Select a year
- Highs Fun for any driving-skill level, thrifty fuel economy, high performance-per-dollar ratio.
- Lows More horsepower would be welcome, limited back-seat legroom, nonexistent driver-assist tech.
- Verdict An affordable, pint-sized performance party that provides more smiles per minute than most.
Overview
The Fiesta ST isn't as badass as the die-hard Ford Focus RS, but that makes it all the more lovable, er, fun. Its manual-only gearbox is approachable, its suspension is lively but not harsh, and it's actually thrifty on gas—if you care about that. It's powered by a 197-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that drives the front wheels through a six-speed transmission. While the Fiesta ST is extremely affordable entertainment, its cut-rate interior and cramped back seat carry over from the even cheaper and less exciting Fiesta. Still, this pint-sized performance hatchback is a back-to-basics option that rewards drivers of all skill levels.
What's New for 2019?
While we're thankful that Ford saw fit to keep selling the Fiesta ST for another model year rather than ending production, it only prolonged the inevitable. The entire Fiesta range will no longer be built after May 2019. Meanwhile, the current generation of the feisty little hatchback carries over for 2019 without change.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Fiesta ST is cheaper than esteemed rivals such as the Honda Civic Si coupe and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. That makes the Ford one of the best performance bargains money can buy. Even outfitted with every option, the Fiesta ST stays well under $30,000. Its available accessories include metallic Orange Spice or White Platinum paint colors, black 17-inch wheels and red brake calipers, heated Recaro seats, power sunroof, and navigation. We'd add the dark wheels because they look cool and the heavily bolstered Recaro buckets for their extra support (we suggest trying them out first, since they're too restrictive for some). The rest of the options are unnecessary, especially since standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto replace the need for navigation.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Likes: Power is easy to exploit, manual transmission only, bona fide sports-car grip.
Dislikes: Could drive Miss Daisy at the drag strip, longest emergency-braking result versus rivals.
The Fiesta ST might singlehandedly save the manuals. A six-speed row-your-own gearbox is the only available transmission and pairs with a zesty, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The miniature mill makes 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque, which helped spur it from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds in our testing; it feels peppy but still lags behind higher-powered rivals at the drag strip. Thankfully, its easy-shifting six-speed stick matched our spirited enthusiasm. The light clutch has a short travel and long engagement range that made ripping through the gears effortless. The ST's exhaust doesn't growl or howl, but it emits enough noise to alert everyone it's no ordinary bargain box.
The Fiesta ST is a performance party where everyone's invited—and the cover charge is cheap. Its forgiving chassis and seamlessly shifting manual transmission allow amateur drivers to flourish and wily vets to test their limits. Its exuberant handling easily makes up for its shortfall in straight-line speed. Thrashing the ST around twisty two-lanes, deserted parking lots, and backwater byways is endlessly enjoyable. Surprisingly, comfort isn't compromised by the firm suspension. Integral to the Ford's playful feel is wonderfully direct steering. The brake pedal is light but responsive and doesn't punish overeager inputs with neck-snapping feedback.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Fiesta ST and most of its rivals are exceedingly fuel efficient, offering more thrills than refills. The Ford floats near the top of the EPA ratings and had the highest real-world highway figure in our testing. It completed our 200-mile highway test loop with flying colors, clocking 38 mpg to beat its EPA estimate by 5 mpg.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
Likes: Available Recaro seats confirm this isn't an ordinary Fiesta, useful interior cubby storage.
Dislikes: Plentiful plastics and restrictive rear seat remind passengers it's based on an ordinary Fiesta, cargo volume is down compared with larger rivals.
Without the optional Recaro seats and the 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 limited back-seat legroom and small number of options are harder to forgive. The mostly plastic interior at least appeared to be carefully assembled, with consistent fits. The distance between the driver, dash, and the low shifter was slightly awkward, but not inconveniently so. The standard ambient lighting with seven customizable colors is a nifty feature in the otherwise drab cabin.
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. The menu and optional settings aren't as robust as in more upscale Ford products, but the high-mounted display is a welcome addition to the barren interior. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker Sony stereo with a six-month subscription for SiriusXM satellite radio are all standard.
Despite being one size down here, the ST is competitive with bigger rivals. Those looking for an optimal hauling companion will find better suitors—but at a higher price. The Ford's cargo volume of 25 cubic feet with the rear seats folded is barely more than the Golf GTI's 23 cubes with the rear seats up—but the ST held only one less carry-on bag.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The Fiesta ST will not impress parents with babies or people who want the latest driver-assistance technology. The hatchback also earned a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but was not named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Can its fun factor fill the void left by the absence of safety features? We think so. But some buyers might prefer rivals that do offer such equipment.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Apart from its above-average roadside assistance (five years or 60,000 miles), the Fiesta ST has the same coverage as most rivals. The Hyundai Elantra steals the show with its impressive powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
