I gave the 2011 Ford Fiesta a shot after I had heard that this new model from Ford was supposed to provide a roomy compact that was equally at home on the highway as it was in the city. My time behind the wheel in this new model seemed to confirm that this was indeed a very reliable city car that could perform just as well when it rolled out onto the highways.
This car certainly seems to be an urban conveyance through its exceptional handling and maneuverability. I found it super well adapted for parallel parking and it handled itself in the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. Navigating pedestrians and reckless taxi cabs was pretty easy in a vehicle that handled like a mountain goat.
The exterior itself seemed like a mash up of a hatchback and a standard sedan. It possessed the extended body length and seating capacity of a standard sedan but also was equipped with a fifth hatchback door. This allowed it to have ample cargo space while still catering towards comfort. I was also really surprised with the interior styling that seemed more of a fit for a higher end manufacturer than a Ford.
Driving the Fiesta was fun as well. I sat in comfort and had plenty of amenities tailored towards the driver. The seats were very comfortable but not at all splashy or shaky as I have experienced on hatchbacks before.
Being a city car, it lacked acceleration when I took it on more open segments of highway. Nevertheless, this car isn't sorely marketed to urban dwellers. I can see the lack of speed and acceleration being a bit of a hassle on open country roads or wide suburban tracts. Still, should a city native desire a sedan/hatchback mash up, the Ford Fiesta can deliver.