Ford's brand new Fiesta is the Paula Abdul of the car world; small, but perfectly formed, fun to be around. And yes, just a teeny bit quirky.
Designed and developed across the pond where it's Europe's top-seller, the Fiesta shows how great things can come in small packages.
You'll love the look of the five-door hatchback version I've been driving. Like a Mini-Me on steroids, its body is all bulges, biceps and brawn. See it on the street and it has the rock-solid stance of Tom Cruise - another shorty - in "Knight and Day."
And it backs up its sporty styling with a real fun-to-drive character. Show it a tight curve - that one onto Interstate 275 South from downtown Tampa is a blast - and this feisty Ford corners like its running on rails.
While it's not too big on power - the only engine on offer is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder packing 120 horses - it still feels super-zippy around town, thanks to a smooth-spinning engine that loves to be revved.
The standard five-speed manual shifter adds to the fun factor, though I think I'd spend the extra $1,070 on the fast-shifting PowerShift six-speed auto.
Obviously fuel economy is a big reason for buying a small car, and the Fiesta sips unleaded like a free Internet-using student sips a latte at Starbucks. With the auto version, expect 40 to the gallon on the highway and 30 around town.
Inside, there's space for four in comfort, though legroom in the back is a little tight. But lift the tailgate and there's space for a mountain of luggage. Trim quality and fit and finish is terrific.
Fiesta prices kick off at $13,995 for the four-door Sedan S, with the five-door SE hatchback starting at $15,759.
That's certainly a small price to pay for a car with such big appeal.
Tampa-based auto writer Howard Walker can be reached at walkweb@verizon.net.
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