Autoblog, a leading voice in automotive journalism, conducted a reader poll, and the results are in: enthusiasts overwhelmingly favor the Ford Fiesta ST! This echoes the sentiment of Autoblog’s own writer, Steven Ewing, a self-proclaimed hot hatchback aficionado. In a “This Or That” debate with a colleague, Ewing passionately defended the Fiesta ST, showering Ford’s spirited subcompact with praise. For those utilizing an Autoblog Car Finder Tool to pinpoint the ideal sporty and practical vehicle, the Fiesta ST consistently emerges as a top contender. Let’s delve into why this hot hatch continues to capture hearts and outperform rivals like the Abarth, according to Autoblog’s insights.
Ewing, highlighting the practical aspects often overlooked in the hot hatch segment, pointed out significant drawbacks of the Fiat Abarth. “The interior overall is an issue here [with Fiat] – it’s cramped, the rear seats are pretty much unusable, and there’s barely any trunk space.” This is a stark contrast to the Fiesta ST. He emphasizes, “Compare that to the Ford, and you’ve got a car you could easily live with as a daily driver – it’s comfortable, has tons of technology onboard, offers reasonable rear seating, and has a usable rear cargo area.” This daily driver practicality, combined with exhilarating performance, makes the Fiesta ST a standout choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle.
Ford Fiesta ST on a track, showcasing its sporty design and agility
Our own experience mirrors Autoblog’s enthusiasm. The Fiesta ST isn’t just about thrills; it’s a well-engineered machine packed with modern features. As the flagship Fiesta trim, the ST boasts a comprehensive feature set, building upon the base model with exclusive sporty enhancements. These include distinctive body styling, a sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling, dual exhaust tips that hint at its performance capabilities, upgraded brakes for confident stopping power, and quicker steering for enhanced responsiveness. Inside, drivers enjoy the user-friendly MyFord Touch interface and a suite of technology and convenience features, making the 2015 Fiesta ST, and subsequent models, a technologically advanced and enjoyable ride.
Beyond practicality and features, the Fiesta ST truly shines in driving dynamics. Ewing’s words resonate with anyone who appreciates a spirited drive: “Not only is the Fiesta more powerful and quicker than the Abarth, it’s far nicer to drive with better handling chops and a more engaging manual gearbox. I’ve driven both on the track, and where the Abarth starts to show its flaws, the Fiesta remains sure-footed and agile through corners.” He further emphasizes the fun factor: “And when it comes time for squirrely, hot hatch playfulness, I’d argue that the Fiesta is better to really flog like a hooligan – way more forgiving, and far better equipped to handle anything the driver throws at it.” This highlights the Fiesta ST’s superior performance and driver engagement compared to the Abarth.
The performance advantage is quantifiable. Under the hood, the Fiesta ST packs a potent 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque. In contrast, the Abarth’s 1.4-liter inline-four produces a lesser 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This power difference translates to noticeable gains in acceleration and overall driving excitement. Remarkably, fuel economy figures for both cars are comparable, making the Fiesta ST the more efficient choice in terms of power-to-fuel consumption.
Ewing eloquently captures the visceral connection drivers feel with the Fiesta ST, describing it as an extension of the driver’s will. He states the performance feels so involved that you feel “like you’re one with the car and like every control is an extension ‘of your own being.'” This profound connection is what sets the Fiesta ST apart for hot hatch enthusiasts. In conclusion, whether you’re utilizing an autoblog car finder tool or simply seeking the ultimate hot hatch experience, the Ford Fiesta ST, as championed by Autoblog and its readers, deserves serious consideration. Ewing’s definitive recommendation seals the deal: “For my money and thrills, nothing beats the Ford Fiesta ST.”
