Ford's all-new 2011 Fiesta received an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified 40 mpg rating, making it the most fuel efficient car in its class.

The Ford Fiesta 40 mpg, achieved with Ford's new six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, is 5 mpg better than the Honda Fit and 4 mpg better than the Toyota Yaris.

"The new Fiesta is yet another car in Ford's lineup that delivers class-leading fuel economy," said Barb Samardzich, vice president, global powertrain engineering. "From Super Duty to Fusion Hybrid and the new Mustang V-6, Ford is committed to fuel economy leadership with every new vehicle it introduces in all segments."

Fiesta's class-leading fuel efficiency follows Fusion Hybrid - America's most fuel efficient midsize sedan - and other fuel economy champs such as the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Ranger pickup. 

To increase fuel economy, Fiesta features a new 1.6-liter Duratec engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that delivers 120 horsepower, an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and an engine accessory drive system that improves efficiency by reducing the energy it takes to power the air conditioner and alternator.  

In addition, the Fiesta also features electric power-assisted steering, aerodynamic optimizations and the PowerShift transmission, a six-speed automatic that combines the fuel benefits of a manual with the convenience of an automatic.

"We worked hard to deliver the class-leading fuel economy Ford is becoming synonymous for," said Steve Pintar, Fiesta chief nameplate engineer. "To be the only vehicle in the segment to deliver 40 mpg is something we feel consumers will appreciate."

The 2011 Fiesta with standard five-speed manual transmission is EPA rated at 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

Fiesta is built for North American markets at Ford's manufacturing facility in Cuautitlan, Mexico. The vehicle goes on sale in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles - with the sedan starting at $13,995, including destination charges - at Ford dealerships this summer.