Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ford Fiesta Named Esquire Magazine’s Compact of the Year

STONEHAM, Mass. -- Esquire magazine has named its picks for the best new cars of 2010, and two Ford models from opposite ends of the driving spectrum made the cut. The all-new Ford Fiesta was named Compact Car of the Year and praised for its low price, fuel efficiency and impressive performance.

For those who a prefer a ride that’s wild, Esquire recommends the F-150 Raptor, a race-tuned version of the top-selling pickup truck that can tackle off-road driving with style and speed. Ford was the only automaker to land two vehicles on Esquire’s list, which includes such prestigious names as Mercedes, Aston-Martin and Jaguar.

“It’s excellent to see the Fiesta mentioned on the same list with that new gullwing Mercedes-Benz,” said Alan Melkonian, general manager of Stoneham Ford, one of the premier Ford dealerships in Massachusetts. “The Fiesta has truly lived up to its buzz. It’s a new approach to a compact car that ends the misconception that a compact has to be a drab, generic commuter vehicle without any fun features.”

Ford sold 7,692 Fiestas during the car’s first three months in the market, and the automaker was surprised to see how many customers are outfitting their Fiesta hatchbacks and sedans with optional equipment. The company predicted that 15% of Fiesta buyers would choose the least-expensive S model sedan, but the basic model only represents 7% of current sales, despite a price tag well below $15,000.

Ford has used a novel approach in marketing the Fiesta, downplaying television advertising in favor of social media and web sites. Tech-savvy Greater Boston Ford customers can now download the Ford Fiesta app for iPad, which shows the car’s unique features and options, such as the double-clutch, six-speed automatic transmission and extra airbags.

“The European heritage of the Fiesta shines through when you look at the quality in every element of the car,” Melkonian said. “In the past, American carmakers treated compacts as a necessary evil, not bothering to put the same effort into design that created some of the best-selling small cars in Europe. With the Fiesta, Ford unveiled its most popular European compact in the United States, with both American buyers and critics embracing it.”

The honor from Esquire is the latest accolade for the stylish and innovative Fiesta. Earlier this year, the car was named one of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 by Kelley Blue Book, as well as the number-one affordable small car by U.S. News & World Report.

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