It would launch the subcompact Fiesta in the United States this summer as a small car produced to challenge Japanese brands, Ford Motor Co. has said.

The Detroit Free Press reported on Monday that Frank Davis, Ford's executive director of product development, said, "Fiesta really gives us an opportunity to go directly after the Japanese. Small cars have been the stronghold for them ... This is an opportunity for us to pick up some share."

The newspaper also said that excluding destination charges, the Fiesta would be priced at $13,320 for a four-door version and $15,120 for a hatchback.

Although price is an issue, analysts said the Fiesta, the best-selling car in Europe, could go head-to-head with the Honda Fit, priced at $14,900, the Toyota Yaris, costing $12,615 or the $9,990 Nissan Versa.

Jim Hall, managing director of 2953 Analytics, said, "My concern about the car is that it is priced too high for the Ford nameplate. A fully loaded Fiesta costs more than a fully loaded Focus right now."

The Fiesta was called "a little bit pricey but it has an excellent presence and driving dynamics," by George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. (With Inputs from Agencies)