Small cars are becoming increasingly advanced, full of technology and comfortable, but all of those escalate prices. There are a few models available for consumers that are really looking for bare bones transportation, and the Ford Fiesta is one of them. As cars like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry get larger with each redesign, the Fiesta has stepped in to be a true, subcompact option for budget-minded city dwellers.
Ford Fiesta SFE
This SFE model covers the essentials: automatic door locks and windows, keyless entry, and a stereo. The optional comfort package adds heated front seats. This car is aimed at the no frills crowd, but what sets this car apart is its 1.0-liter, three cylinder EcoBoost (a.k.a. turbocharged) engine, mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. This is the only car offered in the U.S. with fewer than four cylinders, and it only comes with a row-your-own gearbox. The engine and transmission were the gem of the Fiesta, and were surprisingly delightful.
Yours truly, at the wheel. Photo by Kyle Baker.
The tiny engine has an unexpectedly satisfying exhaust note that really livens up if you run the car into the higher RPMs. Acceleration is not lightning quick, but it was faster than I had anticipated and a lot of fun to push when changing lanes or running down a freeway onramp. The clutch was predictable and easy to use, and the shifts were sufficiently crisp for a non-sport model.
Interior materials were hit and miss—some were soft and felt more upscale than an entry-level hatchback, others were hard and… clearly meant for an entry-level hatchback. The design of the center stack looks like it belongs in a spaceship. The whole thing looks alien to me. It is a little bit confusing to use at first, but becomes easier with a bit of familiarization, and the buttons and knobs felt good to operate. The worst part of the interior is definitely the climate controls. The knobs felt and sounded extremely cheap, and looked very busy. They function fine, but could use some work.
The cargo space isn’t large, but neither is the car.
This Fiesta SFE rang in at $18,190, a few thousand dollars below the average asking price of a new compact car. It is worth noting that this car is smaller than I realized at the start—there are sacrifices to be made when reaching down the ladder at smaller and cheaper models. My brother, Kyle, said that the backseat would be fine for a ride around town, but that long trips or seating three people in the back would be very uncomfortable. Cargo space is not great, but for one or two people it should be fine. Bells and whistles, including different entertainment systems, a larger engine, alloy wheels and an automatic transmission are available for additional money. But for what this car is, it really is not half bad.
The Fiesta SFE was a shocking thrill to drive, and seems to be an excellent option for the money. It is also capable of getting 32 city MPG, 45 highway MPG and 37 combined MPG according to the EPA estimates on the car’s window sticker. If coming in way under budget, gas mileage and city parking are priorities for consumers, this car fits the bill, and has a good time in the process. But there is one more trick up the Fiesta’s sleeve worth considering too:
Ford Fiesta ST
If you need a bit more pep (a lot more pep, even) and additional standard features in your life, the Fiesta ST is available for $24,985. Packed with a 197 horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder engine, this possibly the most fun thing you can find for the money.
This is the highest spec Fiesta available, and everything about this trim is different than other Fiestas. Almost all of the body panels, but especially the nose and the rear, are completely different. ST-only alloy wheels and different exhaust also differentiate the exterior, while special Recaro sport seats and interior colors change the interior.
The upgraded interior looks much better than the SFE’s.
The feel and handling of the Fiesta ST is extremely fun. If Ford Mustangs are like the pit bulls of the pound, the ST is like the small, energetic dog that just never stops moving. But in this case, that is an excellent quality—the steering is light and direct, the suspension has been stiffened up, and the exhaust is fun to listen to.
Acceleration is impressive, and the 6 speed manual transmission is fun to use. It is not as precise as other standard transmissions in this price range, like the Volkswagen GTI or Honda Civic Si, but those cars also cost more money.
I drove the Fiesta ST after having already driven two 2015 Mustangs, and this car’s personality definitely makes up for the power difference between the two. It was just as much fun to throw the little Fiesta ST around as the big muscle cars. If straight line speed is what you are looking for the Mustangs will always be the better choice. But for in-town fun on a lower budget, look no further than the Fiesta ST.
The backseat is still small, but that won’t matter to the driver because of the fun-factor of the ST. Photo by Kyle Baker.
Zac Baker 