The 2012 Ford Fiesta is a well-rounded small car that
offers good driving dynamics, a comfortable interior and competitive interior
tech for the class.
The Ford Fiesta hit the market in 2010, and for 2012,
reviewers are still impressed with the 2012 Fiesta’s nearly perfect package.
They say this affordable small car offers cute looks, fun color options, a
quality interior, fun driving dynamics, upscale tech and good fuel economy
ratings for the class.
That said, there are a few caveats consumers should know.
In advertisements, Ford says the Fiesta gets 29/40 mpg city/highway. That’s
with the Fiesta’s Super Fuel Economy package that’s optional on SE trims and
higher, which means you pay more for good mileage. And, even though the Fiesta
is available as a hatchback, it is not the most utilitarian five-door in the
class. That honor is reserved for the Honda Fit, which has a standard Magic
Seat and up to 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
But that doesn’t stop the Fiesta sedan and hatchback from
being the Best Subcompact Car and Hatchback for the Money thanks to their
stylish looks, available tech and fun performance.
Other Cars to Consider
There are two new affordable small cars that are
challenging the Ford Fiesta: the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. Previously, the
automotive press condemned these models for their bad performance, cheap
interiors and few standard safety features. For 2012, both of these models are
redesigned and the automotive press is raving about their 138-horsepower engines
and attractive exteriors. What’s more, both of these models top the base
Fiesta’s fuel economy ratings and get 29/40 mpg city/highway.
If practicality is your main concern, you should check
out the Honda Fit. Some reviewers say it isn't as much fun as the Fiesta, but
it does a lot of things the Fiesta can’t thanks to its standard Magic Seat. The
Magic Seat has four modes (people, utility, long and tall), which means you can
fit five adults comfortably, pack 57.3 cubic feet worth of stuff, tote a surf
board or haul a tall plant. The Fit does trail the Fiesta in terms of fuel
economy, but if practicality is your primary concern, the Honda Fit tops the
Fiesta.
