Agile and feature-laden, the 2012 Ford Fiesta SEL represents the pinnacle of an already admirable lineup. This handsome 5-passenger subcompact sedan offers nearly 13 cubic feet of trunk space, standard 16-inch painted alloy wheels and heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, with a leather steering wheel and simulated alloy dash, door and shift knob accents dressing up the cabin. Further standard interior goodies include telescoping tilt-wheel steering, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, a trip computer, electrochromatic rear-view mirror and front floor mats. An 80-watt audio system, meanwhile, includes a single-CD player, 6 speakers, satellite radio and a USB connection, while communications are handled by phone pre-wiring and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. Ford’s popular SYNC hands-free audio technology is available to the Fiesta SEL, as are push-button start, a power moonroof, rear carpeted floor mats, two-toned leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats and remote engine start.
The only engine available to the front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) 2012 Fiesta SEL sedan is a 120-hp, variable-valve-timed (VVT) 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder powerplant. The four-banger mates with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed dual-clutch auto-manual transmission to pound out 112 lb-ft of torque, with mileage estimated at 29 mpg city/37 highway for the stick-shift and an impressive 30/40 with the 6-speed auto-manual.
Safety-wise, the 2012 Fiesta SEL boasts standard 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. Additional standard safety equipment includes turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a post-collision safety system, and Ford’s new 911 Assist emergency alert communications system.
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