First Drive: 2014 Ford Fiesta

Ford updated the 2014 Ford Fiesta with an attractive new design (including a grille that’s shared with the rest of Ford’s lineup), an exciting suite of technologies and features, and class-leading fuel efficiency.

Ford recently invited us up to North Jersey to drive the all-new Fiesta. While this might not seem like a really exciting drive, having autocrossed a new Fiesta at this year’s Further With Ford event, I can tell you that Ford really dialed in the fun with this one. So I was curious to see how the Fiesta would handle in the real world.

Upon arrival at Atlantic Highlands Terminal, we were greeted by an array of Fiestas in various configurations and colors. I immediately went for the Fiesta S Hatch, which was one of only two cars equipped with a 5-speed manual. I figured, with only 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque available, I’d be better off using the manual to wring every last ounce of power out of the little Fiesta on our drive.

First Impressions:
The new Fiesta looks good, and this was a sentiment shared by other people who stopped to look at the cars. Despite picking the base model, the S Hatch still had quite a list of standard options, impressive given it’s modest $14,600 MSRP. Furthermore, it comes standard with options you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find on a car at this price point, including SYNC, AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control, 6-way manual driver’s seat, power mirrors, power steering, hill start assist, a TON of airbags, and more.

The Drive:
Ford gave us the keys to the Fiesta, along with a 22-mile route to follow, which gave us time to experience the Fiesta in it’s natural habitat. While the new Fiesta won’t set any land-speed records, it gets the job done without any drama. The car feels really solid, unlike some other subcompacts we’ve driven in the past. You don’t feel like you’re going to tip over when an 18-wheeler passes you, or when you take a sharp turn at speed. The latter which I tested out a few times, much to the dismay of my co-pilot.

After lunch, I swapped cars and drove a Fiesta Titanium sedan, which has a base price of $18,200. Some visual cues set the Titanium model apart from the S and SE, but it’s the interior of the car that receives the biggest overhaul. Leather seats, heated front seats, push-button start, SYNC with MyFord Touch, MyKey, Sony audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, rear view camera, reverse sensing system, and more.

These upgrades transform the car from an economy car to a luxury cruiser. All for just $3600 more. But if you’re not careful with the options, you can easily break the $20K mark. Our Titanium tester had a sticker price of $21,280, which honestly is more than I’d be willing to pay for a Fiesta.

The Fiesta is a great option for young folks, first-time car buyers, and city dwellers alike. It offers up a great ride with no compromises, while offering lots of value for the money, as well as class-leading fuel economy, delivering an EPA-estimated 41 mpg!

With it’s bold new look, hot new colors, and unparalleled combination of features, the new Fiesta has more personality than any subcompact on the road. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, be sure to check out the 2014 Fiesta. You might just drive home in one.