The Ford Fiesta shows car buyers on a budget that a subcompact vehicle doesn’t have to be a penalty box. It can offer many of features found on larger vehicles for a price that won’t break the bank. For 2018, Ford makes minor changes to the Fiesta. A reversing camera is now standard, and a 4.2-inch screen takes the place of the 3.5-inch screen in the center stack.

The smallest model in Ford’s lineup shares styling cues with the compact Focus, including a large trapezoidal grille and short overhangs for the front and rear. Ford offers the Fiesta as a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback. A high-performance Fiesta ST hatchback features an aggressive body kit, mesh grille, rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance rubber.

Moving inside, Ford offers a modern design in the Fiesta with a wide array of standout color choices. Reviewers prefer the optional SYNC 3 infotainment system over the standard system with a 6.5-inch display and simple interface. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available with SYNC 3.

The Fiesta’s narrow width limits passenger room, and cargo space ranks towards the bottom of the class with measurements ranging from 10.1 cubic feet for the ST hatchback behind the second row, to 14.9 cubic feet for the standard hatchback with the second row folded down.

Most Fiestas come with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual is standard and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional. The Fiesta ST adds a turbo to the 1.6, boosting power figures to 197 hp and 202 lb.-ft of torque. It’s worth noting that the ST only comes paired with a 6-speed manual. The ST is ideal for those who want a ‘hot hatch,’ thanks to its brisk acceleration and distinctive exhaust note.

Fuel economy figures are below average for subcompacts, however, with the 1.6 fitted with the dual-clutch automatic returning 27 mpg city, 37 highway, and 31 combined. The manual returns 27, 35, and 30, while the performance-oriented ST rings in at 26, 33, and 29.

Reviewers give the Fiesta’s handling high marks thanks to its well-tuned suspension and accurate steering. On turns, the Fiesta feels confident and exhibits little body roll. Its short wheelbase can make the Fiesta’s ride choppy. Road and wind noise is well isolated, but a fair amount of engine noise does get inside.

For safety, the 2018 Fiesta comes with a full set of airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and tire pressure monitoring. A number of active safety features, such as blind- spot monitoring, are not available on the Fiesta, which puts it behind the pack. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Fiesta a 4-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Fiesta their highest rating of Good on most tests, except the small overlap test, where it earned a Moderate rating.

The 2018 Ford Fiesta begins at $14,115 for the base S sedan.