Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

January 17, 2021 2:15 am by

The Ford Fiesta ST is a Used Car Hidden Gem

2017 Ford Fiesta ST front

Introduction

Being equal-opportunity car enthusiasts, we at Klipnik love the idea of driving something that’s not only fun and relatively inexpensive, but also that doesn’t get as much time in the spotlight as its more popular peers. We’re here to give you the inside scoop on these unsung heroes, like the Ford Fiesta ST.

When you’re talking sporty compacts, the Ford Fiesta ST (produced from 2014-2019) typically lives in the shadow of its bigger brother, the Focus ST — not to mention similar cars from other marques, like the VW GTI, Honda Civic Si, and Mini Cooper S. Yes, the Focus ST’s 252 horsepower engine and acceleration times are impressive. But the smaller and lighter Fiesta ST holds its own. Weighing in at a lean 2,742 pounds (compared to the Focus ST’s somewhat portly 3,223 pounds), the Fiesta ST doesn’t need tons of power to deliver tons of fun.

2016 Ford Fiesta ST shifter

Engine and Transmission

Introduced for 2014, the Fiesta ST comes in three pedal form only (no automatic transmission). In addition to optimizing the fun factor, the manual-only mandate has the added benefit of keeping the ST free of Ford’s problem-plagued “Powershift” automatic transmission, which appeared on most other Fiesta variants.

Under the hood, the pocket-sized Ford features an energetic, 1.6-liter turbocharged (“Ecoboost” in Ford jargon) inline four that cranks out nearly 200 horses (197 to be exact) along with a stout 202 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to haul the little hatchback to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds (according to Edmunds testers).

That may not sound very quick in this era of 4-second 0-60 Camaros and Mustangs, but it’s brisk enough to garner grins as you grab gears from the slick-shifting 6-speed. Furthermore, the turbo four feels eager to run to redline again and again. Fuel economy is solid, too, rated 29 mpg combined (26 city/32 highway), which helps to keep ownership costs low.

2017 Ford Fiesta ST driving

Suspension and Handling

Fortified with a sport-tuned suspension, the feisty Ford features 17-inch wheels fitted with performance rubber, a quicker steering system, and beefier brakes. There’s also Torque Vectoring Control, which automatically applies braking to the inside wheel when cornering aggressively. This minimizes understeer and provides crisp turn-in when attacking apexes. It all works seamlessly and comes together nicely, giving the Fiesta ST a well-rounded, engaging, and athletic personality.

Light on its tires and stable when quickly changing directions,  the Fiesta ST is simply a blast to drive, especially when charging out of turns with the turbo four on the boil. Indeed, I remember preferring the Fiesta ST to the Focus ST after driving both during my days as a Road Test Editor at Edmunds.com. The little ST simply felt more agile and communicative than its sibling.

2016 Ford Fiesta ST interior

Exterior and Interior Features

To add some sporty flavor and separate it from the workaday Fiestas, the ST features a larger rear spoiler coming off the roof, unique fascias in front and rear, the aforementioned 17-inch wheels, and dual exhaust outlets.

Inside, there are unique seats, keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, and a Sony audio system.

An available Recaro package adds that brand’s ultra-supportive sport seats, with heat, adjustable height, and some seriously aggressive side bolsters — not to mention handsome leather and cloth upholstery, available with vibrant “Molten Orange” accents. It also includes heated side-view mirrors. Another optional package features black wheels with red brake calipers.

Note that the Fiesta ST comes only in four-door hatchback form and that there were no notable changes throughout its six-year production run.

For the Fiesta’s final model year (2019), Ford introduced the “ST Line” trim level. Not to be confused with a full-fledged ST, this is an appearance package that adds some of the ST’s styling pizzazz but none of its entertaining hardware.

2014 Ford Fiesta ST seats

Details and Specs

  • engine: 1.6 liter turbocharged inline 4
  • horsepower: 197
  • torque: 202 lb-ft
  • transmission: 6-speed manual
  • mpg: 25 city / 32 highway
  • fuel capacity: 12.4 gallons
  • fuel type: regular unleaded
  • drive type: front-wheel drive
  • curb weight: 2742 lbs
  • turning circle: 35.5 feet
  • exterior colors: Green Envy, Ingot Silver, Kona Blue, Magnetic, Orange Spice, Oxford White, Performance Blue, Race Red, Shadow Black, Tuxedo Black, White Platinum
  • interior color: Charcoal Black, Molten Orange, Smoke Storm

The Bottom Line

In a quick search, we found an abundance of nice used Fiesta STs with very low mileage on sites such as Autotrader, eBay Motors, and Cargurus. Pricing typically ranges from $15,000 to $18,000 for minty fresh examples with fewer than 25,000 miles, while still perfectly nice specimens with about 50,000 miles can be found for $12,000 to $15,000.

Bang for the buck just doesn’t get much better than this.

Photos courtesy of Ford

 

Back to top