By Bryan Redeker
This past weekend, Ford was on hand at the All-Ford Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania with a drop dead gorgeous white Fiesta hatchback. Ford had set up an autocross course and was allowing people to test drive the Fiesta on the course. I was able to get an exclusive interview with Shawn Patula who is known as Spatakula on FocalJet and FiestaFaction. Shawn drives one of the very best looking SVT Focuses I have ever seen, and he is also a talented driver.
Bryan: What is your first reaction upon seeing a Fiesta in person?
Shawn: I initially thought it looked much nicer in person than in the pics. I LOVE the styling of the car. It is nothing too drastic but has a very sharp and clean look to it. Major curb appeal and the only car in its class that has yet to grab me based on looks.
Bryan: What do you think of the interior, seats, ect? Where you comfortable in the car?
Shawn: I was surprised on how high the roof line was (much like a Focus) but it gives for TONS of headroom at an upright seating position. I am 6’5 and I sat up as straight as an arrow, still having a comfortable amount of headroom. I did move the seat completely back but didn’t tweak it too much to find a comfortable fit. The overall interior space was deceiving from the exterior of the car.
Bryan: Anything you did not like or wish was different?
Shawn: Nothing that I can think of.
Bryan: What is your impression of the handing of the Fiesta on course? Steering, gear shifts, brakes, ect how did they feel to you?
Shawn: I will admit, I was definitely giggling when I ripped around the first corner. Granted the car did have after market wheels and tires to help with the handling but the chassis stayed pretty stiff and flat amongst the flogging. Some body roll but nothing too drastic to slow the pace. I wasn’t exactly “babying” her through the corners but for a car in stock form, the handling was more than acceptable. Any car you can get some 3 wheel action going on in a dinky auto-x course in stock form pretty much tells the tale on how the car handles.
The gear shifting was easy. Beyond easy. Almost like it really wasn’t a 5 speed. Not to say it was a slush box but just easy to get the hang of. I think I could teach my 85 year old grandmother to drive a standard with this car.
The brakes seem to work just fine for the course. I missed an apex around one sharp corner, tapped the brakes, and then immediately got right back into the fun.
Bryan: Where you happy with the 1.6L engine?
Shawn: I did like it. 1st gear was torquey. 2nd gear kind of chugged along, almost falling flat on its face if you didn’t hit the right rpms with a quick shift, but that expected with a motor of its size.
Bryan: Anything you would want changed for the US version?
Shawn: An EcoBoost ST version please.
Bryan: Did the Fiesta live up to your expectations? What are your thoughts about the Fiesta as an entire package after driving one?
Shawn: The car was fun. Plain and simple. Every person that drove the car that day left the car with a smile on their face. At first glance, I was already intrigued by the car. Now with the test drive, I really can say that this is a great car.
Video Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWBq9D38KrA
Pictures from the event are located here:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/SPATAKULA710/DSC00994.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/SPATAKULA710/DSC01003.jpg
I also was at the All Ford Nationals (as I live in Carlisle…), and test drove the Fiesta as well as a couple of the other vehicles they had on hand – I loved how it drove! I probably would purchase an automatic though, as my fiance doesn’t know how to drive manual, and it’s more practical for my commute to work in poor traffic.
Can’t wait for this car to come out though… Wish it was this year instead of the beginning of next.
I too wish it was out right now! There is no doubt that i would buy the car I am driving for the Fiesta Movement. My wife can’t drive a stick either, so her Escape is an automatic. I hope to teach her some day, so she can enjoy driving my cars as well. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the Fiesta test drive!