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I saw the Fiesta at the KC Auto show and did more research. Apparently, that 6 speed transmission is interesting in that it has no torque converter. It's supposed to be like two manual transmissions bolted together, so that one hands off to the other with mechanical clutches. Brings to mind some transmission of the past that were too complex for their own good. Ford says they are maintenance free, but on wonders about those clutches. And is the 2mpg difference worth the trouble? Can a eco-minded driver make up the difference in driving habits with a manual? And what about those underbody shields and grille blockers? Can they be ordered separately? The cool thing is that someone has been paying attention to mods that work, if they are adding them to new cars.
Fiesta would be my choice after looking over all the cars at the show. But I'm anxious to see the new Chevy Spark. I've read terrrrible things about the new CRX, trying to be a "hybred" and the extra weight making the car slow and horrible. It gets 37 with all that complexity, and isn't really fast. Heck, my old Cobalt could do that. I think Ford has it right with the Fiesta.
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