Twice in a blue moon - A Fiesta ST review

"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce) 08/14/2014 at 14:45 • Filed to: Fiesta ST, Review

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Back in 2012, Ford unleashed the Focus ST as the ambassador for the ST brand into America. In 2013, Ford followed up with the launch of the newest iteration of the Fiesta ST. Have they done it? Has Ford done what other brands could not, or would not? In a word - yes. Lightning struck twice.

Full disclosure - I own this car. So obviously, I love it. If you have driven one and don't like it because it is small (car seats are a no-go in the back), lacking on power (Even I admit I wished I had driven the Focus ST more on the track), or not luxurious/refined enough (it is definitely based on an econo-box and makes no attempt to hide that on the inside) then this review won't change your mind. In fact, it might reaffirm your own decision to skip it. This isn't so much a review as it is a multiple paragraph love letter to both the car and the ideals that spawned it.

Humble beginnings

Let's get this out of the way now - the ST siblings were not born the performance stars that they are. Being based off of much more pedestrian chassis and powertrain packages, they have certain limitations that a car such as the miata, or the toyobaru twins, being based on a bespoke performance platform don't face. Your dimensions are not optimized for handling or speed, but for passenger volume and "efficiency". So it is amazing how, time and again, the engineers and performance gurus in these companies manage to consistently pump out cars that are just as fun to drive as a sports car. To put it as a metaphor, they start with the salad bar and are asked to come back with something that will rival a steak. But they do it again and again and the Fiesta ST might just make that salad bar more enjoyable than the 8oz NY strip......still not as good as the best, but if you're on a budget anyways why can't you enjoy yourself?

Pleasure. Excitement. Enjoyment. Fun. Does anyone else remember that word? "Fun"? Lately everyone seems so wrapped up in everything else that they forgot what that word means. "Fun" isn't numbers or stats. It isn't lap times at some hunk of asphalt in the middle of Deutschbag-land. It isn't imaginary measures of numbers pulled out of the ass of a car strapped to a treadmill. And it most certainly isn't board meetings of sales figures and will-they/won't-they politics and news articles about whether or not there is enough "support" to justify the next action. Fun is doing nude skydiving and at the last second, pulling out a windsurfing parachute so you glide just a few feet off the ground of a sandy beach in July, punching your boss in the face when you zip by a picnic while grabbing a slice of watermelon and a beer and then finally landing asscheeks first on some jerkwad's face while they tan. Ford seems to understand this more than anyone else as, again, they released a pair of sub-mustang performance vehicles. The FiST in particular is a marvel. The Fiesta is fun at 1/10ths like it is fun at 5/10ths and at 10/10ths. I don't know if I have ever seen or heard of a car having that quality before. Yeah the harder you push it, the more fun it gets, but it can induce giggles at 20 mph like it can at 120 mph. Notice how I never said it is the fastest - aside from very tight autocross courses and similar low speed/small car favoring events, the FiST is outgunned. It is so much about the feeling behind the wheel instead of the numbers on the stopwatch or dyno.

How is it on the road?

The alternate title of this review is "I drove a Fiesta ST for 4000 miles in 5 days and I want to drive it some more!". A few people asked me during my daily updates how it was on the highway. Weirdly enough, it wasn't nearly as bad as it should've been. I think a GTI handles the bumps better but it is no worse than an FR-S. The recaros are a 2000$ option but if you buy them, prepare for about 500 to 1000 miles of mild discomfort while they break in. About 1000 miles into my journey, I had 5000 total miles on my car. After that point, the seats had fully "set" or however you want to put it and I found myself rarely fidgeting or adjusting myself in the car. Which is good when you're bombing down a mountain pass and don't want to end up in the passenger seat......

Speaking of mountain roads, the Fiesta is a true street fighter. It can hold its own on an open track, and does quite well at an autocross, but this car is almost purely for fun driving on public roads at lower speeds. If you want a car that you can grow into a track car, you need the FR-S or miata or genesis or something RWD on a dedicated platform. Or at least step up to the Focus ST. However, if you want the maximum amount of speed and enjoyment on public roads while also having the most cargo room and practicality as possible, the FiST is your clear winner in America. Maybe the 500 abarth is competition, but I think the FiST is just such a class above it (and costs a couple grand more) that they aren't really head to head rivals. Maybe if it finds enough success, the 'others' from abroad will arrive and we can have a real shootout.

My travels took me to the famed "Beartooth Highway" where the naturally aspirated V8 pickups and SUVs labor to breathe while the 1.6L turbo was as happy at 6,000 feet as it is at sea level. The twisting S-turns and hairpins made it all the more pleasurable to drive. And nothing was more satisfying than seeing the smug bikers' looks as the little blue hatchback scampered both up and down the mountain with more speed and composure than any of their harleys could muster. I stopped for a breather at the peak of the highway road and marveled at the snow still sitting at the top. The car had gone back to being just a little blue hatchback instead of the gaussian blur that had just found its way to the summit. Do I wish I had the abarth's exhaust note? Perhaps. Do I gaze upon the FoST's extra power with envy? Sometimes. Do I covet my neighbor's RWD FR-S? On occasion. But there, at that moment, on that mountain? Not a chance. All this fun and I was only two days into my trip with the REAL fun yet to come.

Octane Academy = Driver's Ed for going fast

7:45 am. Slightly chilly for an August morning in Utah. I had the seat warmers on when I got into the car. Climbing out of my little blue hatchback in the parking lot of Miller Motorsports Park, I walked into the driving school area Ford had setup for us. A brief instruction on how to take a turn and some time to put on a flamesuit is all that was between me, and 8 hours of car nirvana. The Focus ST's showed off some serious moves when we were doing 90 and forward 180 degree handbrake turns around pylons. And the Fiesta? Turns out it does a reverse 180 (a "Rockford" to some of you) like nobody's business. The morning was spent with getting familiar with how these mighty mice behaved. They're a lot tougher than any of us gave them credit for before. And much more willing to have fun than we could've imagined. There was a break for lunch before the main events - going on track at speed and going full-assault on one of the most challenging autocrosses I've ever heard of.

For me, the track time was first. We would first hop in the fiestas and follow the mustang lead car in formation. Then we'd hop in the Focus STs and do the same. Then we'd pick a car, get an instructor to guide us through our faults for a few laps, and finally, cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war! ....For three laps....Not quite the most epic drive of my life, if I'm honest. And yet there was something so revealing during those three laps. These looked like basic grocery getters and commuter specials that had been tarted up with the wheels and tinsel and turbo under a thin veil of "performance" like the veloster turbo or caliber SRT-4.

But then you turn that first corner by yourself. No one in front. No one behind. Just you, the car, and some asphalt. Clark Kent dashes into that phone booth. You turn the wheel as the car rolls to the apex. You jam the throttle. Superman flies out. These cars are race cars deep down. Maybe they're saddled with the burden of the daily grind, but make no mistake - they live to do battle. My Fiesta was down on power and lacked the straight speed and "go" of the larger Focuses, but the dances the Fiesta can perform through the hairpins and S-turns were so rhythmic and flowing compared to the bulkier Focus. It was definitely more suited to the autoX course but it gave everything it had out on the track. Had I known I would only have three laps, I would've picked the Focus. But the Fiesta did not disappoint. I was criticized for having "fast hands" and basically trying to take the longer, wider road course like an autocross. Yet I was praised very heavily for being able to stick to the lines when I set it up and being able to "roll with the car" when I calmed down my movements. At the end of the day, professional drivers took us out to show us what the Focuses could really do. They were right. I was on that line perfectly. I credit the Fiesta more than my own skills for keeping me on that path. I also credit the Fiesta for making me look good at the autocross.

Aaaaaahhhhh nothing like a good autocross to show you what both you and the car are capable of. You see that little hairpin? The one that was soaked with water? Yeah, you pull the handbrake for that. It is every bit as fun as it looks. This is the Fiesta's native home. We were timed on the Focuses but we practiced in the Fiestas. I wish we stuck with the Fiestas. They lived up to their name on this course. The tight turns, slalom section, handbrake 180 and the 90 degree handbrake parking box at the finish made this course a real treat to drive on. The figure 8 section lacked any cones or points of reference so the challenge level was actually quite high. I liken the Fiesta on the track to being a ballet dancer. Very graceful, meaningful movements are the goal. But out here? They were dancing a samba! Just watching those little red boxes scamper around the course was a ton of fun. The sun was bright, the track was hot, the cars had found their zone and we were nothing but smiles for the rest of the afternoon out there. The whole experience was an absolute blast from start to finish.

A long ride into the sunset

As good as the hairpins and cambered turns of the mountains were, and the tire roar and violence at the track was energizing, the desert cruising was an excellent way to travel the country. I might even say it was my favorite part of the trip. Don't get me wrong, the mountain road is still king and Octane Academy should be a national holiday. But there is just something about going through the desert at sunset with a great soundtrack and an incredibly willing car underneath you to just put a giant grin on your face for hundreds of miles at a time. The torque of the 1.6L engine makes the car feel every bit as small as it is. Effortless passing power is available despite the small displacement. The short wheelbase and stiff suspension cause some jouncing on the rough patches, but overall it is nothing you don't expect in a performance car. And it is worth it when you just have that....moment. I can't think of a single word to describe it. But it is that instant where everything has just "clicked". And when I was driving east through the Wyoming desert, Octane Academy having been finished earlier that day, I found it. To all at Ford who were responsible for letting this car come to light and for shipping it over here - you did a damn fine job.

How has Ford "gotten away with it"?

I am trying to push this review out as fast as I can due to this section alone. I think it is important to think about for the future of cheap thrills in the industry. I am far from the first to sing the praises of this car. Or the Focus ST. Or the SVT products. I am one of many. Yet why is this such a big deal? Why is everyone jumping to praise these products despite there being a glut of cheap speed available nowadays? What makes the ST program so damn special that cars like the abarth, the toyobaru, the genesis coupe, the GTI, and the multitude of concepts and teasers are acknowledged but not quite as revered as these new cars are? Here's the secret - Ford is committed to these cars and what they represent.

How many times will we have to read about how toyota *would* make a more powerful trim or a convertible or basically some other variant of the FR-S but won't until sales improve or the automotive climate changes or whatever the hell excuse they have these days? How many times has VW teased us with the GTD? Or their mid engined sports car? Chevrolet, Kia, Nissan - Part of the toyobaru's launch success was the hype train they built for it. So make up your damn minds about what you're going to do about this all! Speaking of chevrolet - The cobalt SS was awesome. Now what? So was the solstice. Now the miata can be complacent again. What the hell? Mazda/Toyota - The RX-7/Supra is a good car. Either bring it back or stop teasing the fanboys!

Now Ford comes along and releases their performance cars globally and now is even offering a "performance driving experience" for their bottom rungs on the ladder. Maybe mazda and subaru inviting you to a corporate autocross event counts as something similar. Maybe. But no one else offers that on a budget car. Running some rough numbers, the ST Octane Academy will have about 400 or more people go through this year. Each day is limited to only 20 people. So Ford has basically committed a whole track *just* to their performance compacts. That is a level of commitment far and above what anyone else is doing for cars that only cost 25,000$. This has changed the game. Ford made a statement here. If you aren't prepared to back up and support your actions, don't bother. Stay home.

The new generation

The success of the Fiesta ST and Focus ST are not by chance. Starting way back with cars like the Escort ZX2 S/R and contour SVT, Ford is just about the only volume automaker that has consistently been trying to get some cheap thrills out to the masses. Each iteration of their efforts has been an improvement. And now with the global team working on these cars, they've got the winning recipe. And the Fiesta ST is the very best preparation of this dish.

In the future, we will have to see what comes to our shores. I know someday the throne will be usurped by a better challenger but until then, this is it. This is the king of the hot hatch pile. And you know what? It's good to be the king.

Reigntastic > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/14/2014 at 15:20

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I'd let myself get FiSTed if it had AWD, and tried to compete upmarket with the WRX and Golf R.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Reigntastic 08/14/2014 at 15:21

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No need for AWD. If anything it would compromise the car's handling a lot. Cause a lot of understeer and increase the weight to over 3000lbs. It is actually quite "upmarket" due to being specced with some heavy duty performance parts for such a small car.

Reigntastic > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/14/2014 at 15:25

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It's never a need, it's a want. If they want me to buy their turbo hatches, they need to have AWD. 400 pounds of gear from a differential, two more axles, a driveshaft, and some cutting?

AWD causing more understeer compared to FWD is pretty interesting logic. Care to explain?

Before I get carried away, I will say I thoroughly enjoyed your review, it was excellently formatted and had nice photos.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Reigntastic 08/14/2014 at 15:31

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The Fiesta ST doesn't understeer until you really hammer the gas in a tight turn. It is very light and is balanced to have a throttle off oversteer so you can rotate the car at will. Adding all that weight would surely limit its ability to do this. And keep in mind that AWD naturally causes the car to push out under throttle too. You don't quite get the same type of understeer, but you still have to face it. So any way you look at it, unless that was one of the best AWD systems out there, you're slower than if you leave it as FWD.

Reigntastic > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/14/2014 at 15:43

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All of that can be heavily influenced by front/rear power bias and sway bar tuning, which has been available in cars for multiple decades, though. FiST has very aggressive rear sways from factory. I just wish I could have a Fiesta like Block's.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Reigntastic 08/14/2014 at 15:50

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I got to see his rally cars. I wanted to steal some of the upgrade parts that were just sorta sitting out there.

But in any event, you pretty much have to design a car from the get-go with AWD to make it perform decently. The FiST and FoST have transverse engine placement which makes shoehorning in an AWD system very difficult, let alone one with the correct differentials and drivetrain parts to be performance biased instead of just stability. Plus I feel like even if the FiST would get faster, it would lose so much of the feel and charm behind it. That's the magic with the car. It's fun while also being fast and practical. Weirdly enough, a bit of tirespin and waywardness is good fun, within reason. I don't like the larger, more powerful Focus ST because of that.

Henry Diesel > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/14/2014 at 16:31

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TL, will read later.

Just came to say that blue is the best color fist. THE BEST. NUMBER ONE.

Garrett Davis > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/14/2014 at 16:49

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Fantastic review. Great read.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Garrett Davis 08/14/2014 at 18:26

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thanks! I put some time into it so nice to see people enjoying it.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Henry Diesel 08/14/2014 at 18:26

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I agree! :D

Garrett Davis > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/14/2014 at 18:41

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A lot of this almost feels like fan service on here now because it's so lived on here, but you really nailed what makes this car so special.

I nearly bought a FiST but needed the extra cargo room and more importantly, the extra headroom, so I ended up with the Focus ST instead. Less than $2k more, I was surprised by that.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Garrett Davis 08/14/2014 at 19:05

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A big part of why I wanted to write this was to explain that Ford seems to actually care about their own products. Both ST models are amazing and Ford is committed to the idea for the future. They seem to want to make sure they have a dedicated customer base even though it is a low volume line.

Haig > Reigntastic 08/14/2014 at 19:24

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For a GRC car, AWD is required. Short of that, there are a lot more reasons against than for AWD in a Fiesta.

First, a twist beam rear suspension isn't conducive to AWD, now you've got to make new tin and develop a new IRS.

Second, look at the VW GTI performance package vs the VW Golf R. Long story short, the GTI compares very well with less power and a lot less cost.

Third, AWD has big parasitic losses, unless you add a lot of power it's going to be slower than a FWD Fiesta ST. That can't compete up market.

What we should be hoping for is a 2.7 EcoBoost with AWD in something like the light weight Fusion concept. The 2.7 is going in the Edge with AWD which is the same platform and the light weight Fusion weighed about as much as a Fiesta. Put the two together and you have an STI killer built out of the parts bin.

Garrett Davis > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/14/2014 at 19:54

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Exactly. I love what Ford has been doing in recent years.

Brian Silvestro > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/15/2014 at 07:22

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from abroad

Designed by Ford of Europe, North American ones are built in Mexico.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Brian Silvestro 08/15/2014 at 08:36

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The ST tuning was a joint effort by both the North American and European performance groups. Also the 5-door was specifically made for the American market in an executive decision by Ford of America.

Brian Silvestro > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/15/2014 at 08:41

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Well I know the second part...

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Brian Silvestro 08/15/2014 at 08:43

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Well there you go, it's still a domestic.

Brian Silvestro > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/15/2014 at 08:45

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That's like saying a right hand drive car is domestic to Britain because it's made for them.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Brian Silvestro 08/15/2014 at 09:11

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If the british designed it and customized it for their tastes, then yes I'd say it's a british car. Ford products are globally designed and developed now and Ford is still an American company. The newest Fiesta (base) was designed to be sold in America as much as anywhere else and the ST was tuned using both American and European engineers. Manufacturing be damned, the ST is a car from Eagleland! IT BRINGS LIBERTY AND JUSTICE TO ALL WHO SEEK A CHEAP HOT HATCH NOW YOU SHUT YOUR DIRTY NON-PATRIOTIC MOUTH!

Brian Silvestro > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/15/2014 at 09:13

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http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/i…

Goddammit I forgot pictures don't work.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/21/2014 at 11:24

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Awesome read. Now I want a FiST, oh wait, I already have one.. I love letting other people experience the car as well, you don't really understand it until you get behind the wheel.

MTW > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 11/19/2014 at 14:38

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Great write-up. You had me smiling and nodding my head the whole way through. Although I bought a Focus ST, I had a tremendous amount of fun running the FiST at Octane Academy and to be honest, really miss that little car.