I've driven the Ford Fiesta a number of times already, but it's always been the manual transmission version. Finally got to sample the automatic, which isn't just any old automatic but actually a dual-clutch six-speed automatic that Ford calls "PowerShift". Pretty sophisticated technology for the subcompact economy car segment, where some cars still make do with a four-speed conventional automatic.
In normal automatic mode (just in "D"), the tranny works well with notably smooth take-offs
and gearchanges. This is a "dry" clutch system, so there's more of a direct connection between the engine and transmission and hence greater efficiency compared to a traditional automatic that uses fluid and a torque converter to transfer the power.
Under full throttle, however, (such as when I was merging into fast-moving traffic on the PCH) I noticed the upshifts were somewhat slurred. I expected quicker changes given the twin-clutch setup. Overall, in normal driving PowerShift felt about the same as the better automatics out there. It's also (not surprisingly) calibrated for fuel efficiency so part-throttle downshifts are not sometimes as quick as you'd want. Of course, for consumers shopping this segment the big story is PowerShift's impressive efficiency, which allows the Fiesta automatic to earn the highest fuel mileage numbers in the class: up to 29 city, 40 highway and 33 combined. By comparison, a Honda Fit automatic's are 28/35/31.
Although this dual-clutch setup doesn't offer manual gearchanges (no paddles nor a separate shift lever gate to be seen), there is an "L" mode. Pop it in L and the powertrain transforms from mileage miser to party animal. Rather than top fuel mileage you'll get top enjoyment on backroads, as I did during a spirited early afternoon run through the canyons. By staying in the lower gears longer and thus keeping the revs up (indeed they typically ranged between 4000 rpm and redline), L mode makes for much quicker throttle response as the engine is always in the sweet spot of its powerband. In other words, if you employ "L" the agile Fiesta feels eager rather than reluctant to accelerate with verve.
Of course choosing the Fiesta's feisty transmission mode is going to cost you, as fuel mileage is going to drop and the normally quiet cabin is going to be filled with the sound of the singing engine. Yes, a manual shift feature would be nice, but this is an economy car after all and I'm glad Ford at least offers this mode for the tranny. I would just think of "L" as a Sport mode to be used on those rare occassions when conditions allow you to have some fun with the Fiesta.
By vvk
on September 2, 2010
08:34 AM
I saw an orange Fiesta sedan parked near my office yesterday. This was the first time I had the opportunity to look one over closely. I must say I am disappointed. The sedan looks weird. It somehow has wrong proportions. It is as if it is too tall and too narrow. Normally I like small cars but this one does not look right to me.
By 7driver
on September 2, 2010
09:30 AM
vvk,
What do you think of the hatchback version?
By vvk
on September 2, 2010
10:39 AM
7driver, I have not seen one up close yet.
By carguy622
on September 2, 2010
12:52 PM
@vvk: I agree. The sedan is awkward looking. Sort of like a Toyota Echo. The hatchback look awesome though. They should not have even bothered with the sedan.
By oscarmv
on September 2, 2010
03:24 PM
Well, they designed the hatchback, then the sedan came as an afterthought for the US market.
I don't think they even sell the sedan elsewhere.
By robert4380
on September 2, 2010
04:26 PM
I wonder if they changed the backseat leg room on the sedan versus the hatch in order to make the trunk larger on the sedan Fiesta. I recently looked at a Mazda2, which is built on the same platform as the Fiesta and they both have the same wheelbase. I'm 5'10, and when adjusting the Mazda's driver's seat to fit me, I was able to sit in the rear seat with plenty of leg room. However, in a Fiesta sedan I can't sit behind myself at all without parting my legs wide in an obscene manner. I wonder if the Fiesta is more cramped because it has a larger trunk than the Mazda...hmmmm...