I do so love me a hot hatch. There's something about lots of power and performance in a teeny-tiny package that gets me going. Perhaps it's my kindred feeling of all things little (being vertically challenged myself), and the fact that I'm always so impressed when something so minute can do so much.
Immediately, Shakespeare's words from
A Midsummer Night's Dream came to mind. Yes, the Fiesta is little, but it is fierce and that's what makes it so enjoyable to drive and well worth the dollars Ford demands for it -- and I'd own one, without a doubt.
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What is the Ford Fiesta ST?
Essentially, the Fiesta ST is a regular Fiesta all hopped up on a fabulous combination of speed and steroids. The Fiesta nameplate has been around at Ford since the mid-‘70s, but this latest iteration hit our North American shores in 2010. With fancy new looks, loaded to the gills with technology and an EcoBoost engine under the bonnet, the Fiesta ST is a hot hatch if ever there was one.
2014 Ford Fiesta ST Price & Specs
While the basic Fiesta starts at $14,499, the overzealous and rambunctious Fiesta ST will set you back a bit more with a starting price of $24,999. Is it really worth the $10k more? Hell, yes.
The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST comes one way only (as in: you can have any colour you want, as long as it's black): with a 1.6L EcoBoost turbocharged I4 engine coupled with a lovely 6-speed transmission that'll push 197 horses and 202 lb-ft of torque. That's OK in my books. No transmission options are offered, and power is pushed out the front wheels only.
Sometimes fewer options are better, and really why would you want to change something that's already put together and executed so well?
Driving the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST
Did I have fun? You bet. Did I have plenty of room for my 2-year-old son in the back all week? Of course. Did I drive as easily on snow-covered roads as I did on dry cement? Surprisingly, yes. Would I do it all again week after week? Damn straight.
Power-to-weight ratio is fabulous and feels similar, if not on par, with the MINI Cooper S. This is a well-balanced, easy-to-pilot hot hatch that's willing to give then give some more. The EcoBoost engine is performance driven, and no matter what gear you're in the 2014 Fiesta ST has oomph. Turbo lag is nearly non-existent, and rowing through the gears (up or down) is a breeze. Pedal placement is ideal for sporty manoeuvres, and steering is spot-on with great response (though I do wish the wheel were a bit smaller).
My only complaint, truly, is the suspension. It's great for cornering and evasive play on the road, however, it is quite harsh in everyday circumstances. When your 2-year-old says the word “bumpy” more than he says the word “go” in the backseat of the Ford Fiesta ST, you know there's an issue somewhere.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST
I adore the proportions of the Ford Fiesta ST; squat, short, and a little round I feel a kindred connection to the ST. It's not all bubbles and soft lines though, as the ST has an aggressive front lip and side skirts, as well as a sporty roof spoiler off the rear. Decked out in Performance Blue, with a slate-grey interior, my Fiesta ST looked the part of hot hatch from nose to tail.
Inside the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST, the most noticeable and talked about feature are the standard front Recaro bucket seats that are also heated. Tight fitting and comfortable, these seats are designed to hold you in place no matter how hard you throw the little Fiesta ST around. While I fit quite well, I think larger (taller and wider) occupants will find the seats a tad too snug, and perhaps even uncomfortable.
As always, Ford's SYNC system was tolerable but not perfect. Bluetooth worked 60% of the time without being prompted and the touchscreen was slow to respond most of the time (which was sometimes due to the extreme cold temperatures we experienced that week).
Comparing the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST
What a fabulous category filled with superbly fun-to-drive hatchbacks. From the Volkswagen GTI to the MINI Cooper S, and even the Honda Civic Si and Chevy Sonic RS, there are some fantastic choices in this segment. Each has its redeeming qualities, and most are in the same price range. Truthfully, I'd spring for the MINI Cooper S over the Fiesta ST, but if I was on a tighter budget (under $30k final price), I'd take the Fiesta ST home every time.
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