The Fiesta is one of those rare subcompacts that feels like a solid, substantial car, while offering a civilized ride and fairly quiet cabin for its class. As you'd expect for such a small car, it's also quite fuel efficient, with either its standard 120-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine or its optional 123-hp, 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder.
With the 1.6, we measured an excellent 32 mpg overall with a manual transmission and 33 with an automatic. Still, some larger compact and midsized sedans can meet or beat these numbers. In addition, performance with the 1.6-liter is just adequate.
Fuel economy is the raison d'etre for the tiny three-cylinder, and we measured that at an impressive 35 mpg overall and 46 on the highway. It also provides notably quicker acceleration.
Still, we're not convinced that the three-cylinder is such a good alternative. It has to work hard and rev high to make a good showing and it sounds a bit coarse when doing so. The 1.0 also adds $995 to the sticker price, and comes only with a five-speed manual transmission.
A rough calculation, based on driving 12,000 miles per year, suggests that the larger 1.6-liter engine would use about 20 more gallons of gas in a year. Even if gasoline cost $4 per gallon it would take 12 years to recoup the extra outlay for the three-cylinder Fiesta.
Other recent Fiesta updates include revised steering that dials down handling acuteness somewhat. Most people probably won't notice, since it remains an agile little car. But it lacks the pinpoint sharpness that made the pre-2014 Fiesta exceptionally fun to drive.
You can still get a super-fun Fiesta if you spring for the much-costlier ST hot-hatch version, but that's really a different cup of salsa.
The ST was clearly developed by people who like driving. Even the most diehard enthusiasts at our test track were impressed with its handling, steering responsiveness, and sporty-sounding engine.
Agile handling, especially, is the Fiesta's strong suit, complemented by steering that has immediate and near-telepathic responsiveness. But there's much more. The 197-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine pulls strongly in just about any gear. The car's amazing braking performance is more reminiscent of a Corvette or Porsche than a small hatchback. And unlike some sporty cars, the ST doesn't beat you up with obnoxious noise levels; it emits an invigorating growl that's music to an enthusiast's ears.
Meanwhile, some shortcomings carry over from the previous car, including a painfully tight rear seat and complicated radio controls. Reaching the far away and too-small touchscreen for the optional MyFord Touch infotainment system is very difficult. The 2016 model year will bring Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system, which will likely be easier to use.
The Fiesta can get expensive. Our three-cylinder Fiesta SE stickered at almost $19,000, which is pricey for what you get, and our other tested Fiestas did not cost much less. For that kind of money, or a little more, you could buy a good compact car, such as a Hyundai Elantra SE. Or for $17,000 and change you could get any of several other good subcompacts such as a Kia Rio or Chevrolet Sonic.