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Subcompact comparison test

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Michel Deslauriers
A new rivalry is born


1st place: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES – 78.3%

The Fiesta is our new subcompact queen. We have to admit, though, that we had no idea it would prevail until we tallied up all the scores. You see, the Fiesta isn’t the most fun to drive. It isn’t the most spacious. It’s isn’t the cheapest. And it isn’t the quickest in the group. Yet it does everything so well that overall, it offers the best compromise with the fewest sacrifices.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com

The Ford did receive the highest scores for its styling, though; the wedge profile, steeply-raked windshield, bulging fenders and various little details make the Fiesta look modern, chic but mature at the same time.

The 120-hp, 1.6-litre engine is apt at getting the Fiesta moving along swiftly, but we question the true relevancy of a dual-clutch gearbox in a subcompact, which our test car is equipped with; this type of transmission is great in a sports car, but its jerkiness during low-speed gear changes is disconcerting.

However, the Fiesta redeems itself with a fabulous ride; it’s dynamic when you’re feeling like turning up the heat, yet supple when you’re chillaxing behind the wheel. The Star Wars Clone Trooper-style centre console is interesting, but the sound system controls aren’t intuitive; in addition, there are wheel-mounted controls, but no volume adjustment.

Then again, the SYNC system is the best multimedia setup in this bunch, with a USB port and a powerful voice recognition system that allows selecting songs by artist, genre or album name.

The rear headrests are too big, as they hamper visibility when backing up. But supportive seats, a decent-sized trunk, a quiet cabin and a long list of safety features save the day.

Like we said earlier, the Fiesta isn’t perfect in any aspect, and one tester even ranked it dead last, but its qualities are undeniable. As an everyday, do-it-all subcompact that’s stylish and easy to live with, the Fiesta gets the title.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com


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Michel Deslauriers
Michel Deslauriers
Automotive expert
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