2017 Ford Fiesta ST: What You Need to Know

Photos and Details of the High-Performance Fiesta ST

The 2017 Ford Fiesta ST is the top-of-the-line Fiesta trim. It is a performance-oriented “hot-hatch” variant, like the Ford Focus ST, but smaller. It may be worth a look if you’re seeking an inexpensive and stylish hatchback that features smartphone integration and delivers sporty driving dynamics.

The Ford Fiesta was an all-new model in 2011. The ST was introduced in 2014, and the Fiesta underwent a substantial refresh for that model year. There are no major changes for the 2017 model year, but the Fiesta is due for an update. Ford plans to release a next-generation Fiesta ST for 2018, but there are minimal details as to its configuration for the U.S. market.

Click though the following slides to learn more about the 2017 Ford Fiesta ST and to view additional photos.

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Powertrain

The Fiesta ST comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available.

The ST pumps out 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque. This is more powerful than most competitors at the ST’s price point. Although you will find more power in much more expensive models like the Volkswagen Golf R and GTI, or the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works edition.

According to the EPA, the Fiesta ST returns 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.

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Handling and Braking

The ST is fitted with upgraded suspension and steering systems, a three-stage traction control system, and a torque vectoring system. Though the ST may not possess the power found in some competitors, it more than makes up for it with its handling. It’s arguably the best-handling vehicle in the subcompact car segment.

You will enjoy communicative steering, along with tight and nimble handling. The sport-tuned suspension does a good job of providing a comfortable ride and soaks up road imperfections well, which makes it a good daily driver.

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Exterior Styling

The ST adds some exterior touches that make it stand out from the non-performance Fiesta, but changes are minimal and practical. The most noticeable change is the honeycomb-mesh front grille. Additionally, the bumpers are extended, and it incorporates a larger spoiler and side sills.

The ST’s rear shows a diffuser, exposed twin-exhaust outlets, and ST badging. You can also opt for Ebony Black wheels with red brake calipers. Other options include heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators and integrated blind spot mirrors, as well as a power moonroof. 

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Interior Styling and Comfort

The ST seats five passengers. You will find plenty of space and comfort up front. However, you may want to reserve the rear seats for children. Though some adults may be okay on a short trip, head- and legroom are cramped.  

The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, and there’s a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. If you choose the available leather-trimmed, heated Recaro front seats, you will benefit from additional support. The Recaro seats have side bolsters to hug you around curves. The standard cloths seats – while they aren’t Recaro – are sport seats with a similar shape and styling.

The interior doesn’t look drastically different than that of the base Fiesta. There is a button, exclusive to the ST, for turning on or off the traction control. The seats show an ST badge, as does the steering wheel. Aside from these indicators, the only other obvious changes are the chrome pedals and shifter knobs.

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Interior Technology

The Fiesta ST features Ford's upgraded SYNC 3 infotainment system with advanced smartphone integration. It includes Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Maps, and SiriusXM Radio. The user-friendly technology is controlled via pinch-and-zoom smartphone gestures. 

For an additional $795, you can add an upgraded Sony audio system with voice-controlled navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel, and HD Radio.

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Packages

Ford offers two available ST packages. The ST Recaro package ($1,995) comes with partial leather-trimmed seats, six-way manual driver and passenger seats, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and Molten Orange and Smoke Storm color options.

The ST Protection Package ($475) includes a full vehicle cover, all-weather floor mats, and a cargo mat. All pieces include ST badging.

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Cargo and Storage

The Fiesta ST is small compared to most other subcompact cars, thus offering below-average cargo capacity. The hatchback provides 14.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.

You will be able to fit the essentials, but there isn’t room for multiple passengers’ necessities for longer trips. Though, you can fold down the 60/40 split rear seats to facilitate additional space for your travel gear. Keep in mind that they don’t fold flat, so at 25.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, there still isn’t an abundance of room.

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Safety

The Fiesta received an overall rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests, and five stars in the side crash tests. It doesn’t come with any advanced safety features, but the ST does include Ford’s MyKey safety feature, which lets you set speed and audio volume limits for young drivers, and a SOS Post-Crash Alert system.

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Reliability

Ford is not known for high predicted reliability scores, and the Fiesta ST follows suit. The Fiesta earned a score of two out of five for reliability, which is the worst reliability score that J.D. Power gives out. This makes it Ford’s lowest-scoring vehicle in the reliability category.

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Pricing and Availability

The 2017 Ford Fiesta ST starts at $21,140 and includes upgraded cloth upholstery and a perforated-leather-wrapped steering wheel. It is currently available nationwide.

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More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Are you interested in the 2017 Ford Fiesta ST? You can compare it to the competition in our subcompact car rankings and hatchback rankings. Use our new car deals and lease deals pages to find current offers. If you decide to buy, try the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealer in your area with the best prices and save money on your new car purchase.