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- Highs Excellent handling, slick-shifting manual transmission, competitive storage space.
- Lows Drab interior, limited rear-seat legroom, quicker acceleration would be nice.
- Verdict The Fiesta ST, with it zesty engine, manual gearbox, and corner-carving prowess, delivers an outstanding fun-per-dollar ratio.
Overview
The pint-sized Ford Fiesta ST's sport-tuned suspension and six-speed-manual-only gearbox can make amateur drivers believe they’ve found a new day job. A 197-hp turbocharged inline-four feeds the front wheels, and a brake-based torque-vectoring system aids agility. Recaro sport seats and blacked-out rims are racy upgrades. Style-wise, this spicy hatchback is the right amount of mild versus wild. Too bad its pedestrian interior suffers from a tight back seat, econocar materials, and few standard features. Most important, though, the Fiesta ST is seriously fun to drive, plenty practical, and readily affordable.
What's New for 2017?
First introduced as a 2014 model, the Fiesta ST immediately earned our praise for its playful nature. Fortunately, Ford has refrained from fiddling with that formula. All that’s new for 2017 is an exterior color, Orange Spice Metallic.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $22,015
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A six-speed row-your-own gearbox is the only available transmission in the Fiesta ST, and it pairs with a zesty, turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four. The miniature mill makes 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque. In our tests, the easy-shifting six-speed stick matched our spirited enthusiasm, although The Fiesta's acceleration lagged behind some rivals. But its exuberant handling easily makes up for the shortfall in straight-line speed. Thrashing the ST around twisty two-lanes, deserted parking lots, and backwater byways is endlessly enjoyable. And, surprisingly, comfort isn’t compromised by the firm suspension. Ford’s engineers did a fantastic job of pinpointing the best balance of daily-commute ride compliance and corner-carving control.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Without the optional Recaro seats and the scattered ST badging, the interior could be confused for the boring cabin of the standard Fiesta. The ST’s exceptional value and road-loving personality make that flaw easier to excuse, but its tight back-seat legroom and limited number of options are harder to forgive. The mostly plastic interior at least appeared to be carefully assembled, with consistent fits. Our test car was equipped with the Recaro sport seats that lock you in place and improve the driver-chassis connection. The snug buckets might not be comfortable for all body types, but they’re mighty supportive. The ST's storage space is competitive with bigger rivals. But those looking for an optimal hauling companion will find better suitors—at a higher price.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system is as user-friendly as the rest of the Fiesta ST. It sports a smallish 6.5-inch touchscreen but nonetheless works well. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is an eight-speaker Sony stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio. The menu and settings aren’t as robust as in more upscale Ford products, but the high-mounted display is a welcome addition to the barren interior. A navigation package is one of the few options. Absent from the infotainment playlist are an auxiliary input and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Ford Fiesta ST’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
