specifically to provide the same user experience as a mobile-phone keypad, while the amazing Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system takes mobile phones—and a whole lot more—to a whole new level of interactivity.
The Fiesta is also out racking up further “cool” points this summer through deals with two of the country’s hottest music festivals. The car was the title sponsor of the aptly named “Movement” electronic music festival, held annually in Detroit, the birthplace of techno. In addition to supporting three days’ of electronica from both international stars and homegrown talent, along with plenty of musicians who were both, Ford showcased the Fiesta lounge for cooling off over the Memorial Day weekend and let three Motor City artists work their magic on the Fiesta with bold, audience-attracting results.
Then, from June 10-13, Fiesta was in Manchester, Tenn., for the iconic Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, always one of the top stops on the summer concert calendar. While performers like Dave Matthews, Kings of Leon and Weezer were jamming on the stage, concertgoers were jamming the Fiesta Garage to hear from musicians, chill out and design their own custom t-shirts.
With an approach to customers like that, it’s no surprise KBB.com calls the Fiesta “the best domestic subcompact of all time” and claims “the new kid is already the coolest car in its class.”
Now just imagine the response the Fiesta will get when it actually goes on sale this summer.
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