2014 Ford Fiesta Hatchback: Sporty & Affordable

2014 Ford Fiesta Hatchback: Sporty & Affordable
  • Opening Intro -

    There was a time when Ford offered a compact car, priced it affordably and attracted a good number of buyers.

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Good, however, was not enough and Ford soon overhauled its line up, bringing in a pair of small models from Europe: the subcompact Fiesta and the compact Focus. Both models are worth considering if you’re a first-time new car shopper, with the Fiesta offering the lowest starting price at $14,100 for the S sedan.

Two Body Styles

Ford sells the front-wheel drive Fiesta in two body styles: hatchback and sedan. Its top competitors are the Nissan Versa/Versa Note, Honda Fit, and Chevrolet Sonic. Models from Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Mazda, and Mitsubishi also compete.

Introduced in 2011, the Fiesta received a new face for 2014, adopting the design language of other Ford models with its gaping grille and sleek headlamp layout. All models are endowed with profile characteristics, flared wheel wells and oversized wrap around tail lamps.

The performance ST version brings in a body-colored rear spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips, rocker panel moldings, and a unique front air fold and rear diffuser.

Four Trim Levels

Ford offers its Fiesta Hatchback in S ($14,600), SE ($16,080), Titanium ($18,800) and ST ($21,400) trim levels. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is standard; a 1.0-liter three cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection is available on some models. The ST edition is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed automatic is available. The automatic can be operated manually when shifted into sport mode.

As tested, a Ford Fiesta SE was supplied, equipped with the standard engine and the automatic transmission. Ford added $3,480 worth of options, pushing the model’s final price to $20,235. Those options included the power shift automatic transmission, painted aluminum wheels, a navigation system, and special exterior paint.

A common complaint drivers have with small cars is interior comfort. Happily, the driver’s seat was supportive, providing sufficient back, hip and leg support. The rear seat has three seat belt positions, but is most comfortable for two people. The storage area behind the rear seat is roomy — fold down the rear seat and you should find ample room for your gear.

Standard and Available Features

Standard amenities with the Fiesta SE Hatchback include cruise control, leather and metallic trim, automatic temperature control, power windows and power door locks. Other amenities available include a moonroof, an upgraded audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, and heated seats.

Ford provides numerous cup and beverage holders, an overhead storage compartment, and door storage bins. Every model comes with 12-volt auxiliary power points, a rear view camera, and SYNC AppLink.

Electric power steering, front MacPherson struts, and a twist beam suspension provide a capable drive with engine output sufficiently providing ample power on demand. The transmission shifts smoothly with no perceptible gear hunting noticed.

The Fiesta’s instrument panel is sporty and brightly lit, dominated by a pair of analog displays that flank the driver’s information center. The center stack is topped by a 6.5-inch audio/navigation display that doubles as a rear view camera with parking guidelines.

College Student Purchase Considerations

Like most manufacturers, Ford provides a special discount for current college students and recent graduates. Purchase or lease an eligible Ford product and you get $500 cash toward your down payment. To find out more, click here.

2014 Ford Fiesta Hatchback


Key Facts

  • Price Range: $14,600 – $21,400
  • Seating: 2 front/3 rear
  • 1.6-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine
  • 120 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
  • 112 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,000 rpm
  • 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 98 inches
  • Length: 159.7 inches
  • Width: 67.8 inches
  • Height: 58.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: 85.1 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 14.9/25.4 cubic feet
  • EPA: 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway (SFE Package)
  • Fuel tank: 12.4 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 2,537-2,575 pounds

Strengths/Weaknesses

  • Strengths: Style, pricing, interior room, comfort
  • Weaknesses: Noisy engine, navigation system

The Verdict

  • The Fiesta offers an attractive and affordable entry point to the Ford brand.

See AlsoNew Drive: 2014 Toyota Corolla LE Eco


Photo courtesy of Auto Trends Magqzine.

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Categories: Campus Cars