Fiesta tops subcompacts in mpg, sophistication

With the 2011 Fiesta subcompact sedan and hatchback, Ford offers the most fuel-efficient and sophisticated subcompact car on the market.

Prices for the 2011 Fiesta start at $13,320 for a base S sedan with a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission. The 1.6-liter engine is standard in all models. The best-equipped sedan, an SEL, starts at $16,320. The stylish and practical Fiesta hatchback - my favorite Fiesta by far - stickers at $15,120 for an SE and $17,120 for an SES.

Swapping the manual transmission for a very good six-speed dual clutch adds $1,070 to any Fiesta model.

I tested two SES hatchbacks, one with a manual transmission that cost $17,915 and one with leather upholstery and the dual-clutch gearbox and priced at $19,700. All prices exclude destination charges.

The Fiesta competes with subcompacts like the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. The Fiesta's base price is in the upper middle of that group. When fully equipped, the Fiesta comes in on the high end, although it offers features to justify that.

Foremost among those is its fuel economy. A $695 SFE option package that includes the dual-clutch gearbox, low rolling resistance tires and some aerodynamic tweaks gives the Fiesta a stellar 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway rating in EPA tests. That's several mpg better than the next best five-passenger subcompact.

The Fiesta could use more interior storage cubbies for gear like iPods and phones, and weak low-rpm torque means you have to rev the engine freely for good acceleration, but the car's looks, value and other features offset those weaknesses.

The Fiesta offers a roomy and appealing interior. Headroom is particularly impressive, although the 85.1-cubic-foot passenger compartment is among the smallest in its segment. Cargo space is about average for the sedan and hatchback.

The Fiesta's handling is very good. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback. The brakes are confident. The suspension muffles bumps and keeps the Fiesta secure and stable in quick drives on twisting roads. The engine's lack of low-end torque makes Fiestas with the dual-clutch transmission more enjoyable to drive.

A dual-clutch transmission essentially combines the mechanical pieces of a manual with computer controls, so the driver does not have to work a clutch pedal or shift gears. A good dual-clutch combines the responsiveness and efficiency of a manual with the comfort of an automatic transmission.

The Fiesta's six-speed dual-clutch shifts quickly and smoothly. It more than pays for itself in fuel economy and performance.