2014 Ford Fiesta Tops All Subcompacts with 41-MPG Highway Rating

BEVERLY, Mass., June 20, 2013 — Buyers of subcompact cars frequently cite fuel economy as the No. 1 reason for their purchase, meaning efficiency takes on extra importance in the segment. Ford can now claim bragging rights for having the most fuel-friendly option in the class, with its redesigned 2014 Ford Fiesta recently rated at 41 mpg on the highway in EPA testing.

The 2014 Fiesta SE with the Super Fuel Economy package earns its leading efficiency with aerodynamic touches like a rear spoiler, side air deflectors, lower grille blockers, underbody shields and low-rolling-resistance tires that complement its 1.6-liter engine and PowerShift automatic transmission. Later this year, the new Ford Fiesta will also receive an innovative 1.0-liter EcoBoost powerplant that has been named International Engine of the Year for two years running by Engine Technology International magazine.

"No matter which trim buyers choose, they will be getting great fuel efficiency in the Fiesta, and they'll have the options to mix it in with their ideal amount of performance," said Jeff Klein, general manager of Thomas Ford, a Beverly, MA Ford dealership. "Though fuel economy hasn't been announced yet for the 1.0-liter EcoBoost, it uses direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to deliver excellent responsiveness despite the fact that it only has three cylinders."

Stylistically, the 2014 Ford Fiesta takes after the redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion on its front fascia, donning a similar trapezoidal grille and slimmer headlights. Like the new Fusion, the 2014 Fiesta also receives an optional SYNC with MyFord Touch in-car connectivity system, which features voice-activated control of navigation, communication and entertainment functions.

Ford hopes that the new Fiesta will follow in the footsteps of the Fusion on the sales floor, as the midsize sedan has been selling so quickly that the automaker has been rushing to keep up with demand. Through May of this year, sales of the Fusion have risen 22 percent compared to the same period last year. Last month, the model saw its best May sales ever, moving 29,553 units in the United States.

"The aggressive styling, intuitive technology and efficient drivetrains of the new Fusion have made it very popular in coastal states like Massachusetts, and that's helping to drive record sales," noted Klein. "Ford has made similar upgrades to the 2014 Fiesta, and we're expecting to see a comparable boost in sales when it arrives."

About Thomas Ford:
Thomas Ford, located in Beverly, has been a fixture in the North Shore of Massachusetts for more than 40 years. They base their success on their dedicated sales and Ford service departments' commitment to customer satisfaction. It's never been a better time to be a Ford owner, and Thomas Ford encourages you to stop by their dealership to discover why. For more information, call them at 978-922-0059, visit their website at www.thomasford.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThomasFordAuto or stop by their dealership at 211 Rantoul Street in Beverly, Massachusetts.