Ford finally released some revealing performance figures of its highly anticipated 2014 Ford Fiesta ST this morning. Conceptualized as a vehicle that offers an unmatched driving experience at an affordable price, Ford claims its ST hot hatch is expected to deliver a hot 197-hp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque - sensational numbers for a car that weighs just about 2,500 lbs.
The sporty Ford Fiesta ST is powered by Ford's dynamic 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Not only is the miniature engine pumping out 133 percent of its displacement, Ford claims that the Fiesta hot hatch is still capable of 34 mpg combined.
Other enhancements on the Fiesta ST include a new front steering knuckle that offers a sharper 13.6:1 steering ratio. Also, the Fiesta ST sits half an inch lower and features a stiffer suspension system to handle body roll. Electric torque vectoring control will also reduce understeer while a three-mode electronic stability control offers drivers with options between "standard," "sport," or "off" settings to alter the driving feel of the car.
In terms of aero and enhancements, the new Ford Fiesta ST gets a new front grille, chin spoiler, rear diffuser, high mount spoiler, and an overall sportier design to complement the ST's personality.
Expect the exciting new 2014 Ford Fiesta ST to debut at this month's LA Auto Show.
Earlier this year, the 2013 Scion FR-S debuted at the North American International Auto Show and promised a near identical philosphy - a first class driving experience for an affordable price. (Read our FR-S review here)
The Scion FR-S boasts 200-hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque while its curb weight is approximately 2,700 lbs - figures that are strikingly familiar with the Fiesta ST's 197-hp and 2,500 lb. curb weight. However, that's where similarities between the FR-S and the Fiesta ST diverge.
While on the topic of power figures, the FR-S delivers performance from a revvy naturally aspirated 2.0 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine rather than the smaller displacement turbocharged engine in the Fiesta. In fact, the fundamental conception of the Fiesta ST and the FR-S are very different as well. The Ford Fiesta ST is a refined version of the existing Fiesta hatchback while the FR-S was meant to be a clean sheet of paper for Subaru and Toyota to work together and design.
In terms of drivetrain, the Fiesta ST is a short wheelbase front-wheel-drive hatchback with a sort of flickability that is particularly popular in Europe. As for the FR-S, Toyota intended its new affordable sports car to be a refreshing return to old AE86 roots with a loose rear-wheel-drive set up that shines in its balance and its ability to run a corner sideways.
In styling, the Scion FR-S was an all-new, sleek two-door coupe design that featured a very sporty wedge shape thanks to how incredibly low the flat-four engine is placed. On the other hand, the Ford Fiesta ST still offers a similar profile as the standard Fiesta except for a number of sporty design details and aggressive trim pieces that separated the ST from the more pedestrian model. In addition, the Fiesta ST also benefits with a more usable cabin and storage compartment thanks to its more practical hatchback dimensions.
It's exciting to see two automakers follow two unique approaches to affordable driving nirvana. Rather than choose a winner between the two, let's just agree that it's the drivers that win at the end. Let us know which car you would have in your garage!
