Top Gear does like the "Jazz". They've said it plenty of times, if you want a supermini with cargo, it's the Jazz. But the show, as "sensationalist" as it is, is more for SPEED (and performance/handling) not cargo room. As such, it'll like the Fiesta more.

 

I've only seen two tests they gave, and they were both for the GD; one being an evaluation by old ladies. I guess Honda's image there doesn't warrant much attention from enthusiasts, and it's straight line performance is lacking for a hot hatch comparison, but programs like Best Motoring seems to have a lot of fun tossing them around.

 

The first I had heard of the Fit was a short blurb in "Road&Track" and the utilitarian roominess, comfort, fuel consumption and handling were applauded in the short blurb about a test drive in an automatic equipped GD3 Sport in the March 2006 issue..... The writer also mentioned the lack of power and said that after they start selling them in the U.S. the after market would address that issue.... I compare the Fit to the old VW Beetles though there is many engineering differences and the closest similarity shared mechanically is the GD3 Sport and Beetle both have 15" wheels but they both are just a ball to drive.... I imagine the Fiesta will also be fun to drive and have strong after market support for us gearheads but the Fit has so very much more to offer that the after market will not be able to address.

 

Funny... My mom said driving around in her Fit brings back memories of her old Bug, despite the fit being bigger, heavier, and significantly less orange.

 

wow.. great comparison. But nothing replaces the sound of that early 70's beetle engine.

 

Imagine one with a 283 degree high lift cam, fly cut ported dual port heads, 88mm jugs, Holley 300CFM Bug Spray carburetor, Bosch Super Blue coil and 002 distributor, Empi Extractor exhaust, Rapid Cool 8 pass oil cooler, windage tray, extended oil sump. 6Lb. shaved flywheel, custom built bonded riveted clutch disc and flywheel, solid motor mounts and a very very short period between rebuilds.... It was the ultimate sleeper that would turn 7000RPM but not very long or very many times.... The old air cooled VWs would come unglued when revved past 5000 RPM.... They were easily rebuilt though.

 

Subaru WRX, with the turbo H-4 engine, sound similar to old VW's. I still have a Karmann Ghia with the loud four outlet muffler. The Fit reminds me more of the original Civic, or Mk. I Fiesta, which I did own.

 

hmm. Boxer engine? aircooler? German
engineering? Not so far from an R-series BMW!

 

I have a R1100GS in very neglected shape.... The finest machine I have ever owned.

 

Thought you guys might like these:

YouTube - Euro NCAP | Ford Fiesta | 2008 | Crash test

YouTube - Euro NCAP | Honda Jazz | 2009 | Crash test

Both look to be solid little cars. The Fit/Jazz one is especially neat because they tested the active head restraints.

 

Fit barely beats the Yaris in 0-60 and 1/4 mile. Fit ranks 4th out of 5 in this category. The Fit needs a slightly larger engine.

 

Neither of the cars looked too good after the side "pillar" crash test. I'm not sure what it mimics, but it looks like doom to the driver.

 

Yeah but at least we know the Fiesta can be used as a Beach Assault vehicle.

YouTube - TopGear Ford Fiesta Road Test Part 2

 

That's hilarious. Great. Thanks. I particularly liked the smoke grenade cup holders. I wish Honda would come out with that option. Ha.

 

I know this is a Honda-only crowd to large extent, but I can't wait to try one out. I'll not be trading soon, and honestly, will likely stick to Hondas (once you get spoiled by Honda, dabbling in other brands tends to be dissapointing) but still, I love European Hot-Hatches, and this car looks like a blast.

If the cooper weren't cursed with too many Black Circles of Death by consumer reports, the Mini Clubman would've been one of my top runners-up when looking at the Fit last fall. As it was, I narrowed it down to the Fit, xB and Cube, and drove both multiple times. The Fit is the least interesting visually, but most useful and seemed best composed on the road.

 

more silly fiesta marketing?

 

^ more like typical behavior on top gear haha i love that show!

 

I would not write the Fiesta off yet. I was planning on waiting for the 2012 Focus based on an 01 Focus ZX3 I really loved, liked it more than the Fit acutally from a driving standpoint. I was not considering a Fiesta and decided not to go for a first year Focus so bought the Fit which is turning out to be a very nice car. I have to say I would appreciate outside mirror defrost and heated seat options though and a 6 or 7 speed transmission (DSG?) would be nice along with rear disc brakes. I also think direct injection would help boost power and mileage. Competition is good, Fiesta has some things Honda needs to incorporate IMHO.

 

The Fiesta does not have DI nor rear disc brakes. Yes it does offer a 6 speed DSG transmission, but with no manual gear selection.

A Fiesta was my first choice, had one reserved, but ended up with the Fit. The Civic, Aveo, Versa, Yaris, Xd, and Mini Cooper were also considered and test driven. Since I was buying a manual transmission car, all the various types of automatics, CVT, DSG, 4 and 5 speed torque converter (conventional), did not enter the equation.

 

Sorry, I was not talking about things unique to Fiesta, just current technology that might be useful. I would prefer MT also but my SO can't deal with it and one car makes sense for us. Since I bought the Fit I think it is the best choice also. I just think the next few years will bring lots of change in the auto industry and even though it might drive prices higher it will offer us things we can't imagine right now.