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First Test: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST
Skip the Focus ? This is the Blue Oval Hatch You Want
The arrival of the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST on U.S. shores marks the first time in recent memory an automaker has offered more than one hot hatch. And despite what you might think, the smaller of these two also happens to be the better one.
When you have 197 hp and 202 lb-ft going to the front wheels, two things are expected to be present: torque steer and understeer. Both have decided to ditch class and go smoke behind the portables. There's a slight twisting feeling under hard acceleration, but nothing a small child couldn't handle. As nice as it is not to have torque steer, the lack of understeer -- along with the rest of its general on-road behavior -- is what really makes the Fiesta ST bring the smiles. The 160.1-inch-long hatch is neutral going into a corner and develops a desire to rotate as the turn progresses, giving it a slightly tail-happy sensation.
Unlike other EcoBoost engines, the 1.6-liter exhibits some turbo lag. Not much goes on below 3000 rpm, but once boost kicks in, the 2729-pound subcompact scoots along nicely. Sixty mph comes in 6.4 seconds and the quarter mile passes in 14.9 seconds with a trap speed of 94.6 mph. For comparison, the 3193-pound and 252-hp Focus ST hit 60 in 5.9 seconds and sprinted through the quarter in 14.6 seconds at 95.9 mph.
The Focus carried its advantage into our handling tests. On the skidpad, the Fiesta's impressive 0.90 g fell short of the Focus' 0.96 g. The more powerful Focus also led in the figure eight, needing 25.4 seconds to finish at 0.70 g (avg), while the Fiesta needed 26.1 seconds at 0.65 g (avg). The one test where the Fiesta came out on top was braking -- a full stop from 60 needed just 104 feet versus the Focus' 112 feet.
It's impressive just how close the Fiesta is to the Focus despite a 55-hp and 68-lb-ft handicap. That's the beauty of a 464-pound weight advantage. Predictably, the reduced weight is a big part of the Fiesta's smile-inducing character. We all know Colin Chapman was onto something with his whole "add lightness" philosophy, and it plays out in textbook fashion in this sibling rivalry.
The six-speed manual -- the only gearbox available in the ST -- is more satisfying to row than the Focus', and I'll attribute that to the absence of torque steer. The clutch is light but communicative, rev matching is easy, and the pedals are positioned favorably for heel-and-toe shifts. Though not completely connected to the road, steering is nicely responsive and communicative. In all, there's nothing here a driver won't enjoy.
Despite its diminutive size, the Fiesta easily accommodates tall drivers. My nearly 6-foot-4 frame had plenty of headroom to spare and I was able to pick a comfortable driving position thanks to the telescoping steering wheel. Rear-seat space is obviously limited, especially with tall front occupants -- there's only a Delta Airlines-esque 31.2 inches of legroom back there to begin with. Cargo space is limited as well, with only 10.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats up. (Ford hasn't released a rear-seats-down figure, but there's enough space to fit a Costco load.)
If interior space isn't an issue, the two STs are close enough in price (the spread is roughly $3000) that picking one over the other will be, at least for some, a matter of personal preference. Having spent time in both the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST, it's a safe bet to say that those most interested in driving are going to prefer the Fiesta by a considerable margin. It's simply much more fun to drive.
Text Source: MotorTrend
Skip the Focus ? This is the Blue Oval Hatch You Want
The arrival of the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST on U.S. shores marks the first time in recent memory an automaker has offered more than one hot hatch. And despite what you might think, the smaller of these two also happens to be the better one.
When you have 197 hp and 202 lb-ft going to the front wheels, two things are expected to be present: torque steer and understeer. Both have decided to ditch class and go smoke behind the portables. There's a slight twisting feeling under hard acceleration, but nothing a small child couldn't handle. As nice as it is not to have torque steer, the lack of understeer -- along with the rest of its general on-road behavior -- is what really makes the Fiesta ST bring the smiles. The 160.1-inch-long hatch is neutral going into a corner and develops a desire to rotate as the turn progresses, giving it a slightly tail-happy sensation.
Unlike other EcoBoost engines, the 1.6-liter exhibits some turbo lag. Not much goes on below 3000 rpm, but once boost kicks in, the 2729-pound subcompact scoots along nicely. Sixty mph comes in 6.4 seconds and the quarter mile passes in 14.9 seconds with a trap speed of 94.6 mph. For comparison, the 3193-pound and 252-hp Focus ST hit 60 in 5.9 seconds and sprinted through the quarter in 14.6 seconds at 95.9 mph.
The Focus carried its advantage into our handling tests. On the skidpad, the Fiesta's impressive 0.90 g fell short of the Focus' 0.96 g. The more powerful Focus also led in the figure eight, needing 25.4 seconds to finish at 0.70 g (avg), while the Fiesta needed 26.1 seconds at 0.65 g (avg). The one test where the Fiesta came out on top was braking -- a full stop from 60 needed just 104 feet versus the Focus' 112 feet.
It's impressive just how close the Fiesta is to the Focus despite a 55-hp and 68-lb-ft handicap. That's the beauty of a 464-pound weight advantage. Predictably, the reduced weight is a big part of the Fiesta's smile-inducing character. We all know Colin Chapman was onto something with his whole "add lightness" philosophy, and it plays out in textbook fashion in this sibling rivalry.
The six-speed manual -- the only gearbox available in the ST -- is more satisfying to row than the Focus', and I'll attribute that to the absence of torque steer. The clutch is light but communicative, rev matching is easy, and the pedals are positioned favorably for heel-and-toe shifts. Though not completely connected to the road, steering is nicely responsive and communicative. In all, there's nothing here a driver won't enjoy.
Despite its diminutive size, the Fiesta easily accommodates tall drivers. My nearly 6-foot-4 frame had plenty of headroom to spare and I was able to pick a comfortable driving position thanks to the telescoping steering wheel. Rear-seat space is obviously limited, especially with tall front occupants -- there's only a Delta Airlines-esque 31.2 inches of legroom back there to begin with. Cargo space is limited as well, with only 10.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats up. (Ford hasn't released a rear-seats-down figure, but there's enough space to fit a Costco load.)
If interior space isn't an issue, the two STs are close enough in price (the spread is roughly $3000) that picking one over the other will be, at least for some, a matter of personal preference. Having spent time in both the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST, it's a safe bet to say that those most interested in driving are going to prefer the Fiesta by a considerable margin. It's simply much more fun to drive.
Text Source: MotorTrend
