True, it'll take a while because Americans generally aren't the pushovers Europeans are proving to be - the oil companies see an opportunity to crank the prices up using "diminishing" fossil fuel as an excuse, when in fact, a look at their profits tells us the true story.
I don't know about europeans but for the most part our Fuel's exorbitant pricing is a result of taxation.
The actual cost of oil, while it has risen, is not a complete blame for the price of oil.
And the US will likely invade another country instead of the dreaded "raising taxes" headline.
Appeal "to their ego"...? So you're saying that people over-compensating for other shortcomings (no pun intended!) with huge, lumbering dinosaurs are to be encouraged? IMO it's fine if someone wants an SUV - but not just because they want to bear down on other road users and use the car as a battering ram (SUV drivers are statistically 4-times more likely to be driving whilst using a handheld mobile phone, for example). I wouldn't want to tell people what they could and couldn't buy/drive, because no-one's going to do that to me, but many Americans seem especially excessive with their choices and there doesn't seem to be a good enough reason for it (most of them can't even claim to be car enthusiasts or interested in what they're driving, they just want something huge for the sake of bragging).
I am by no means telling people what to drive. I have a large sedan myself that technically I don't need but It's comfortable and does what it is intended to do.
The problem as i see it is that the popularity of such vehicles is based almost solely on a fashion and height aspect.
OK, I recognise the point you're trying to make with reference to the "4,000lb truck", and yes - some of the vehicles on America's roads would make for an almighty headache in an accident with a "normal" car...although I actually don't think that these days there would be much difference in the end result of impacts between said truck and say Renault Clio and a Renault Megane (despite the cars being of different sizes). The reason? The latest-gen superminis ARE as safe as bigger cars - safer, in fact, than some of the older larger cars that are on the roads worldwide (I'd rather be the EURO NCAP dummy in the Peugeot 207's tests than the BMW E36 3-Series tests).
I'm not doubting the new Fiesta's safety credentials when placed up against an offset crash barrier.
I'm doubting it wouldn't peel the hell open when pummelled by a Ford Excursion.
Secondly: Many new superminis are actually taller (go figure
) than the same manufacturer's larger cars, therefore if the hypothetical truck's going to go right over the top of them it would have gone right over the top of a "normal" sized car too.
We're not talking about a normal car. the Supermini is still lighter, generally more cheaply constructed and if you buy the poverty spec model not as safe as it could be.
Yeah, once again: You're right in what you say, that size does "matter" on American roads - but the point I'm trying to make is that it matters too much and for no good reason. It seems as though some people choose a huge truck just to compete with others, and that, you must admit, is a little ridiculous.
I agree that size is a big issue (no pun intended) but for the most part some of these large vehicles are used for large purposes. towing, construction etc.
And The competition is ridiculous. but by the same token aren't manufacturers of supermini's making their cars bigger as well?
I don't understand the reason for you making that comment, if I'm honest. I'll compare things to the C4 (or any other car and anything else) when relevant (why not?), just as I would do if I were looking to replace the C4 with something else. If something, from my point of view, isn't as "good" as what I have for whatever reason, I'll state that as the reason for me not wanting it. For example: I wouldn't want an iBook G3 because I have a PowerBook G4. If I've completely missed the point please say so though!
I just wouldn't want a mac
While this started as a throwaway remark, I must also comment that comparing this car to a car a class above it in size and cost is probably not the smartest idea either.
Largely true, although it simply doesn't have to be that way. This generation of Fiesta could be one of the first to make a massive difference by bucking the 'supersize me' trend - and that's something to look forward to.
Just by the photos and dimensions, thats not going to happen.
Rule number 1 of manufacturing: give the customer what they want.
At the moment, thats size with efficiency.
Yeah, let's hope that Ford/Mazda are successful with their new small cars and that it'll prompt other manufacturers to follow suit.
Ford aren't really known for starting trends. but I think the Mazda 2 is definately a step in the right direction. but it does require a concerted effort.
Yeah, good point. Just to clear things up: The purpose of the comment was really just to illustrate the kind of attitude that I find small minded. I wasn't trying to accuse you of being small-minded if my comment looked that way.