2011 Ford Fiesta most fuel-efficient car in its segment

When the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta is put on sale this summer it will be the most fuel efficient car in its class. On the highway the new Fiesta will have a consumption of 40 mpg.

According to Ford this value has been achieved thanks to the use of the brand’s new six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, consuming less 5 mpg than the Honda Fit and 4 mpg than the Toyota Yaris.

“The new Fiesta is yet another car in Ford’s lineup that delivers class-leading fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. “From Super Duty to Fusion Hybrid and the new Mustang V-6, Ford is committed to fuel economy leadership with every new vehicle it introduces in all segments.”

Ford is making the efforts to become the fuel economy leader in each segment in which it competes. The Fiesta is following the steps of the Fusion Hybrid, which became America’s most fuel efficient midsize sedan, and other Ford models such as the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Ranger pickup.

To deliver this kind of fuel efficiency the Fiesta is fitted with the 1.6-liter Duratec® engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). This engine delivers 120 horsepower, an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and an engine accessory drive system that enhances efficiency by reducing the energy it takes to power the air conditioner and alternator.

Another contributor is the six-speed automatic PowerShift transmission which is matted to the engine. This technology combines the fuel benefits of a manual with the convenience of an automatic.

“We worked hard to deliver the class-leading fuel economy Ford is becoming synonymous for,” said Steve Pintar, Fiesta chief nameplate engineer. “To be the only vehicle in the segment to deliver 40 mpg is something we feel consumers will appreciate.”