Driving the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST five-door
8/9/13, 10:25 AM
#1
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Driving the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST five-door
Turns out we wanted those extra doors all along.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-revi...a-st-five-door
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-revi...a-st-five-door
What we learned
Ford nailed it. Until now, the Focus ST has been our new benchmark for hot-hatch amusement. The Fiesta ST is better. It’s cheaper, it’s only marginally smaller and it’s somehow more fun to drive. Both cars show the Blue Oval at its finest: Producing excellent, soulful, small cars, and then selling them dirt-cheap. Ford's been doing it in Europe for years; every now and then we reap the benefits. The Fiesta ST is the best example yet.
Ford nailed it. Until now, the Focus ST has been our new benchmark for hot-hatch amusement. The Fiesta ST is better. It’s cheaper, it’s only marginally smaller and it’s somehow more fun to drive. Both cars show the Blue Oval at its finest: Producing excellent, soulful, small cars, and then selling them dirt-cheap. Ford's been doing it in Europe for years; every now and then we reap the benefits. The Fiesta ST is the best example yet.
8/9/13, 10:55 AM
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I auto crossed a Focus ST for a few laps about a year ago and it was awesome. My only complaint was I wish It was a little lighter.
I think this is it, be it may be slower.
Go Ford!
I think this is it, be it may be slower.
Go Ford!
8/9/13, 12:15 PM
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How is Fiesta ST "dirt cheap"? Its still a small subcompact that cost $22,200.
For that much I would rather drive the RWD Mustang V6 ... Just my $.02.
For that much I would rather drive the RWD Mustang V6 ... Just my $.02.
8/9/13, 01:47 PM
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Maybe not "dirt cheap," but certainly an excellent value and not too expensive either (with the possible exception of the $2K they're charging for the Recaros).
As for comparison to a V6 Stang, a bit of apples and oranges here, but while the Stang V6 may be a bit quicker (in a straight line at least), I suspect the Fiesta ST is probably much more entertaining to actually drive, especially in tighter, windier environments.
As for comparison to a V6 Stang, a bit of apples and oranges here, but while the Stang V6 may be a bit quicker (in a straight line at least), I suspect the Fiesta ST is probably much more entertaining to actually drive, especially in tighter, windier environments.
8/9/13, 04:54 PM
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8/9/13, 04:57 PM
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8/9/13, 05:06 PM
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Even if I did, how are Eclipse and Fiesta ST related? Sure, they're both FWD, but the Eclipse is a much larger car with a NA V6 engine ...
Don't get me wrong, I love the Fiesta ST, I just wouldn't spend $22,000 on one. You know me, I like cheap cars without any fancy stuff ...
I would rather drive the base Fiesta hatchback ... I've seen them brand new for as cheap as $12,500.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Fiesta ST, I just wouldn't spend $22,000 on one. You know me, I like cheap cars without any fancy stuff ...
I would rather drive the base Fiesta hatchback ... I've seen them brand new for as cheap as $12,500.
8/9/13, 05:30 PM
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Even if I did, how are Eclipse and Fiesta ST related? Sure, they're both FWD, but the Eclipse is a much larger car with a NA V6 engine ...
Don't get me wrong, I love the Fiesta ST, I just wouldn't spend $22,000 on one. You know me, I like cheap cars without any fancy stuff ...
I would rather drive the base Fiesta hatchback ... I've seen them brand new for as cheap as $12,500.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Fiesta ST, I just wouldn't spend $22,000 on one. You know me, I like cheap cars without any fancy stuff ...
I would rather drive the base Fiesta hatchback ... I've seen them brand new for as cheap as $12,500.
Does the Eclipse really have more interior room? Never would have thought . . .
Last edited by Evil_Capri; 8/9/13 at 05:32 PM.
8/9/13, 08:08 PM
#16
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I got driven in one on the Ford development track yesterday . That car handles incredibly well, and the engine pulls smartly. It was fun from the passenger seat - well, the driver was one of the lead ride and handling development engineers, so he wrung it out good.
8/22/13, 09:11 PM
#17
Rode along like Tony at the DDC last week. This car surprised me a lot. For the price, I'd gladly take one over a 500 Abarth. The engineers seem to love them, at least from what I gathered talking to several folks who've spent some seat time with them.
8/22/13, 10:36 PM
#18
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Although the Motor Trend driver's car completion showed a glaring flaw in the ST - the brakes.
