And that's with a conventional, non-hybrid gas engine. The Honda Insight, a small hybrid about the Fiesta's size, does 41....but it is, of course, far more complex with the two motors and battery-pack.

I'm not an Anti-Honda person by any means (I have more respect for them than many other CL posters do) , but it's hard to ignore the gas-mileage comparison. That's going to be a big plus in the Fiesta's favor.

 

[QUOTE=mmarshall;5437658]And that's with a conventional, non-hybrid gas engine. The Honda Insight, a small hybrid about the Fiesta's size, does 41....but it is, of course, far more complex with the two motors and battery-pack.

Remember, the Fiesta gets 40 mpg highway but only 30 in town. The Insight gets 40 in town and 43 on the highway for an average of 41. The big advantage in mpg for hybrids is in heavy traffic, not on the highway.

The Fiesta's average of around 35 is what will be required by 2016, so they better sell well.
Steve

 

Yes, I know that most hybrids get better mileage in town, because the gas engine doesn't run as much and both engines shut off at a stop. But still, the Fiesta's overall mileage is remarkable for a conventional, non-hybrid, gas-powered car.

The 2016 35-MPG standard will not be required by every vehicle; only as a corporate fleet average. So, the Fiesta's excellent mileage will serve as a balance to Ford's other gas hogs like the Expeditions, F-series trucks, and Shelby Mustangs.

 

Agreed and more affordable in terms of pricing too.

 

Nice. I sat inside it at the auto show and was very impressed with the plastics and the interior accommodations. It's also very affordable in Canada (starts at $13k barebones and loaded can touch $20k with heated leather seats, SYNC, power moonroof and proximity keyless entry & push button start. By comparison, a 5-dr Yaris RS w/ Auto is $20k

 

Off-topic:
Will you guys get the Mondeo in the next-gen in a few years.........or will the Ford Fusion be retained over there?

 

The Fusion is certainly here to stay. It's one of Ford's first serious winners since the original Ford Taurus.