Accelerate Mpls

Some of this was known (ok most of this we knew), but here it is in a nice handy little table.  You are looking at Ford’s plans through 2013.  As you can see pretty much almost everything will be refreshed or new.

Source- Twitter

2011 Kia Optima

If you asked me back in January what one of the best midsize sedans was, I would have instantly shot out the name Ford Fusion.  We are now three months later and I have to say, “What just happened?”  Remember Kia and Hyundai?  You know, the Korean car companies.  They used to make cars that you really did not want but you could afford them and they seemed to be safe enough.  Them times are a changin’ and now the Korean car companies are not only making affordable cars, they are making cars you want to buy.  Crazy concept, I know.

The new Optima and Sonata are sisters.  They share their platforms and powertrains although the sheet metal and interiors are completely different.  With everything from Bluetooth to navigation, these cars are every bit the car the competition is.  In fact, as standard on two upper trim levels of the Optima, Kia has now even launched Uvo, a new infotainment system licensed through Microsoft and based on the same underpins as Ford’s SYNC.  Uh oh….

2011 Kia Optima

2011 Kia Optima Interior

With three powertrain options ranging from a 2.4 liter direct injection four cylinder that achieves 35 mpg on the highway (yes, you read that correctly) to the new hybrid, the Korean car makers are making strides.  Let’s not forget that direct injection turbo charged four cylinder 2.0 liter putting out 274 hp while still achieving 34 mpg on the highway.  That alone is impressive but really, all these numbers are impressive in their own right.

The look of both these cars is distinctive.  Exterior styling has sculpting and strong lines while interior styling in both is just terrific.  No longer are these “budget cars.”  The reality is that these are terrific looking cars.  I overheard that a certain OEM was cursing under their breath at the New York Auto Show when the numbers on the hybrid and turbo engines were released.  That in itself is a sign of the changing times.  Do not just take my word for it just look at these cars.

I have recently been telling my friends how great Hyundai and Kia have become.  They have come a long way.  They have the product but the problem for some is still perception.  Many of my closest friends (car friends and non-car friends alike) have scoffed telling me “I would never drive a Kia/Hyundai.”  When I ask why, they exclaim how “junky” (their term not mine) they are.  I am going to venture a guess that the new Optima (which is just gorgeous) and new Sonata (again, a real looker) might help change their minds.  If not, it really ends up being their loss.  I am not sitting here and blindly saying these two heavily refreshed cars are the absolute best in the segment (they will be for some consumers).  There are plenty of great cars in this midsize segment to choose from.  I am merely saying this is a wake up call and the other OEM’s need to be watching and taking notes.  Kia and Hyundai should be seen as a serious threat because they are coming for you.

2011 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata Interior

2011 Hyundai Sonata

For years people have been begging Ford to bring the same quality vehicles they are selling in Europe to the U.S.  Ford has listened and is doing just what was asked.  The 2011 Fiesta is heavily based on the European version, which is a highly regarded car in Europe.  Many people worried that the U.S. version of the Fiesta would be changed drastically by becoming watered down.  Fear not, slight changes were made due to differing safety standards, but over sixty percent of the European Fiesta made it to the U.S. version.

The Fiesta will be powered by a 1.6 liter DOCH I-4 to the front wheels.  The engine is estimated to provide 119 hp and 109 ft-lbs while achieving an estimated 40 mpg.  Two transmissions will be offered.  The first being a 5 speed manual and the second, a class exclusive six speed dual clutch transmission.  Ford’s dual clutch transmission will go under the “PowerShift” moniker.  The transmission is “sealed for life” and never requires any maintenance.  When asked if the clutches could be replaced, Ford did say yes.

2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan- note the chrome 3 bar grille

2011 Ford Fiesta Light Pipes

The Fiesta will come in both sedan and five door hatch forms.  The hatch will have a grille similar to the European model while the sedan will get a chrome, three bar grille.  The three bar grille aligns with other U.S. models such as the Focus, Taurus, and Fusion.  The grille in both the sedan and the hatchback are the exact same size, theoretically making them interchangeable.  The fog lights from the European Fiesta have been replaced with light pipes such as those on the new Taurus SHO.  The Fiesta will be the most customizable Ford to date, with tons of optional dealer installable accessories that are not bug shields.  Everything from body wrap graphics to wheel packages will be optional in order to make your Fiesta unique.

The Fiesta is composed of over fifty percent high strength steel.  This makes for a lighter, safer car.  Ultra strong boron steel is used in several critical areas.  Boron steel is even stronger than high strength steel.  Fiesta will boast class leading safety with features such as standard electronic stability control, seat belt pretensioners, rear door child safety locks, and Safety Canopy (side curtain air bags essentially).  Ford made sure to mention, “Fiesta is proof that a small car can deliver big safety.”  Fiesta offers a segment-exclusive driver’s knee air bag, developed to help reduce lower leg injuries in the event of a frontal collision and to work together with other safety features.

Many class exclusive features will be available on the Fiesta.  Everything from keyless entry and push button start, to Ford’s SYNC will be offered.  Also unique within the segment will be a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.  Standard will be Ford’s innovative EasyFuel capless fuel filler.  Ford did make one major change on the interior which is somewhat disappointing.  The U.S. Fiesta will only be available with manual climate control.  I understand meeting a price point, but the European Fiesta has available automatic climate control.  Worse yet, the controls felt somewhat cheap.

The features and technology in this vehicle is definitely class leading.  I would say the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit were just put on notice.  With 15 class exclusive technologies and the estimated 40 mpg fuel economy rating, the new Fiesta will be a force to be reckoned with.

Optional Leather Interior Package