Millennial Motors: 2014 Ford Fiesta SFE and Fiesta ST

Small cars are becoming increasingly advanced, full of technology and comfortable, but all of those escalate prices. There are a few models available for consumers that are really looking for bare bones transportation, and the Ford Fiesta is one of them. As cars like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry get larger with each redesign, the Fiesta has stepped in to be a true, subcompact option for budget-minded city dwellers.

Ford Fiesta SFE

This SFE model covers the essentials: automatic door locks and windows, keyless entry, and a stereo. The optional comfort package adds heated front seats. This car is aimed at the no frills crowd, but what sets this car apart is its 1.0-liter, three cylinder EcoBoost (a.k.a. turbocharged) engine, mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. This is the only car offered in the U.S. with fewer than four cylinders, and it only comes with a row-your-own gearbox. The engine and transmission were the gem of the Fiesta, and were surprisingly delightful.

Yours truly, at the wheel. Photo by Kyle Baker.

The tiny engine has an unexpectedly satisfying exhaust note that really livens up if you run the car into the higher RPMs. Acceleration is not lightning quick, but it was faster than I had anticipated and a lot of fun to push when changing lanes or running down a freeway onramp. The clutch was predictable and easy to use, and the shifts were sufficiently crisp for a non-sport model.

Interior materials were hit and miss—some were soft and felt more upscale than an entry-level hatchback, others were hard and… clearly meant for an entry-level hatchback. The design of the center stack looks like it belongs in a spaceship. The whole thing looks alien to me. It is a little bit confusing to use at first, but becomes easier with a bit of familiarization, and the buttons and knobs felt good to operate. The worst part of the interior is definitely the climate controls. The knobs felt and sounded extremely cheap, and looked very busy. They function fine, but could use some work.

The cargo space isn’t large, but neither is the car.

This Fiesta SFE rang in at $18,190, a few thousand dollars below the average asking price of a new compact car. It is worth noting that this car is smaller than I realized at the start—there are sacrifices to be made when reaching down the ladder at smaller and cheaper models. My brother, Kyle, said that the backseat would be fine for a ride around town, but that long trips or seating three people in the back would be very uncomfortable. Cargo space is not great, but for one or two people it should be fine. Bells and whistles, including different entertainment systems, a larger engine, alloy wheels and an automatic transmission are available for additional money. But for what this car is, it really is not half bad.

The Fiesta SFE was a shocking thrill to drive, and seems to be an excellent option for the money. It is also capable of getting 32 city MPG, 45 highway MPG and 37 combined MPG according to the EPA estimates on the car’s window sticker. If coming in way under budget, gas mileage and city parking are priorities for consumers, this car fits the bill, and has a good time in the process. But there is one more trick up the Fiesta’s sleeve worth considering too:

Ford Fiesta ST

If you need a bit more pep (a lot more pep, even) and additional standard features in your life, the Fiesta ST is available for $24,985. Packed with a 197 horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder engine, this possibly the most fun thing you can find for the money.

This is the highest spec Fiesta available, and everything about this trim is different than other Fiestas. Almost all of the body panels, but especially the nose and the rear, are completely different. ST-only alloy wheels and different exhaust also differentiate the exterior, while special Recaro sport seats and interior colors change the interior.

The upgraded interior looks much better than the SFE’s.

The feel and handling of the Fiesta ST is extremely fun. If Ford Mustangs are like the pit bulls of the pound, the ST is like the small, energetic dog that just never stops moving. But in this case, that is an excellent quality—the steering is light and direct, the suspension has been stiffened up, and the exhaust is fun to listen to.

Acceleration is impressive, and the 6 speed manual transmission is fun to use. It is not as precise as other standard transmissions in this price range, like the Volkswagen GTI or Honda Civic Si, but those cars also cost more money.

I drove the Fiesta ST after having already driven two 2015 Mustangs, and this car’s personality definitely makes up for the power difference between the two. It was just as much fun to throw the little Fiesta ST around as the big muscle cars. If straight line speed is what you are looking for the Mustangs will always be the better choice. But for in-town fun on a lower budget, look no further than the Fiesta ST.

The backseat is still small, but that won’t matter to the driver because of the fun-factor of the ST. Photo by Kyle Baker.

New Model Preview: 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost and GT

One of the most thrilling things about being a journalist, especially in the automotive industry, is gaining access to products that are not on the market yet. In May I saw the next-generation Ford F-150 a full five months before going on sale. It was really fun. This week was even better, because I got to see, photograph and drive Ford’s most iconic vehicle that has been completely redesigned for 2015: the Mustang.

This iteration brings some exciting new technology and other changes from the previous Mustang. Strictly regarding the exterior, the 2015 is a distinct departure from the previous model because of its more interesting, fluid lines that lend a real sense of sophistication to the muscle car that were absent before. The elongated hood and elegant greenhouse also add a sense of overall style to this car. The last Mustang gave a much stronger impression of strength and overt masculinity. Some will probably miss the heftier, more muscular look of the outgoing model, but the new model is bound to win over a lot of people that maybe were not attracted to earlier Mustangs.

The Phoenix Automotive Press Association worked with Ford to make two pony cars available for a drive, a Mustang GT with the burly 5.0-liter V8, and a standard Mustang with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four cylinder (Ford jargon for turbocharged). My initial impressions of the cars were extremely favorable. I have always loved the idea of muscle cars like the Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, but have never really thought they were cars I would want to live with. My drive made me think otherwise.

Interior materials (on the whole) felt high quality and looked good. The center stack was a little bit busy looking in the model that was not equipped with navigation and fancier entertainment options, but a little bit more time and familiarization would make it easily manageable. The model with the large navigation/infotainment screen was much more handsome, and the system seemed logical.

The EcoBoost engine, which puts out 310 horsepower, was very fast and fun to drive—it will clearly be sufficiently fast for the majority of drivers, and the automatic transmission was smooth and responsive. The V8 makes a hefty 435 horsepower and a really satisfying growl on startup and a full on howl under throttle. It was paired with a smooth 6 speed manual. It was even faster, and never batted an eye at any request the driver made of it.

The yellow EcoBoost model looked identical from the outside as the 5.0-liter V8 model. Photo by Kyle Baker.

These two models represent the middle and upper trim levels that will be made available at launch—there will also be a V6 model that slots in below the EcoBoost engine to serve as the entry level Mustang.

My brother felt like the Mustang GT was almost too tame—not raucous enough to live up to what he felt like a top shelf Mustang should be. I felt like the GT had just the right blend of boy racer personality combined with a comfortable and livable cabin. But his comment did make me realize that the Mustang is capable of being an easy daily driver because of how calm it can be when it is not pushed hard; it does not feel the need to put on a big show all the time, but can get a little more wild when pushed. That seems a little contrary to the typical Mustang of years past, but it is everything that made me feel like Ford’s new muscle car was something I would want to have every day. We will see how others react to it when it goes on sale soon.

Photo by Kyle Baker.

Millennial Motors: 2014 Mazda3 Touring

The Mazda3 burst onto the scene a few years ago to critical acclaim. The following generation was popular and praised also. The third iteration arrived last year with less fanfare than most new cars, but probably deserves more attention than it has been getting.

The new 3 has not strayed from its fundamental principles of spirited driving and value. Many people might wonder if small cars have to be boring or flimsy, and Mazda has clearly found the answer: Never.

This iteration of the 3 comes in sedan and hatchback body styles and both come in three trim levels identical to the CX-5: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. I drove a Touring sedan that rang in at a hefty $25,695, but with a $1,000 dealer discount written in fluorescent orange on the windshield, bringing the car just within the $25,000 price cap.

Standard equipment at this price includes keyless entry and push-button start, 18 inch alloy wheels, heated “leatherette” seats, an “active driving display” (more on that later), and navigation among many others. Lesser models will come with smaller, less dynamic wheels, no navigation, cloth seats, etc. This model seemed loaded, but there is still a Grand Touring trim above this one that includes additional equipment. The little 3 I drove seemed to have everything most young people would be interested in regarding technology.

 

On the outside, the 3 has a sporty look, but with sufficient refinement to not feel too immature. The hatchback is arguably more handsome in profile, but the sedan is hardly an eyesore. The large alloy wheels and gray paint of my sedan tester worked really well, and would definitely set this car apart in a sea of other compacts.

The refined look and feel of the exterior translated to the interior, where all controls felt high quality and logical. The knob and control buttons on the center console, which control the navigation and stereo, were especially nice to feel and use, and operating the functions on the center screen was reasonably intuitive. As an added convenience, you can also touch the screen to control the systems if the knob seems cumbersome (but it won’t—it’s a nice setup).

Driving the 3 was easy and fun. The 184 horsepower four-cylinder engine is peppy and smooth, and the transmission’s manual mode and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters make the drive more engaging if anyone feels inclined to liven things up. Sight lines are clear, and the steering is direct and easy to anticipate. The new 3 will not break land speed records, but this car clearly provides the “zoom zoom” of the compact segment.

The “active driving display” offered on the Touring model is a small piece of glass that raises up and rests just above the instrument cluster at startup. The car’s current speed or navigation directions are projected onto the glass so that drivers never have to direct their eyes too far off the road to access essential information. It isn’t a selling feature that will steal away stalwart fans of Corollas and Civics, but it adds to the impressive list of features the 3 has that enhance driving. A blind spot warning system also adds to the safe operation of the 3 that other cars in this price range might not have.

It’s at the top end of the budget, but the 3 is clearly a noteworthy competitor in the packed area of vehicles around this price. If money is the holdup, the salesman also mentioned an additional $500 discount for college grads through a Mazda sponsored program, which could make that MSRP a little easier to swallow and make all the difference. The high end features and nice design (especially the interior, which echoes elements of current Audi cockpits) make for a compelling choice amid seas of more bland options.

Also available in hatchback form.

Millennial Motors: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Sport

Mazda is an automaker that has been around for awhile, and has really started earning a strong following in recent years. I initially drove onto the lot to look at a compact, the very successful Mazda3, but ended up finding a different product entirely that some young people would find extremely enticing—the CX-5

The world of baby SUVs (also known as crossovers or CUVs—compact utility vehicles—as some call them) has expanded tremendously over the last several years, and almost all automakers have one or more to offer. Mazda’s is arguably one of the most handsome models in its class. Unfortunately, these CUVs have a higher entry price than small sedans, coupes and hatchbacks. That means that this model, even though it was priced at $22,650, which makes it financially competitive with the Kia Forte Koup, it has much less standard equipment than the Kia. But many people feel safer in a CUV, and if more ground clearance, storage ability and ride height are an important factor as a buyer, the CX-5 is a good place to look.

Mazda labeled this car as a “Sport” model, which is misleading—it is the base model of the lineup, and Sport normally indicates a pricier performance variant. Higher trims are named “Touring” and “Grand Touring.” The CX-5 Sport comes with what is expected in a car these days: automatic windows, keyless entry, air conditioning, cloth seats and a stereo. They only feature this model had that other base model crossovers might not have is push button start. It’s convenient to not take your keys out of your pocket or purse to start the car, but isn’t necessarily a deal maker nor breaker. Otherwise, it doesn’t really come with anything else that is special.

The interior has a clean design— everything falls at hand where it belongs. Materials feel good, and sight lines are clear. A handy information screen inside the instrument cluster displays various information, including average fuel consumption and exterior temperature.

The backseat is also spacious. I left the driver’s seat in the position I would drive it in (and i’m 6 feet tall), and there was sufficient room in the backseat for me to sit comfortably. Otherwise, it was all business.

This particular model came with a 155 horsepower four cylinder with a manual transmission. As a car enthusiast, I was excited about the manual gearbox, but I know most will want to opt for the optional automatic transmission. The CX-5 isn’t particularly spirited on the road. It was hard to tell if it had to do with the awkward clutch, which was extremely light, or it’s just a sluggish engine. It’s probably the latter. But it’s easy to steer and handle, and the manual transmission puts up with everything I gave it.

 

EPA gas mileage estimates: 26 city, 35 highway, 29 combined.

Compared to all things that can be purchased in this price bracket, there are a lot of features available on different cars. But if someone is aching to get into a CUV instead of a compact car, the CX-5 is a comfortable and competent choice. It’s a matter of taste. I would opt for smaller cars that are both peppier and have more technology, including Mazda’s own compact, the Mazda3, but their crossover is a decent and good looking choice.

Cars and Coffee Tucson: Comforts of Home

Background: When I was searching the internet for some information regarding my post about Cars and Coffee Scottsdale, I happened upon the Facebook page of a local chapter of Cars and Coffee. I had attended the car show in Scottsdale multiple times over the previous year and could not believe that I had been missing out on Tucson’s very own event every month! The group of founders and attendees are every bit as enthusiastic and every bit as inviting as the group in Scottsdale. That inspired the radio piece embedded in this post. I’m tremendously proud of it, so please listen to it—all of the other words on this page come from it, so be sure to get the whole experience by checking out the audio.

While most people might be sleeping in or getting ready for an at-home project on a Saturday morning, car enthusiasts from throughout Tucson gathered at the AJ’s Fine Foods parking lot at La Encantada for an informal auto show on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Cars and Coffee Tucson meets every second Saturday of the month. To avoid the heat, the group gathers by 8 a.m. in the cooler months, and by 7 a.m. in the summer.

Aron Meyer, who helped organize the event over seven years ago after he purchased his Ferrari 355, loves the diversity of the attendees and their automobiles—teenagers to grandparents, economy cars to exotics.

“You have people with brand new Ferraris and Lamborghinis mingling with people, you know, with mid-90s Volkswagens,” he said.

Young children excitedly admired the cars of their dreams, and the owners, all a little more established than the younger attendees, chatted with other owners and friends or answered the questions of onlookers.

Meyer described Cars and Coffee as an opportunity for car lovers to get together for the fun of it, instead of for the rigid, competitive elements of traditional car shows that award prizes. There was a real sense of camaraderie at the show that he is proud of.

“The spirit of what we tried to kind of create when we first started getting together was that notion that it doesn’t matter what you have as long as you enjoy it, and you enjoy other people’s cars,” Meyer said.

While my personal car was not on display, I know that I will be headed back to make more friends and enjoy the opportunity to spend time with other motor heads.

Car-buying Assistance for College Grads

While I didn’t necessarily love what I drove yesterday at the Volkswagen dealership, the last thing that they tried to pitch to me before leaving the lot was pretty interesting. They sales manager there told me about the Volkswagen College Graduate Program (here is an official scan of the program brochure from VW itself).

In one last attempt to get me to buy a car that day, the sales manager approached me to ensure that things had not gone awry with my salesman, Scarly (seriously, that’s the name on his business card). I told him that Scarly had treated me well, but that it just wasn’t right for me that day. He asked me about my buying timeframe. “Well, I graduate in December, so I’m looking around at a lot of things,” I said. That’s when he told me about the special financing options for college grads.

Many young adults that are about to graduate or just finished their degrees have never had a true, professional job before. They do not have a lot of credit to their name, so their ability to buy a car and finance it at a reasonable interest rate is limited. Volkswagen’s program aims to help people who will graduate within six months or have graduated within the last 12 months resolve that.

As the sales manager tells it, as long as the purchaser has an official offer letter from an employer before or after graduation (or proof of employment if he or she has already started working with the company), Volkswagen will treat the buyer as if they have “A+ credit,” which will lower monthly interest rates and possibly grant approval for more money, and thus a bigger/newer/fancier car, than elsewhere.

Even though I didn’t really like the Jetta, that doesn’t mean someone else can’t love it and really want it. There are a lot of other cars on that lot besides Jettas too, so for the Millennials that might not have a favorable financial history (or any financial history, for that matter), it might be worth a look at Volkswagen to see if their money team can help them on the road in a new car.

Millennial Motors: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SE

As one of the only entry-level German cars on the American market, the Volkswagen Jetta definitely has a different feel about it, both inside and out. It’s a little more reserved aesthetically and aims to be a little more sophisticated than its competitors, and those qualities have made it a success here in the U.S. However, as a prospective buyer, I was unimpressed with arguably the most important aspect of the car—the price.

The interior is clean and easy to use.

Here is what makes the Jetta feel more “sophisticated” than a lot of other cars this size: this car has a lot of small design elements that are really nicely executed. The overall look of the interior is very adult, whereas many compact cars have kitschy or juvenile touches to appeal to “young people,” which inevitably age really poorly and look tacky in a few years. The Jetta lacks those completely. The materials, while pretty hard to the touch, all look high quality and really give the cabin a nice sense of maturity. The brushed metal around and on the gearshift, the feel of the steering wheel mounted buttons, the climate control knobs all feel really good to use. It just doesn’t look like a spazzy compact car inside, which is great.

This model had a sufficiently peppy 170 horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine. It will serve anyone’s basic needs in town, and the transmission is an exceptionally smooth dual clutch set up designed for that. This particular Jetta also came equipped with alloy wheels, a sunroof, Bluetooth phone pairing, and heated leather seats. It was easy to see out of and drive, and was comfortable.

The gauges are easy to read, but the information display is low-tech compared to other compacts.

What this Jetta doesn’t have, however, is quite a significant list of standard features or options that competitors have for the same price as this non-optioned model. For example, this car did not come with a backup camera, navigation, automatic climate control, an impressive audio system, and even fog lights, to name a few. At this price point, many other automakers have all of those accouterments. To have the sophisticated design of the Jetta and the toys requires stretching the budget to the $29,000 mark where these other options can be had.

Don’t feel bogged down by demerits—this is definitely a nice car that is fine to drive. It clearly serves many people well. But if toys and some additional pizazz within a lower budget is the highest priority (as it is for me), the Jetta is not the right car. It could do with just a bit more visual excitement on the outside and whole lot of things on the inside to make it a viable option for a tech-dependent millennial. The value just isn’t there for me to feel like it is worth more consideration.

EPA gas mileage estimates: 25 city, 36 highway, 29 combined.

A completely new Jetta should be out within the next few years, and Volkswagen will definitely need to address some of these drawbacks to keep their compact competitive with the others on the market. Until then I would keep looking elsewhere.

Millennial Motors: 2014 Kia Forte Koup

The world of compact cars is an extremely full and fiercely competitive arena. There are the ever-stalwart veterans that we all know well (and have quite possibly owned): the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Competition from Korean and American automakers have always been in the fight too, but haven’t proved themselves as worthy opponents until recently. I want to drive as many cars in the compact segment as I can to see how they measure up.

The top end of the Millennial generation has had some buying power for a few years, and the bottom end is approaching college, careers and the related benefits (like new cars) that come with that. The price cap on my test drives will be $25,000, and this column will serve a primer for these young people, and sometimes not-so-young, as they look at all the new compacts on the market.

Enter the redesigned 2014 Kia Forte:

Kia introduced the first generation Forte a number of years ago, and it was a pretty nice little car. The 2014 model is a complete redesign, and it is a major step forward, both inside and out.

The new Forte comes in three shapes—a sedan, a five door hatchback, and the two door Koup. Models can start below the $20,000 mark and still come with plenty of standard features. I drove a well-equipped, gray Forte Koup that stickered for $24,970 before dealer incentives and was immediately impressed.

The front looks a bit like a guppy, but is otherwise very handsome.

The rear is tasteful yet sporty, and the LED taillights look great, especially at night.

It’s a handsome car that is much more attractive than many of its competitors. Behind the wheel it feels completely competent, with enough power to get moving when you want to. Don’t expect to drag race anyone, but it will accelerate fast enough for all essential in-town and freeway maneuvers and still have a little left over for fun. The Forte comes with electrically assisted steering instead of a traditional hydraulic setup, which sometimes feels uncomfortable and strange depending on the automaker, but the Kia is easy and natural to steer. After a few minutes of familiarization, this car is easy to drive and feel comfortable in.

The “well equipped” interior is an absolute understatement at this price point—I was shocked to get in the car and find that its list of features includes navigation, a sunroof, heated and cooled leather seats (only the driver’s cools, both driver and passenger heat), Bluetooth phone connectivity and music streaming, and push button start. A huge majority of those amenities are pricey add-ons in BMWs and Audis. This is a major score for Kia against those premium brands, and puts up significant competition for other cars in its own segment.

The layout of the interior is logical and inviting. The materials feel segment appropriate—nothing overly luxurious, but not too cheap either. The gauges are clear and easy to read, and the multi-color information screen nestled between the dials is an excellent touch. It can be toggled between MPG statistics, stereo information and other car settings.

The only problem I had with the interior was the low headliner, which was clearly caused by the sunroof. (A car’s headliner drops a inch or so to accommodate the gear required to move a sunroof.) My hair kept brushing the fabric. I am 6 feet tall, which isn’t excessively giant, though I would bet that my hair was styled a bit on the tall side. Buyers taller than 6 feet should be mindful of that and be sure they can be comfortable in the cabin if they are considering the Forte.

It looks bland in photos, but the interior is comfortable and attractive.

EPA gas mileage estimates: 25 city, 34 highway, 28 combined.

A funny feature the Forte has are these power retractable mirrors. Press the button on the door panel and they move in. Press it again and they move out. There is also a setting that will automatically fold them in when the car is shut off, and extend them when turned back on. The salesman kept talking to me about the navigation system, but I was in awe of the self propelled mirrors!

After the dealer discounts, the asking price for this Forte Koup was $22,031. I knew I was only there for a drive and an assessment, but it was hard to walk away without at least considering buying it for myself.  That is a lot of car for a not a lot of money, and it is clear that the bar has been set for the other cars in this segment. I definitely recommend taking look at the Kia Forte in all its iterations for anyone on the market for a car in this price range and this size, looking for the creature comforts of a class or two (or three!) above a compact.

Cars and Coffee: Like a Second Family

Haig Lodigan sat in a camping chair next to his red, 2006 Lamborghini Murciélago and puffed on a cigar. The car was parked in a handicap space, the blue handicap placard hanging clearly from his rear view mirror. Lodigan himself was parked alongside it in his chair like a proud grandfather watching his grandchildren playing in the front yard.

“It’s a beautiful specimen,” he said. “It’s wonderful driving it. It’s exhilarating.”

Lodigan was just one of many car owners and hundreds of spectators that came to Cars and Coffee at The SHOPS Gainey Village on Saturday morning as part of their monthly ritual. Drivers begin showing up well before 7 a.m. to grab a coffee at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and mingle with their auto enthusiast acquaintances.

“I have a lot of friends here, and we have a lot in common,” he said. “And I enjoy seeing some of these spectacular cars.”

The cars tend to be rare, expensive and relatively modern, although there are cars that many would consider “affordable” in terms of sports cars. Many come as factory stock models, while others are modified to be faster, lower and flashier. Automakers from Italy (Ferrari, Lamborghini), Germany (Audi, BMW), the U.S. (Cadillac, Dodge), Japan (Nissan, Toyota), and others were represented at the show. The crowd paid particular attention to the Ferrari Enzo—the marquee’s extremely rare, post-2000’s super car.

Andrea, the general manager of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, said that Cars and Coffee has been going on for years in that particular shopping center—as long as she has been there, anyway. Another employee there said that they always anticipate the day of the show because there is a “different energy” in the customers. It’s fun to see the cars roll in, he said, and the line to buy a coffee stretches out the door for most of the morning.

Cars and Coffee events take place throughout the world. According to the Cars and Coffee website, U.S. locations include San Francisco, Las Vegas and Dallas, to name just a few. A quick Google search shows other events that go by the same name in Indianapolis, Houston, Tucson and other areas throughout the country.

The Scottsdale group meets on the first Saturday of each month. The atmosphere of the whole event is friendly and exciting—everyone is happy to talk to other people that have the same interests. Owners and spectators alike have a lot of fun, regardless of the muggy, desert morning heat and bright sun. They all get each other. They all get me.

Drivers often park their car alongside others of the same make or era.

The local McLaren dealership shows three examples of their entry model, the 650S.

A crowd gathers to see the Ferrari Enzo.

A man photographs the Ferrari Enzo.

Lodigan (seated) chats with an onlooker.

A teenage boy matches the bright green paint of the McLaren 650S.

Makeup Assignment: Community College Assists Refugees

Pima Community College offers free English classes at varying levels to help the immigrant and refugee population of Tucson. These classes, as described by Dean of Adult Education Regina Suitt, help these foreign friends have the skills necessary to succeed in the US.

Even though 6,000 people take these classes annually, Suitt says there is a waiting list to get in, and that more can be done to help these people.