The engineers at Ford who developed the ST (Sports Technology) version of the subcompact Fiesta have accomplished what every “tuner” dreams of.
They’ve taken a relatively sporty-looking econobox and morphed it into a little rocket with staggering acceleration and sensational handling. They also threw in one of the best engine soundtracks ever for a mid-$20K four-banger.
The heart of the matter
Core to the ST’s wicked performance is its 1.6-litre GTDI direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which burdens the 17-inch alloy front wheels with 197 horsepower and 202 lbs-ft of torque. If those numbers fail to inspire, consider that they need only motivate 1,234 kg, producing an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 kg per horsepower combined with a per-litre output of 123 horsepower.
A six-speed manual gearbox sits between the furnace and front rubber. It’s the only transmission available with the ST designation, and that’s okay with me. An autobox in this car would be equally arousing as decaf before noon. The six-speed stick lacks slightly in gate clarity and actuation crispness but it’s light and easy to operate nonetheless.
Ford’s Torque Vectoring Control helps reduce inner wheel spin when accelerating out of a corner, while the ST’s AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control helps keep opposing forces in-check when bravado exceeds brains.
Practicality wrapped in coolness
I gotta hand it to Ford, the 2014 Fiesta ST is a sharp-looking ride, certainly more-so than we would’ve expected from Ford only a few years ago. Along with its hip appearance in Molten Orange, the ST delivers practicality thanks to its five-door configuration. The rear hatch opens wide, enabling easy access to the vehicle’s cargo-hold, which can be extended by dropping the rear seat.
Yes, it has seating for five but placing three adults across the rear would be unjust for all but the most tolerant of fares, assuming of course they’re small of stature. There’s not a lot of room back there, but it’ll accommodate a pair of grown-ups with short-term adequacy.
Front seating in the ST is a whole different story. Here one finds a pair of Recaro racing seats clutching the human form with a gravity-defying stranglehold. These perches are sensational, and a real highlight of driving the Fiesta ST; not such a highlight is the optional navigation touch screen. The screen is too small and positioned too far from fingertips. I found it greatly annoying to use. The best highlights are those found on the road.
Torque meets rigidity
The quick-revving engine delivers plentiful torque given its diminutive size, infusing the Fiesta ST with punchiness beyond expectation. The car pulls like a freight train from anything above 2,000 rpm. By 4,200 rpm, torque is at full burn, putting far more hustle under foot than any straight-out-of-the-box econo subcompact has a right to. Judicious use of the torque is necessary if the front rubber is to stay connected with the road. Traction under hard acceleration can be a delicate issue on all but the grippiest of surfaces.
The pull is accompanied by an auditory track that will have friends begging to know what mods have been done to extract such a baritone growl from 1.6-litres of combustion; and in this case none. The car arrives that way from Ford. It also arrives with a recalibrated suspension setup that lowers the car by 15 mm while transforming it into a go-kart in the corners. Beware though, the alterations add plenty of stiffness to the ride, which can wear on a person.
The Fiesta ST utilizes an electro-mechanical steering arrangement. While electric power steering is often a source of criticism, it isn’t here. Feedback and road-feel were notably good in Ford’s petite powerhouse, imparting driver confidence with every input and intended manoeuvre. Further confidence is found in the vehicle’s ability to brake swiftly. High performance anti-lock disc brakes occupy all four corners, delivering vice-like predictable, linear actuation.
Ultimate tuner done easy
The Fiesta ST isn’t for everyone, far from it actually. For those seeking the ultimate “tuner” experience without actually reworking an econo-car to become a street fighter, the Fiesta ST is perfect. Ford engineers have done it professionally, taking a fine little car and re-tuning it to satisfy the boy racer residing in our genes. They’ve done an outstanding job, and in doing so have kept the MSRP of the base Fiesta ST to $24,999.
The Fiesta ST fun-factor is pretty much off the scale provided one can live with some ergonomic challenges and a compassionless ride; though I suspect the intended market isn’t too concerned about either. I wouldn’t have been back when Pink Floyd was putting another brick in the wall and the Fiesta was meant to deliver economy over excitement.
- rgrothwell@telus.net
Overview: The ultimate tuner without having to do the tuning
Pros: 4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, sport-tuned suspension, scintillating exhaust note
Cons: Rigid ride, vague manual shifter, small navigation touch-screen
Value for money: Good
What would I change? More absorbent ride, better interior layout, less hard plastic
SPECS
Type of vehicle: sub-compact 5-door FWD performance hatchback
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost
Power: 197 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 202 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Brakes : 4-wheel antilock disc
Tires: 17-inch low-profile
Price: base/as tested: $24,999 / $28,027
Destination charge: $1,550
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy L/100 km: 7.8 city, 5.6 hwy.
Standard features: Recaro heated racing seats, push-button start, seven airbags
Notable options: moonroof ($1,200), Navigation ($800)
