2011 Ford Fiesta Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is an accomplished all-rounder with a wide range of positive attributes, each of which at least matches or outperforms the class-average. Overall, the 2011 Ford Fiesta has done just enough to sit atop the B-segment, upheld by class-leading style, ride-and-handling, refinement, equipment and value-for-money.

2011 Ford Fiesta quick specs

Body Style	Hatchback
Class	Small Family
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Ford Fiesta ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

The all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta wears the same radical design as its mechanical sibling, the Mazda2, albeit with a wider stance and a more grown-up feel to the overall design. In fact, the 2011 Ford Fiesta successfully carries the same dynamic design on the 2007 Ford Verve Concept into reality, making it the most stylish car in the B-segment by some margin. This new-generation Ford Fiesta is a global car that will have to appeal to tastes all around the world, and Ford is confident that this interpretation of the company's Kinetic Language would win more praises than criticisms. The flamboyance is carried inside, where the centre dash is as distinctive as it is attractive.

Handling

Sitting on Ford's new global B-segment platform that also underpins the Mazda2, the 2011 Ford Fiesta offers even more ability than its lighter mechanical sibling, possessing brilliant dynamics and agile responses to entertain. The 2011 Ford Fiesta drives in a polished manner like the Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo, balancing both ride and handling to a tee. The suspension setup of front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam may be conventional, but Ford's tuning makes the Fiesta the clear class-leader in the handling department. The electric steering is light and precise but lacks the detailed feedback provided by the Focus' electro-hydraulic system.

Comfort

The suspension remains compliant over the worst of surfaces, and the cabin insulation shuts out all noise impressively well at highway speeds. The driving position is spot-on, accompanied by an adequate range of steering and seating adjustments that should accommodate most drivers. The mobile-phone inspired centre dash is not the most intuitive to navigate at an instant. Ergonomics are expectedly fine except for the power window switch panel that is situated too close to the driver, just like in the Proton Waja.

Quality + Reliability

The build quality cannot really be faulted judging by the class standards. Plastics on the dashboard feel smooth to the touch if not entirely dense, though the quality of the plastics gets tougher and cheaper further down the dash and on the door trim. All controls work with pleasing precision, while the standard seats, particularly the sport seats, provide ample support at the right areas. Ford has a positive reputation for reliability, and the Fiesta, fresh off a good rating at the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey, should do little to tarnish that.

Performance

The 1.6 automatic variant pairs a 122 hp, 148 Nm 1.6-litre Duratec engine with Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) to a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch gearbox. There is plenty of free-revving performance to satisfy the needs of everyday driving, thanks in large parts to the Powershift gearbox, which disappointingly does not offer a manual overriding mode. A 91 hp, 128 Nm 1.4-litre Duratec engine provides enough poke to keep up with the 1.6-litre engine on the roads, while the five-speed manual gearbox shifts in a slick, precise fashion, with a clutch that is light and easy in operation.

Roominess

With a wheelbase that measures 2489 mm, the cabin is unsurprisingly no more than adequate in room for four adult occupants. The 2011 Ford Fiesta shares the same wheelbase as the Mazda2, but is wider by 27 mm, contributing to slightly better shoulder room. Better packaging than in the Mazda ensures that rear headroom is not an issue for average-sized adults. The boot capacity is 281 litres, and expands to 961 litres with the 60/40 split-foldable rear seat-backs down. The seat-bases do not fold however, unlike in the Honda Jazz, whose practicality and cabin space are on another level altogether.

Running Costs

The 2011 Ford Fiesta's fuel economy stands at 16.9 km/litre for the 1.6 automatic variant and 17.2 km/litre for the 1.4 manual variant. Insurance and road tax are affordable, and the same can be said for servicing and repair costs, which should compare well against those for rivals in the B-segment. Depreciation would be the main cause of concern for any buyer considering a model not from Toyota, Honda or Nissan. That said, the desirable Ford Fiesta should be able to hold on to its values strongly, despite the Ford brand being represented by only the Ranger for a long time.

Value for Money

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a praiseworthy effort from Ford, possessing many positive attributes that make it an accomplished all-rounder that should cater to the varied tastes across the world—a necessity since this new-generation Ford Fiesta has been engineered and is positioned as a global car. Granted, there are cheaper B-segment rivals, and some others that are more practical. But on the whole, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is the car to beat, leading the class in terms of style, ride-and-handling, refinement, equipment and value-for-money.

Equipment

Standard equipment for both 2011 Ford Fiesta variants includes power door mirrors with indicator light, rear fog lamps, keyless entry system, in-dash single-disc CD-player, MP3-compatible audio system, driver's airbag, seat-belt pretensioners, ISOFIX, ABS and EBD. The 1.6 Sport variant adds on sport-tuned suspension, sporty-looking front/rear bumpers, front fog lamps, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, foldable door mirrors, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, USB audio connectivity, Bluetooth and Voice Control functions, larger central display, passenger's airbag (total two), and traction plus stability control systems.

Environment

The 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6 automatic and 1.4 manual variants emit between 130–140 grams/km of carbon dioxide. Those figures combined with the previously-mentioned fuel consumption figures rank the Fiesta as one of the cleanest cars on Malaysian roads and beyond. That said, most B-segment rivals have similar figures on paper, even though the exact, real-life figures are much dependent on driving patterns.

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2011 Ford Fiesta Review

2011 Ford Fiesta at a glance