We were more excited than a Walmart shopper on Black Friday after hearing that Ford planned to bring the Fiesta ST over to America.
Once details of the US-spec Fiesta ST came to light, we got even more excited. A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 197 hp and a sport tuned chassis? High performance summer tires and Recaro seats up front? This car sounded like it would be the real deal.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST Review – Video
And after a first drive, we found that it did indeed live up to the hype. But we spent most of our early time focusing on the performance attributes of the Fiesta ST and gave little thought to whether it was still a practical subcompact hatchback. Does the ST treatment take away from the Fiesta’s practical side, or is it the total package? Here are five-points discussing all things from a practical standpoint for the 2014 Fiesta ST.
The ST has the same-size cargo area as the regular Fiesta hatchback; sort of. Official hatchback ratings are shrunk down to 10.1 cubic feet in the ST compared to 14.9 in the regular Fiesta five-door. Normal models have storage bins below the cargo floor, but the ST model comes with a full-size spare tire that eats up space. From the cargo floor to the roof, nothing is different dimensionally between the two Fiesta hatches.
Making things even more confusing, Ford officially rates the ST as having the same 25.4 cubic feet of total cargo volume that the non-ST hatchback does when the rear seats are folded. Regardless of the numbers, we were able to fit a pre-built vanity into the cargo-hold if the ST without issue. Try that in your FR-S.
Ford lists the ST’s rear seat legroom as the same 31.2 inches as found in the regular model but my knees disagree. It’s hard to say if the large Recaro front seats are more rounded at the back or if the thick seating material prompts people to position them farther back on the seat track. Either way, rear seat space becomes non-existent once an average sized human is in either of the front buckets.
The Fiesta ST is indeed a superb handling little hatchback. But like all things in life, this comes at a price. The suspension is rougher than burlap underwear. We know any vehicle that features a sporty suspension will have a stiff ride, but during a one hour drive across a poorly maintained the freeway I began to worry the little Ford would shake itself apart. Pot holes hit at speed felt ready to rupture my kidneys.
But on those same highway runs, the engine was an absolute darling. In sixth gear, there was no need to ever downshift when passing traffic. The engine is quick to spool the boost and has more than enough torque for the Fiesta even at 60 mph in high gear.
SEE ALSO: Five Things Ken Block Likes Most About the Ford Fiesta ST – Video
The power is so welcome in a car like this that usually requires careful timing and advanced planning before any sort of overtaking. Even under a full load of occupants and cargo, the engine is never lacking in the power department.
The Fiesta ST only comes with a manual and is officially rated at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Compared to regular manual equipped Fiesta hatchbacks, that is only 1 mpg lower in the city and 3 mpg on the highway. Best of all, the ST car can actually achieve its published numbers if one stays out of the boost. But with nearly 200 hp on tap, why would anyone want to stay out of the boost in this little rocket?
So the Fiesta ST does have a few short comings, but none more than the regular Fiesta hatchback. Potential customers need find out what is more important to them; a soft ride and rear seat space or a ton of power and superb handling? I know my answer.
Curious about buying a Fiesta ST? You can learn more about Ford’s lineup of cars in AutoGuide’s new car section. Or if you prefer, navigate directly to the new Fiesta ST by clicking here.
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