First Drive: 2014 Ford Fiesta Titanium Hatchback

For performance enthusiasts, the word “subcompact” might have triggered a memory of Steve Urkel goofing around in a BMW Isetta on the set of Family Matters. In those days, premium was barely over a buck a gallon and we could afford to burn it at a high rate, with little care. Subcompacts were reserved for teenagers and the elderly.  

Fast forward a decade and that same gas cost four times as much. Subcompacts now account for 22% of the industry market share (largest for any vehicle category) and offer many of the same amenities found on premium luxury cars. Oh, and as a performance enthusiast, I would drive one. What happened?

Leather, keyless entry, Euro-inspired turn signals, automatic climate control, and heated seats? Are you sure we are still in a Fiesta?

Reality happened. Car manufacturers, like Ford with its newly redesigned 2014 Fiesta, made subcompacts that just don’t feel like they should…in a good way. Leather, decent power, good handling, connectivity, touch screen GPS, heated seats, automatic climate control, and backup cameras. You do remember we are still talking about subcompact cars right? Put a check box next to all of these options because the 2014 Fiesta Titanium ($20,390 as equipped) delivers, and much more.

Remember the Festiva? This was the version of Fiesta we had in America while the actual Fiesta was mainly a Euro-only vehicle. Now that America has begun to catch up with Europe’s gas prices, Ford made a smart move by introducing the Fiesta at the LA Auto Show in 2009. Then just like clock work, Ford gave a five-year face lift to the 2014 Fiesta, including slight upgrades to the front end and rear taillights. Most notable is the signature Ford half moon grill that’s making it’s way across the entire vehicle lineup.

The rear view camera, backup sensors, dual side view mirrors, and lack of blind spots makes it hard to crash into something.

From inside the Fiesta one can’t help notice that there are virtually no blind spots. If you have a hard time looking over your shoulder, there is a small mirror within the side-view mirror that will pick out encroaching vehicles. If that’s not enough, the Titanium trim level comes equipped with backup sensors and a rear-mounted camera, which is a bit overkill for a vehicle this small. With all this available visibility at hand, one would have to be severely distracted to hit something.

The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (Ti-VCT) makes a 120 hp. Later this year Ford will introduce the award winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine that will produce 123 hp and 148 lb/ft of torque. That’s more torque-per-liter than a Corvette ZR1!

Our drive took us up the famous Mullholland Highway, a stones throw from the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Before leaving we told our Ford Sync Siri (we will call her Samantha) where we wanted to go. Being far less condescending then Siri, Samantha didn’t ask us, “Are you sure?”

While most of the time was spent in the lower gears to make the climb, a bit of ‘spirited driving’ ensued on the trip down. Even equipped with all season tires, the Fiesta is remarkably nimble through the turns. Getting the tires to sing isn’t that difficult and one can push it further without fear of the dreaded front steer shuffle, right off the side of a cliff. During canyon carving, the Fiesta must be revved completely out due to its inherently long gear ratios designed for its 29/39/32 mpg fuel economy. Needless to say, we are eagerly awaiting a similar drive in the 197 hp Fiesta ST that will be aided by an additional forward gear.

All in all, we enjoyed our short drive in the 2014 Fiesta. It’s comfortable, quiet, and easy to navigate, all while achieving 30+ mpg on the highway (when we aren’t driving it). It will let you get a little crazy with it, though don’t expect it to out handle a Formula 1 car.

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