As we write this, Ford is being coy about the Fiesta's future in North America. A new design has already debuted in Europe, but the company has yet to say whether it will come here, leading us to fear that one of the best-driving subcompacts might soon disappear.
So, for 2018, the Fiesta carries over with only the addition of a standard backup camera, a nod to forthcoming legislation that will make them standard in all cars as of May 2018.
Fiesta remains available in hatchback and sedan body styles, both with four doors and offered in S, SE and Titanium trims, plus a fourth high-performance hatchback trim called ST.
There are three engines to choose from, the most widely available being a 1.6L four-cylinder that makes 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque that can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The SE can be optioned with a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder "EcoBoost" engine that makes 123 hp and 125 lb-ft and comes only with the manual transmission. Hotshoe drivers can move up to the ST for a turbocharged 1.6L making 197 hp and 202 lb-ft and paired with a six-speed manual.
What makes the Fiesta so appealing is that it's a fun driver even in its more mundane configurations. Its handling is sharp and entertaining without an overly firm ride; contrary to many small cars, the basic 1.6L is actually better suited to its optional automatic transmission, as its extra gear makes better use of the engine's power. The 1.0L is intriguing but comes with tall fuel-saver gearing that makes it less fun to drive than it should be. Naturally, the ST is a riot, but its harder suspension and huggy Recaro seats won't be for everyone.
Hatchbacks are generally regarded as more practical than sedans, but the Fiesta sedan's bulky rear houses the larger trunk of the two body styles.
Unsurprisingly, the 1.0L boasts the most attractive fuel consumption estimates, at 7.6/5.7 L/100 km (city/highway). The 1.6L is most efficient with the automatic, at 8.6/6.4, and the ST's ratings are 9.0/7.1 L/100 km.
One of the side effects of the Fiesta's being at the end of its product cycle is its lack of advanced safety features, like collision detection with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning/prevention and blind spot detection.
Still, Titanium trim brings a number of niceties, including leather seating, SYNC 3 infotainment, passive keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror and backup sensors.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
