2014 Ford Fiesta Overview

2014 Ford Fiesta Overview

Ford’s engineers and designers have carved out a nice niche in the world of compact and affordable cars with the Fiesta in recent years, and they aren’t about to get comfortable and rest on their laurels now. The 2014 Ford Fiesta, feisty and fun-to-drive already, features a couple of engine choices with the potential to be game-changers.

A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that's good for 120 horsepower and generally gets good reviews will continue to be the base engine for the 2014 Ford Fiesta.

The eye-opening options will be a rare-to-North-America 1.0-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder turbocharged offering and a 1.6-liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder, also turbocharged, powering the new and performance-geared 2014 Ford Fiesta ST.

Start with the 3-cylinder. Americans may have been reluctant to embrace the 3-cylinder engines that have become a staple in Europe through the years, but it appears their time may be coming on this side of the pond, too. Turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing help the 1.0-liter 3-cylinder to produce numbers of 123 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque of the base engine.

Ford thinks the estimated fuel mileage figures of the 3-cylinder will be in the 45-mpg range.

The manufacturer pairs the 3-cylinder with a 5-speed manual transmission in the 2014 Ford Fiesta, and experts find the fiery engine packs plenty of power for passing and takes little away from the driving experience. Those not interested in doing their own shifting should note that there is no automatic transmission option for the 1.0-liter.

Ford engineers have been able to come up with a few ways of easing the noise and shaking issues of the 3-cylinder engine, which is by nature unbalanced. Engine mounts and passing the timing belt through the engine oil reservoir help make sure things run smoothly.

The blue oval folks are upping up the ante with the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST, much like they did with the Focus ST, and count on it giving the performers in its class, cars like the Chevrolet Sonic RS and Mini Cooper S, a run for their money.

The turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder in the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST checks in at 197 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission (lovers of automatics are out of luck with the ST, too) and a sports suspension are standard, and the ST scores well in steering and handling, according to the experts. Fuel estimates are pegged at 34 mpg.  

The base 2014 Ford Fiesta comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, but it does offer an available automatic.

Reviewers tend to find the Fiesta comfortable, though a little tight in the backseat, and the cabin well-appointed.

The base Fiesta gets air conditioning, power locks and mirrors and a 4-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack. A Convenience package includes keyless entry and a CD player.

A climb up the trim ladder brings upgrades in sound and lighting. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST gets a unique ST rear spoiler and grille, 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-speaker sound system and a touchscreen for the MyFord Touch infotainment system.

The 2014 Ford Fiesta comes with electronic stability control and 7 standard airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag is available.