For this new installment, tb-two* tags along for a test ride with Peter Couture, Daily Driver columnist for tbt* and the Times.

GUY’S TAKE, DYLAN DUSSEAULT
St. Petersburg Catholic

*DISCLAIMER* These assessments are made from a passenger perspective, along with a couple of carefully placed questions to our expert driver where I think I might have masked the fact that I know close to nothing about cars.

COOL FACTOR: If you’re into manly cars this isn’t for you. Even in black, its shape seemed a bit too feminine for my taste and it lacked the engine roar that every young man dreams of in a car. It did have a push button start (for when you’re too lazy to stick in a key and twist), seats with cool stitching on them (which were pretty comfortable), and cup-holders that glow blue in the dark. It has a sync system for your phone, iPod, etc., as well as satellite radio. I was pleasantly surprised by the speakers, which managed to crank out Pearl Jam at full volume without getting fuzzy.
FUN-DRIVE FACTOR: Our long-legged driver informed us that the foot well was a little tight for him, but like any small car it handles well. When we took a turn onto the highway I also noticed that its acceleration was pretty good. If you’re into manual driving, it shifts quite easily.
DATE-CAR FACTOR: If you’re a guy looking to impress your girlfriend’s father with your masculinity, this is not the car for you. It’s small, has the engine roar of a Prius and (I repeat) it’s a chick car. If you’re a girl going to pick up your boyfriend, get a more chivalrous boyfriend. If you’re into long good nights, you could either look at the backseat as cramped or cozy.
PARENTAL FACTOR: There was nothing particularly extraordinary about the Fiesta’s safety features. However, I somehow don’t see this car building up a record of getting wrapped around poles, so you should be good with parental approval.
PRICE:  As driven, the Fiesta SES goes for $18,590 (including delivery fee). You’ll save on gas though, because it gets 28 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway.
REPORTER’S NOTE: If you ever have a very specific (and somewhat incriminating) need to transport things or people you perhaps should not, our field test proved that a person easily fits inside the small hatchback. There’s even a built-in cover to prevent suspicion.

GIRL’S TAKE, TAYLOR SCHULTZ
Northeast High

*DISCLAIMER* Small, compact cars aren’t my thing; I enjoy Jeeps and trucks.

COOL FACTOR: Despite my preference for heavier duty transportation, I have to admit I could see myself driving a Ford Fiesta. Its size and options make it easy, and its curvy, sporty body is appealing. Not to mention the smooth ride. I didn’t feel a single bump in the road on our test run. The iPod jack, XM option and great stereo system (no static!) ensure no one will miss you arriving with the windows down. One quibble, the readout for the radio controls and hands-free phone hookup is a single color (red), making it seem more old school than brand new.

DATE-CAR FACTOR: The Fiesta runs with a quiet engine; it’s nice not to have to yell above the roar. If showing off a loud power engine is your thing, the Fiesta is not for you.

PARENTAL FACTOR: I think this would be a good car for first drivers. The safety features include hands-free phone usage, which should help them believe you when you say you don’t dial and drive at the same time.