Subcompact cars are likely to make American drivers think of practicality instead of performance, but that may start to change with the rollout of the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST during the next few weeks. Already a popular hatchback in Europe, the new Ford Fiesta ST is arriving stateside in five-door form with a high-output 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and several other sporty upgrades.
Producing 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque, the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST tops the output of both the MINI Cooper S, which is rated at 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, and the Chevy Sonic RS, which maxes out at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Ford has ensured that all that power converts to a dynamic ride, thanks to enhancements like a unique sport suspension, an upgraded chassis, 17-inch summer-performance tires and larger disc brakes.
"It took some time for American buyers to get used to the concept of a subcompact car, but now that they have, they're ready for a model like the Fiesta ST, which is just as fun to drive as it is fuel efficient," said Jeff Klein, general manager of Thomas Ford, a Beverly, MA Ford dealership. "Before the Fiesta ST, the selection of performance-focused subcompacts was extremely limited, and now that Ford's new hot hatch is finally on the way, it will outperform all similarly priced competitors."
Inside and out, the Ford Fiesta ST reflects the extra aggression it carries under the hood. The long list of exterior modifications includes an exclusive black-mesh grill with a red ST badge, a high-mounted body-color rear spoiler, a chrome-trimmed dual exhaust, black headlamp bezels and carbon-black fog-lamp bezels. In the cabin, the front seats are embroidered with ST logos, and buyers can opt for RECARO bolstered sport seats, which feature partial-leather trim complemented by either Molten Orange- or Smoke Storm-colored panels.
Ford has revamped its entire Fiesta lineup for the 2014 model year, with select trims already on sale. The arrival of the Fiesta ST will be followed up this fall with a new 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that is expected to earn more than 40 mpg on the highway. With year-to-date sales of the Fiesta already up by 30 percent compared to the same period in 2012, Ford hopes the launches of those new models will drive even more traffic to dealerships.
"We expect the Fiesta ST and 1.0-liter EcoBoost models to attract a lot of younger driving enthusiasts with their affordably priced performance," noted Klein. "Even with the new EcoBoost's small displacement and incredible fuel efficiency, it has more horsepower per liter than the engine of a Lamborghini Aventador, so drivers won't be lacking in responsiveness."
About Thomas Ford:
Thomas Ford, located in Beverly, has been a fixture in the North Shore of Massachusetts for more than 40 years. They base their success on their dedicated sales and Ford service departments' commitment to customer satisfaction. It's never been a better time to be a Ford owner, and Thomas Ford encourages you to stop by their dealership to discover why. For more information, call them at 978-922-0059, visit their website at www.thomasford.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThomasFordAuto or stop by their dealership at 211 Rantoul Street in Beverly, Massachusetts.
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Last updated Wednesday, August 28, 2013 08:00 ETPerformance-Focused Subcompact Sports High-Output EcoBoost Engine
Beverly, 08/28/2013 / SubmitMyPR /