The Ford Fiesta ST was a car that captured the hearts of enthusiasts. Even years after its initial release, it remains a frequent topic of discussion among car lovers, often with a nostalgic longing for its return. Imagine conversations echoing through online forums: “Remember that car? That sure was a great car. I really wish they still made that car today, because I’d totally buy one.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the enduring appeal of the Ford Fiesta ST, a car that, even in retrospect, stands out as something special.
*(Full disclosure: This review is based on a test drive experience with a 2014 Ford Fiesta ST provided by Ford’s press fleet.)*
The critical acclaim and lasting fondness for the Fiesta ST aren’t due to any single groundbreaking innovation. It wasn’t a revolutionary vehicle like the Tesla Model S, nor did it fill a long-neglected niche like the Subaru BRZ. Instead, the Fiesta ST succeeded by mastering a well-established formula: the hot hatchback. This recipe, perfected over decades, involves taking a humble, affordable economy car and injecting it with performance enhancements – more power, a finely tuned suspension, and a sporty aesthetic – all while keeping the price accessible. It’s about delivering cheap thrills with everyday usability.
What truly elevates the Fiesta ST beyond its peers is its comprehensive excellence. It’s not just quick; it’s genuinely rapid. The manual gearbox is a joy to operate. The handling is nothing short of brilliant. It looks the part of a sporty hatch. Despite its compact size, it offers surprising practicality and is easy to park in urban environments. Remarkably, even with spirited driving, fuel economy remains impressive – during the test, an average of 30 MPG was achieved without consciously trying to drive economically.
Above all else, the Ford Fiesta ST is simply immense fun to drive. The standard Fiesta, with its 120 horsepower, is a decent economy car. However, the ST transforms it. With 197 horsepower and a substantial 214 pound-feet of torque (thanks to overboost), coupled with a performance-tuned suspension, all-around disc brakes, and an inherently athletic character, it outshines many competitors in its class.
Whether you’re attacking twisty back roads, pushing limits on a track day, or even just navigating mundane daily traffic, the Fiesta ST delivers driving pleasure. It’s a standout “low-speed” fun car. This isn’t about the “slow car fast” philosophy, as the Fiesta ST is genuinely quick. Instead, it excels at providing engaging, usable performance within everyday driving scenarios. You don’t need excessive horsepower or a massive engine to have a blast.
Perhaps you’ve reached a point where you realize that overwhelming power isn’t the ultimate goal. Maybe you’re new to performance cars and seek an accessible entry point. Or, perhaps you’re aiming to be more responsible on public roads while still enjoying driving. The Fiesta ST fits these needs perfectly.
In reality, the Fiesta ST is a car that appeals to a broad spectrum of drivers. This agile, energetic, and vibrant hot hatch is so well-rounded that it satisfies the desires for speed and cornering prowess for nearly everyone.
Exterior Styling: A Sporty Edge (7/10)
Gone are the days when budget-friendly economy cars were visually unappealing and screamed “cheap transportation.” The Ford Fiesta, in both sedan and hatchback forms, is a genuinely attractive small car. While not a groundbreaking design icon, it possesses a respectable and modern aesthetic. A standard Fiesta is a perfectly acceptable and even stylish choice for daily driving.
The Fiesta ST, exclusively available as a hatchback, elevates the visual appeal further. It incorporates sporty enhancements such as a distinctive rear spoiler, a unique grille and rear bumper, prominent ST badging, exclusive alloy wheels, and eye-catching paint options like the vibrant “Molten Orange” metallic finish seen on the test vehicle. This bold color truly made the test car stand out and would be a highly recommended option for anyone purchasing a Fiesta ST.
A vibrant Molten Orange Ford Fiesta ST showcases its sporty front design.
Interior and Comfort: Functional and Driver-Focused (6/10)
It’s crucial to remember the Fiesta’s foundation as an affordable economy car, with a starting price around $14,000. While the ST trim adds performance and features, the interior retains its economy car origins. Hard plastics are prevalent throughout the cabin, lending a utilitarian feel even with ST-specific touches like the gear shift knob and aluminum pedals.
However, the interior prioritizes functionality. Everything is straightforward, easy to use, and logically laid out. The focus remains firmly on the driving experience. Headroom is adequate, even for taller occupants. Rear legroom, however, is somewhat limited.
The optional Recaro seats, priced at $1,995, are a matter of personal preference. While not as aggressively bolstered as those in some other performance Fords, they might still be considered slightly too firm and aggressively shaped for everyday street driving. While lateral support is excellent, some might find them a bit excessive for daily commutes.
The Ford Fiesta ST interior features functional design and optional Recaro performance seats.
Acceleration and Engine: Punchy Performance from a Small Engine (7/10)
The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in the Fiesta ST is surprisingly potent. It delivers a sensation of much greater power than its displacement would suggest. While the car’s light weight (around 2,700 pounds) contributes to its agility, the engine’s responsiveness and torque are genuinely impressive.
Turbo lag is noticeable off-throttle, but around 2,500 RPM, the engine comes alive, delivering a satisfying surge of midrange torque that remains strong all the way to the redline. The overboost function provides a temporary burst of maximum power for up to 20 seconds, although in most real-world driving situations, you’ll likely run out of road before fully utilizing it. While some torque steer is present, it adds to the car’s lively character.
The Fiesta ST’s compact dimensions and sporty exhaust note contribute to the perception of speed. It often feels faster than it actually is, adding to the thrill of driving even at legal speeds.
Braking: Confident and Capable (8/10)
Unlike some economy cars that utilize rear drum brakes, the Fiesta ST is equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels. These brakes are more than adequate for the car’s performance capabilities. They feel strong and provide confident stopping power, well-suited to the car’s sporty nature.
While some owners have reported brake fade issues under track conditions, no such issues were encountered during the road test. However, individual experiences may vary depending on driving style and conditions.
Ride Quality: Surprisingly Comfortable for a Hot Hatch (7/10)
Considering the Fiesta ST’s rivals, such as the Fiat 500 Abarth and Mini Cooper, which are known for firm rides, the Fiesta ST’s ride quality is surprisingly compliant. While definitely on the stiffer side compared to a standard Fiesta, it remains remarkably livable for daily driving, even on longer highway journeys. It’s no harsher than many typical economy cars and strikes a good balance between sporty firmness and everyday comfort.
Handling: Agile and Engaging (8/10)
The Fiesta ST’s handling prowess is a key aspect of its reputation, and it largely lives up to the hype. It sets a high benchmark for front-wheel-drive performance cars in its segment.
Turn-in is exceptionally sharp, and the car feels light and eager to change direction. Body roll is minimal. While it might not exhibit the rear-end rotation of the larger Focus ST, its handling is more direct and point-and-shoot. Although it lacks a true mechanical limited-slip differential, a torque vectoring system, which applies braking to the inside front wheel during cornering, effectively mimics its effects.
The electric power steering rack is generally well-weighted and precise, although slightly more feedback would be appreciated. Overall, the handling is excellent, inspiring confidence and encouraging spirited driving on twisty roads.
The Ford Fiesta ST demonstrates agile handling and minimal body roll while cornering.
Gearbox: A Delightful Manual (8/10)
The Fiesta ST is exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission, and it’s a standout feature. The clutch pedal has perfect weighting with a distinct and easily discernible engagement point. Gear throws are light and crisp, although slightly shorter throws could further enhance the sporty feel.
This manual gearbox is exceptionally user-friendly, making it an ideal car for learning to drive stick shift. It reinforces the Fiesta ST’s appeal to both novice and experienced performance driving enthusiasts.
Technology and Features: Functional Infotainment (7/10)
The MyFord Touch infotainment system, which had been criticized in some Ford models, proved surprisingly user-friendly in the Fiesta ST. Updates to the system had improved its performance and responsiveness.
Phone pairing via Bluetooth was seamless, and streaming music through Spotify worked without issues. Voice commands functioned reliably. Menu navigation and address input were reasonably intuitive, although occasional lag was still present. The 6.5-inch screen size is somewhat small by modern standards.
Beyond the infotainment, the test Fiesta ST was relatively basic in terms of other tech features. However, the car’s inherent fun-to-drive nature is arguably its most compelling feature, outweighing any lack of gadgetry.
Audio System: Decent Sound Quality (7/10)
The Fiesta ST’s engine note doesn’t possess the high-pitched exotic sound of the Fiat 500 Abarth, but few cars in this price range can match that unique aural character. Instead, the Fiesta ST offers a pleasingly deep, growly sound, punctuated by noticeable turbocharger whooshing noises under full throttle. While small turbocharged four-cylinder engines aren’t always known for their sonic appeal, the Fiesta ST’s engine note is genuinely engaging.
The Sony audio system provides decent sound quality. While not audiophile-grade, it delivers crisp audio with acceptable bass response, suitable for most listeners.
Value Proposition: Exceptional Fun for the Money (9/10)
The test Fiesta ST, equipped with options like premium paint, upgraded wheels, navigation, and Recaro seats, came in at just under $26,000. This price point pushes it into the territory of larger, more powerful cars like the Ford Focus ST, Volkswagen GTI, and Subaru WRX.
However, driving the Fiesta ST raises the question: “Do you ever really need more car than this?” For many drivers, the answer is likely no. While larger, more powerful, and more expensive cars exist, the Fiesta ST is hard to beat in terms of accessible, pure, and everyday driving enjoyment. Moreover, less optioned ST models can be found closer to the $21,000 base price, further enhancing its value.
The Ford Fiesta ST is a car to consider acquiring while still available, before potential future generations might lose sight of its original formula. Years from now, when discussions arise about beloved discontinued cars, Fiesta ST owners will be able to proudly say, “I had one of those, and it was the best.”
Overall Score: 74/100
Ford Fiesta ST Specifications:
- Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four
- Power: 197 HP at 6,000 RPM
- Torque: 214 LB-FT at 3,500 RPM
- Transmission: Six-speed manual
- 0-60 MPH Time: 6.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 137 MPH
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
- Curb Weight: 2,720 LBS
- Seating: 5
- Fuel Economy: 26 city/35 highway/29 combined MPG
- MSRP: Starting from $21,400
This Ford Fiesta Review highlights why it remains a sought-after hot hatchback, blending performance, practicality, and value in a fun-to-drive package.
