.jpg?q=50&fit=contain&w=1140&h=&dpr=1.5)
In the growing sea of SUVs, other vehicle types may seem a little overshadowed, especially smaller cars. If you went to Ford and sought one of its hatchbacks to buy, you would only find a Mustang on sale. This iconic American brand has discontinued all its other cars in favor of SUVs and trucks, including the Ford Fiesta ST.
Do you remember that temperamental compact ride that scored high sales for years before the pandemic? The Ford Fiesta lineup has been in production since 1976, evolving in specs and design and reaching millions of units sold on the market. But Ford still discontinued it in 2019, looking to focus more on SUVs, pickup trucks, and, like most other brands, electrification.
We still have great things to say about the Ford Fiesta ST, however, so whether discontinued or not, we today want to tell you more about the impressive specs of this tiny hatchback. Although the Ford Fiesta ST is still available in Europe and got a design update for 2022, we'll explore the 2019 production year, which was the last in America.
Let's see what the Ford Fiesta ST packs under the hood and why it makes a good buying choice even today.
Ford Fiesta ST Specs: Impressive Performance Of A Tiny Handsome Hatchback
Admittedly, the Ford Fiesta ST is not a fire-breathing hatchback that will give you a track-like experience. Well, at least not a factory version. Nevertheless, the Ford Fiesta ST is super fun to drive and has some admirable specs to back you up on your whereabouts.
First and foremost, the pint-sized 2019 Ford Fiesta ST offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. Such a power output is more than exciting enough for a car with a 98-inch wheelbase and a base curb weight of 2,536 lbs. Expectedly, the power goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
While we did anticipate an automatic transmission with the Ford Fiesta ST, the manual one is actually interesting and makes the car more fun to drive. Going through the gears is effortless, and the overall handling is quite good. The Ford Fiesta ST also proves highly agile in city settings, though its 0-62mph acceleration of about 6.5 seconds also makes it highly enjoyable on the open road.
With an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG through the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 29 MPG combined, the Ford Fiesta ST is also highly efficient for its size and performance. But the overall price makes it even more appealing.
Alone, the Ford Fiesta ST specs are admittedly not that mind-blowing. However, it's good to consider that this tiny hatchback was under $30,000 when new with all available upgrades. Drivers could choose different paint colors, wheels, brake calipers, and similar amenities without breaking the bank.
Today, the 2019 Ford Fiesta ST is about $10,000 cheaper on the used car market, even without too many miles passed or significant issues. So, you can still get the fiery hatchback and enjoy its impressive specs at a reasonable price.
What Else We Admire In The Small And Fun Ford Fiesta ST
As much as the Ford Fiesta ST specs are impressive for the size and the price of the hatchback, they may not be the reason enough for people to buy it. Fortunately, the Ford Fiesta ST also proves practical, especially for those who don't need the massive interior for a large family.
Inside, the Ford Fiesta ST offers 39.1 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom, which should be enough for most adults to sit comfortably (at least in the front). Luxury is not remotely a word you could associate with the Ford Fiesta ST, but the cabin is indeed very practical and features ambient lighting for a more exciting atmosphere.
The Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is a nice addition to the Ford Fiesta ST, offering easy-to-use controls and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. With so many new rides now offering displays larger than 10 inches, this is not particularly impressive, but it's convenient. The Ford Fiesta ST also has standard tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and similar.
Ford rolled out the Fiesta ST from the American market before it could equip it with the latest driver-assistance technology. Therefore, the hatchback lacks all those high-end features one may expect from a modern ride. Still, it's safe enough as it is, only leaving drivers with more manual operations.
In summary, the impressive Ford Fiesta ST specs revolve around the engine power, handling, and acceleration, but this tiny hatchback is also highly practical to support that output and remain a solid buying choice.