SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The media launch of the highly anticipated Ford Fiesta was anything but a disappointment.  We had previously driven the European version of the Fiesta and were anxious to experience the North American version. While Europe has both a five and three door hatchback, North America will have a choice of a four door sedan and the five door hatch. The differences between the two North American choices were significant and compelling.

The five door hatch was a near match to the European version; taut with near flawless handling, responsive to the most minute driver input. It was well balanced and the 120 horsepower automatic handled the tight turns and sweeping switchbacks of our mountain and coastal drive route with ease. Use of a low gear or the hill start assist tool kept the automatic from overworking and gear hunting.

Then there is the sedan. It is extraordinary what some added length to accommodate a trunk and an additional hundred pounds in the rear can do. The sedan lost the tight feel of the five-door; steering at the top was a bit sloppy and thereby taking a tad longer to accept the input and while the suspension is identical the sedan’s performance was less athletic. The sedan is a good looking car but it lacks the exciting look and charm of the five-door. But there is no doubt that the sedan will serve the purpose of a small family on a budget extremely well. The five-door will do the same but with more driving excitement. It all depends on how you want to attack the road.

Base equipment includes electronic power steering, air conditioning, power mirrors, tilt and telescoping wheel, electronic stability control and seven airbags including a driver knee airbag. Up one level and add CD/MP3 capability, power locks, remote keyless entry and power windows. With the top-line there is a premium audio system, speed control, satellite radio with a six-month subscription and the Ford SYNC system. Also available on Fiesta is AppLink software that will run Pandora and Stitcher from selected smartphones by voice through the SYNC system.

The top-line sedan and five-door had a base price of $16,995 including destination. Heated seats, leather, push button start and a perimeter alarm added another $1,510 to each and automatic added $1,070.

— Ted Biederman