You know how much we like the 2009 Honda Fit and its seats that fold every which way. But the European-spec 2009 Ford Fiesta we tested really impressed us with its dynamic competence. It's agile through corners, yet it goes down the highway in a refined, compliant manner normally unheard of in this class.
Now they're in a comparison test together. And for all the Fit's cleverness in the cabin, writes Engineering Editor Jay Kavanagh, it's the Fiesta that sweats the small stuff. And while we can't draw any hard conclusions about a Fiesta in non-U.S. specification, we think it will fit in very well when it gets here in the second half of 2010.
Comparison Test: 2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium vs. 2009 Honda Fit Sport
notabigdeal says:
08:32 PM, 09/22/09
But we're not getting the Fiesta in performance tires. Most of the "little" differences seem to come from those.
brn says:
08:52 PM, 09/22/09
I'm not sure these vehicles are direct competitors, but it's closer that most of Edmunds other comparisons.
Do we have EU Cycle mpg ratings for both these vehicles? I'm curious how they compare there.
brn says:
08:52 PM, 09/22/09
Also, what's with the big delay between posting the article and allowing comments? I could comment about this article on Autoblog before I could comment on it here.
inlinesix says:
09:59 PM, 09/22/09
What better comparison can you get? The only thing I want to see is a comparison between the U.S. Spec Fiesta and the Fit.
dougtheeng says:
06:06 AM, 09/23/09
Is the Fiesta going to compete price-wise with a fit? I had the impression it was going slightly more expensive?
firstwagon says:
08:16 AM, 09/23/09
It supposed to be priced below the Focus so I think it will hit the Fit dead on.
In the past the Fit won every subcompact comparison by a wide margin. To have a real contender in the field is great. I can't wait for the Mazda2 and the Fiat 500 to join the competition.
Nice to see car makers getting serious about about making really good small cars instead of place holders for customers who can't yet a larger car... Chevy? Are you listening?
roadburner says:
08:24 AM, 09/23/09
I suspect that the Mazda2 will be pick of the litter. Ford will likely succumb to the urge to dumb the Fiesta down to suit the mediocre tastes of the average American vehicle operator.
brn says:
08:24 AM, 09/23/09
"In the past the Fit won every subcompact comparison by a wide margin. "
You're correct and what I find fascinating is that it doesn't do so well in reviews/comparos now. Did everything else get a lot better or was the Fit overrated before? I'm thinking the later.
firstwagon says:
09:12 AM, 09/23/09
Aside from the Fiesta, who does better then the Fit now in the subcompact field?
The Versa is good if you want to trade sportiness for a more comfy ride.
The Yaris is cheaper and gets a bit better mileage but has nothing else.
The Aveo and G3 and are bottom feeders that are only bought on price or by people who didn't test drive anything else.
The Accent and Rio5 are good drivers but a big step below the Fit. I have high hopes for their next generation versions.
If it's gets lower scores now it's because editors love to praise the new kid and are everyone love to hate the champ.
jederino says:
11:19 AM, 09/23/09
The Ford Fiesta has a tidy little engine bay, without the lame platic covers. I like that! Previously, only Hondas were confident enough to show their engines off.
estreka says:
03:20 PM, 09/23/09
That's all well and good, but I foresee Ford charging an outrageous price for the Fiesta.
hondacura4 says:
03:44 PM, 09/23/09
- Fiesta had performance tires so its obvious it would have better handling traits, steering and braking vs the all season equipped Fit.
- Premium fuel in a subcompact? I know this is a European version but.....
- As good as the Fiesta is (it is a damn good car) it seems that no other car in this segment can match the Fit's versatility and utility. This is a defining trait of the Fit.
inlinesix says:
09:34 PM, 09/23/09
"Did everything else get a lot better or was the Fit overrated before? I'm thinking the later."
@brn: yeah you would think that. If it was a Chevy you wouldn't.