All About Japan Autos

When many shoppers look for a customizable affordable small car, the Mini Cooper’s racing stripes and fun, retro colors come to mind. However, in the near feature, shoppers may start adding the Fiesta, one of Ford’s most popular and well-liked vehicles to that list. For 2012, the Ford Fiesta is getting personal.

Ford is expanding its offerings by adding three packages that all allow shoppers to tweak the Fiesta’s looks to suit their personal tastes. With the sport appearance package different components, such as the side mirrors, headlamps, license plate header and upper hatch spoiler will be blacked out. The package also adds 16-inch alloy wheels. Ford says this package enhances performance when shoppers choose a manual transmission.

“‘The Fiesta customer loves accessories and personalization. These packages extend the desire the customer has to make the car more tailored to his or her own personal tastes,’” Lew Echlin, Ford’s Global Car marketing manager states in a press release. “‘Personalization has been key since the Fiesta launched, and with the new packages we’re featuring the latest design trends so customers can do even more with their car.’”

Ford also adds two premium interior packages. These will only be available on higher trims, the SEL and SES. Ford says that “the packages feature high-contrasting interior accent colors in Oxford White or Race Red that are strategically placed throughout the interior of the vehicle, similarities that can be seen in the latest collections in fashion and home design.” The colors will carry throughout the interior, and accent the seats and door panels.

The automaker hasn’t released pricing information, but according to Inside Line, pricing will be announced closer to the 2012 Fiesta’s fall debut. But keep in mind that you won’t pay any less than $16,320, which is the base price for the SEL sedan.

Shopping for a 2011 Ford Fiesta? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars. Then, look for a great deal on a new car by checking out this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter.