Nuts & Bolts: 2013 Ford Fiesta

Bottom line: It’s time for a major redo of the Fiesta. Ford might look at the new Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Elantra, both of which use their share of renewable and recyclable materials but have managed to present themselves as class acts.

Ride, acceleration and handling: Okay in all respects. There’s nothing sensational, but it gets the A-to-B job done reliably.

Head-turning quotient: Cute body and semi-“Star Wars” interior. It works, for a while.

Body style/layout: The Ford Fiesta is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive subcompact economy car available as a sedan and a hatchback. For 2013, The Fiesta Titanium replaces the Fiesta SES as the top model in a line that also includes the base S and the tested SE.

Engine/transmissions: The 2013 Ford Fiesta comes standard with a 1.6-liter, 16-valve in-line four-cylinder engine (120 horsepower, 112 foot-pounds of torque). The engine is linked to a standard five-speed manual gearbox. There is an optional six-speed automatic that also can be operated manually.

Capacity: There are seats for five people. Cargo capacity is 12.8 cubic feet. The fuel tank holds 12.4 gallons (regular-grade gasoline is recommended).

Fuel economy: Using the six-speed automatic transmission, I got 27 miles per gallon in the city and nearly 40 on the highway.

Safety: Standard equipment includes front disc and rear drum brakes, anti-lock brake protection, electronic stability and traction control, and side and head air bags.

Price: The 2013 Ford Fiesta SE has a base price of $15,200. Dealer’s invoice price on that model is $14,630. Price as tested is $17,090, including $1,095 for the optional six-speed automatic transmission and a $795 destination charge. Dealer’s price as tested is $16,403.

Hint: The Ford Fiesta is a slow seller. You can bargain.