Full Test: 2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium

In the mid-80's I had 1979 Fiesta, a 4-speed, no A/C in a very similar, but non-metallic, shade of green.

It was a terrific car. I beat the crap out of it, but it took me and three friends on an impromptu Spring Break trip from Central Illinois to Fort Meyers Florida and back with no problem.

The car was fun and economical. If Ford can provide the same feel with the new Fiesta it should be very successful indeed.

I hope they bring it over as-is. The Fiesta and Euro Focus seem like great cars.

"In the mid-80's I had 1979 Fiesta, a 4-speed, no A/C in a very similar, but non-metallic, shade of green."

I wanted to buy a new Fiesta back in 1980, but I wanted A/C. None of the dealers in my area had one with the A/C prep package. The A/C was dealer installed, but it could only be fitted to cars that had the A/C prep package that was installed at the factory. Go figure... On top of that, the moronic plaid-coated salesmen kept telling me to wait for a new Escort, as it was going to be a much better car. Fortunately, I already knew what how dismal the US Escort would be.

I hope we get something on par with the European Fiesta, but I'll believe it when I see it. If it's not on par this is quite a dirty trick Ford is playing using German Fiestas as press vehicles.

I like the car but I wouldn't consider buying unless there is an ST, RS, or SVT version (whatever they want to call it).

This looks like a winner to me. Its almost a shame my current car is holding up so well - it makes it hard to justify trading it in on something like this.

In the video, it looked like the hazards came on during hard braking (60-0 tests). I'm guessing this is a safety feature. I suppose it makes sense.

Now where is that Ecoboost version...

Looking good so far. I hope this isn't auto hype optimism that will fade once the car is on sale for a year.

I concur on the Ecoboost. Something to compete with a Cooper S, perferably with 6 forward gears and a third pedal.

Not that I'm in a situation to trade in my current vehicle, but it would be so wicked to see Ford playing in that segment.

"In the video, it looked like the hazards came on during hard braking (60-0 tests). I'm guessing this is a safety feature. I suppose it makes sense."

I believe this is how European legislators decided to indicate a panic stop. Solid brake lights for a normal stop but, above a certain threshold, flashing brake lights.

I think the auto-flashing hazards is a darned good idea. And I totally agree with the 2nd opinion too!

Everything is looking up for this small and mighty wonder. Due to its sporting promises and good looks, I would highly favor this over anything in the segment, including the Honda Fit (despite that one's cargo space advantage). I would probably favor it over the Mini Cooper, too, because of its better practicality and lower cost. But I really like the idea of a turbo version!