You’d think after spending time in a new Fiesta ST that the regular Fiesta would seem a bit on the boring side, but not so. Certainly
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
For 2014, Ford currently offers the Fiesta with two engines and three transmissions, the ST getting a 197-horsepower 1.6-litre turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost four connecting through to a six-speed manual, and all other models getting Ford’s 120 horsepower DOHC, 16-valve, Ti-VCT 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 112 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual or a sophisticated six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic. Of course, nearly 200 hp sounds pretty feisty compared to 120, and let me tell you there’s much more to the fabulous little Fiesta ST than just its high-revving mighty might engine, but most of us regular folks are just trying to get from point A to B in the most
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
For starters I got a lot of positive comments on the styling. I know it looks like a shrunken Aston Martin, but hey, if you’re going to copy a carmaker you might as well copy the manufacturer of the prettiest sports cars on the planet. My Fiesta SE’s Race Red paint certainly made it stand out in today’s bland silver, gray and white crowd, highlighting its body-colour mirror caps that are finished off nicely with integrated turn signals for an upscale look, standard on the SE. Other standard SE features include powered mirrors inside those caps, with integrated blind spot mirrors for better blind spot visibility, power locks with remote keyless entry,
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Yes, either way that’s pretty inexpensive, but to be clear it’s not exactly without features.
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
My car also included the 201A package featuring the SE Sport Appearance package including its upgraded eight-spoke Sparkle Silver alloy wheels on 195/50 all-season
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
All of these features are set into a cabin that’s really nicely put together, starting off with a comfortable leather-wrapped steering wheel ahead of an ultra-cool set of primary gauges, plus a classy soft-touch dash top, hard but nicely textured plastic door uppers, and really high-quality switchgear, although the right stalk for the front/rear wiper washers is a bit unorthodox and therefore somewhat confusing.
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Out on the road, the 1.6-litre four feels more energetic than 120 horsepower suggests. Maybe it’s the efficient fun-loving dual-clutch transmission that features a Sport mode and rocker switch on its shift knob for rowing through the gears, as there was lots of power on tap for those moments when I just wanted to let my hair down (figuratively speaking) and enjoy myself. On that note, the Fiesta SE’s electric power assisted steering felt crisp and direct, while handling through serpentine roadways was impressive for the class, and the car also tracks fabulously at high speed on the highway. The Fiesta uses MacPherson struts
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Now that we’re talking practicalities, all 2014 Fiesta hatchbacks powered by the 1.6-litre engine are Transport Canada rated at a claimed 7.4 L/100km city and 5.2 highway no matter which transmission is being used, although keep in mind that these numbers are to be used for comparison purposes only. My car’s actual mileage was closer to the metric-converted U.S. EPA combined city/highway rating of 7.4 L/100km, which is still very good. If you’re looking for better mileage
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Above my SE you can opt for Titanium trim level, which includes all of the additions my tester came with plus it adds larger 16-inch wheels with an aluminum spare wheel, fog lights, a chrome beltline and decklid eyebrow molding, proximity sensing remote access with pushbutton ignition, leather upholstery
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
and metallic interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver’s seat adjustable lumbar, a reverse sensing system, and more. And then of course there’s the Fiesta ST, which in a word is sublime.
For us regular folks who want to combine a fun-to-drive good-looking car with great fuel economy, good comfort, impressive features and ample roominess, the 2014 Ford Fiesta SE is a great choice.
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