When?s the last time you drove a car that got 35 mpg and was actually fun to drive? For most of you, probably never. For us, it?s now another tick in a check box. If you want to do the same, head down to your local Ford dealership and test drive a 2014 Fiesta ST. Though, if you drive it like we did during our review, you will probably get yelled at by the salesman who?s riding along.
When?s the last time you drove a car that got 35 mpg and was actually fun to drive?
Parked side by side with its big brother the Focus ST, the Fiesta ST might first seem like a five year old with a Superman cape on. Get behind the wheel and it?s a whole different game. The little brother can walk the walk. The Focus ST is undoubtedly a higher caliber car; it has 55 more horsepower and 68 more pound-feet of torque that peaks at 1,700 less rpm. Though loaded up, the Focus ST?s price will crest $29,000.
The Stop Gap
Ford did something smart and introduced an affordable, entry level sports car designed for a younger audience that may otherwise consider purchasing vehicles like a Honda Civic Si or the Hyundai Veloster Turbo.
The Fiesta ST we drove was equipped with every option you?d want to buy ? Green Envy Metallic tri-coat paint, Recaro heated partial-leather seats, heated mirrors, and Navigation. The final tab comes in at $25,580 fully equipped.
While you won't find yourself at the pumps very often, achieving 26/35 mpg, we recommend sticking with premium fuel. The upgrade will produce more miles per gallon while harnessing all of your available horsepower.
What the Fiesta ST Upgrade Gets You
How does one compare the incomparable? The ST offers similar creature comforts as the upscale Titanium trim level, including automatic climate control, SYNC, six-speaker Sony stereo with HD radio, and a 6.5-inch touch screen with optional navigation. The most prevalent option that leaves base Fiesta owners drooling over is the $1,995 Recaro seat upgrade. These racing-inspired bucket seats give the much needed support required while bending the G-meter around corners. Functional, fashionable, and comfortable, we can?t imagine many STs will be be ordered without this option.
Moving to the powertain, you?ll find a 1,597 cc (1.6-liter) EcoBoost engine with a 79 mm bore, 81.4 mm stroke and a 10:1 compression ratio, producing 197 hp and 202 lb/ft of torque.
Moving to the powertain, you?ll find a 1,597 cc (1.6-liter) EcoBoost engine with a 79 mm bore, 81.4 mm stroke and a 10:1 compression ratio. Additional EcoBoost carry-over amenities include a 4-valve, dual-overhead-cam valvetrain configuration that is controlled by Ti-VCT. Ford?s variable valve timing is a key component to creating the most horsepower, torque and MPG from the EcoBoost. For example, Ford engineers can advance the intake cam timing at lower rpm to help fill the cylinders quicker and allow for torque to peak sooner in the power band. Lobe separation can be maximized when cruising to create better engine vacuum and better gas mileage. Additionally, this same principle can aid with torque delivery.
All these technological advancements allow the Fiesta ST to generate 123 hp per liter, or 197 hp and 202 lb/ft of torque. That?s more horsepower and torque per liter than the 2013 GT500! Start with running premium fuel rather than the 87 octane minimum. The factory PCM can detect the higher octane, delivering the maximum amount of power to the wheels and increasing gas mileage as well. Ford is known for under powering the EcoBoosts from the factory to increase durability and it will be a matter of time before the Fiesta ST will be making over 200 horsepower to the front wheels with mild bolt-ons.
From a suspension and styling perspective, this is where the differences become evident. The twist-beam type rear suspension is carried over but stiffened a whopping 75%. The front suspension is also stiffened up while the turn knuckles have been shortened to increase steering response. The 15mm lower stance gives the Fiesta ST an aggressive stance without the need of lowering springs. Rear brakes are upgraded to full discs while the pistons in the front calipers are increased to 54 mm.
Driving ?The Snake?
All these factors equate to a subcompact that handles damn well. Ford was kind enough to set our driving route through Mulholland Drive?after signing a liability waiver of course! ?The Snake? is one of the most well known spirited driving roads in Southern California. It?s highlighted by high speed sweepers, and very tight and technical corners. Regardless of where we were on the trail, the ST responded exactly as expected. Even in tight turns under low speed, the Fiesta ST?s electronic differential performed remarkably, eliminating any dreaded understeer. We look forward to a longer review with the Fiesta ST to see how it performs on a real track.
The Fiesta ST's interior comes with much more than expected from a subcompact car.
So now starting from Fiesta ST?s $22,195, Focus ST?s $24,910 to the Mustang GT?s $30,695 Ford offers a wide array of performance vehicles that will suit any budget. The ST branded vehicles are one heck of a bargain in performance and are backed up with exceptional fit and finish. We are looking forward to spending some more time in the Fiesta ST in the near future for a more comprehensive review!
Key Features
- 1.6L GTDI Engine (197 hp)
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- 17-inch Alloy Wheels With Summer Performance Tires
- Aluminum Sport Pedals
- Black Headlamp Bezels
- Dual Chrome Tipped Exhaust
- Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
- Fog Lamps
- Front Fascia Lower Extension And Center Airfoil
- HD Radio
- Intelligent Access With Push Button Start
- Leather Shift Knob With Chrome Insert
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Rear Facial Lower Extensions And Unique Diffuser
- ST Unique High Mounted Rear Spoiler
- SYNC With MyFord Touch with 6.5-inch Color Screen
- Unique Leather-Wrapped ST Logo Steering Wheel
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