2015 Ford Fiesta Quick Spin Review

The spunky little Ford Fiesta delivers a lot of value despite its price tag. Nicely trimmed, with outstanding build quality, and a broad array of features, Fiesta proves you can economize without having to feel ostracized. Available in both hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, versatility can also be numbered among the attributes of the model. But wait, there’s more; Ford’s engineering team also endowed the little runabout with engaging dynamics, making it one of the most fun to drive models in its class. Further, if you’re really into driving, there’s the Fiesta ST package, calibrated specifically to extract the most driving pleasure possible from Ford’s little party on wheels, the car they call—appropriately enough—Fiesta.

Looking like the automotive interpretation of an Easter egg on wheels, the appearance of the Fiesta immediately telegraphs what the car is all about. Yes, transportation for sure; but transportation with a fun quotient. The prominent grille looks like it was lifted straight out of Aston Martin’s styling portfolio (because it was), meanwhile, the flared-in headlight housings define the front corners of the car, while simultaneously giving the Fiesta something of a reptilian countenance. The wheels are pushed out to the extreme edges of the car, so overhang (both front and rear) is minimal. Generous character lines in the Fiesta’s profile views give it an upscale appearance, while also adding interest. Overall, Fiesta looks considerably more expensive than in fact it is.

Ford offers three engines for the Fiesta. There’s a 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter normally aspirated inline four, good for 112 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual is standard, but a six-speed automatic can be ordered to go with it too. Fuel economy is 28-city, 36-highway, and 31 combined with the manual. The automatic returns 27/37 and 31. The fuel-economy oriented Fiesta SFE uses a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder and a five-speed manual to return 31/43 and 36 combined. This one is good for 123 horsepower and 125 ft-lbs of torque. Fiesta ST rocks a 197-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo four with 202 ft-lbs of torque and a six-speed manual transmission, to claim the title of quickest car in its class. Fuel economy is 26-city/35-highway and 29 combined.

ABS is standard across the board, but it should be noted all Fiesta models save ST use a front-disc/rear-drum brake setup. There are also traction control, stability control, blind spot mirrors, front airbags, front side airbags, a pair of side curtain airbags, and a knee airbag for the driver. The Ford Sync system will use your paired smartphone to call for emergency assistance if an airbag should deploy. Options include a rearview camera system and a rear parking sensor array. NHTSA says the Fiesta chalked up four out of five stars in overall protection, garnering four for frontal and five for side impacts. The IIHS ranks Fiesta as “Good” (the Institute’s highest rating) in all crashes, save the small overlap frontal offset, in which the Fiesta was rated “Marginal”; the second to lowest rating.

Fiesta starts at $13,965 for the base sedan, while the hatchback starts at $14,365. Fiesta ST (hatchback only) starts at $20,945. Standard features across the board include power locks and mirrors, air conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Ford’s Sync voice activation system (which includes Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming), and apps based services. Options include keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, and a touchscreen interface system. Fiesta ST adds a sport-tuned suspension system, quicker steering, and upgraded brakes.