If there ever was a reason to step into an American car, that reason is finally here.

For the first time, the Ford Fiesta is coming to US shores with a test introduction getting started this week called the Fiesta Movement (www.fiestamovement.com).

In a very targeted and unique marketing plan, Ford held a contest where over 3000 people applied. 100 people were hand picked from across the US to drive the cars. The people didn’t have to be Ford enthusiasts or car guys, the people selected were based off their social status – in particular online status’ such as Facebook, Twitter, youtube, etc. The lucky drivers would get the car free of charge for six months including gas and insurance – all they would have to do is record their thoughts about the car every month via online video. Ford plans to use their feedback in order to mold the Fiesta better for the US consumer when the car officially releases in a couple years.

According to Ford, this market segment made up of people born between ’79-94 will make up 28% of drivers in the US by 2010. This is also the age group Ford is losing most with its North American product line-up.
If you haven’t heard much about the Fiesta, we don’t blame you. It’s a huge hit everywhere except the US as it’s the number two sold vehicle in Europe. It’s also doing well in Asia especially China making it a global success for Ford.
The car’s success can be accredited to its stylish design and sub-compact selling features such as affordability, safety, functionality and fuel consumption.
At first look, the design is quite sleek making it an eye-catcher on the road. We had the pleasure of taking a couple Fiestas for a test drive on the roads north of Los Angeles and received plenty of looks and compliments. Ford tells us the wheels will come in either 16-17” and the colors of the car will remain true to European options such as the lime green and magenta. The car’s come standard with a push button start, Bluetooth-enabled stereo and USB and Aux ports for digital music lovers.

Performance is perhaps the most lacking aspect of the car. On our quick test drive, we could feel the chassis is capable of much more with a tight go-kart feeling. Though, the power is limited to a 1.6 liter four-cylinder five-speed manual. It’s faster than a Smart car but would have trouble keeping up with a Mk5 Rabbit 2.5 liter.
According to Ford, all the specs for the US car are yet to be determined. They will use the input from the 100 participants in its contest, plus do the required changes by America’s safety standards to mold the perfect US Fiesta. The five-door hatch and foor-door sedan plan to hit the US market but the coveted three-door may be out of the question. It’s uncertain whether other engine options will be available either such as the diesel. We can only hope.
Overall, we are excited to see this vehicle come to America. It’s been a long time coming since Ford produced great European cars such as the Cosworth and Focus (both of which weren’t available in the US). We’ll keep are fingers crossed for higher performance Ford models but the Fiesta Movement is a sign of good things to come.
Special thanks to Sam De La Garza and John Clinard of Ford for giving eurotuner an exclusive first-hand look at the Fiesta. We’ll bring you the most up-to-date information of the US-spec Fiesta once leaked so stay tuned!