After 2019, the Ford Fiesta will be no more. In an SUV-dominated market, there are fewer reasons to focus on making sedans. Sure, they’ll sell this superb car in overseas markets, but for us Americans, this year marks the end of an era. But there’s still time to get a brand-new Ford Fiesta before they’re gone for good. In this guide, we cover what makes the Fiesta worth a test drive and purchase.
Slices Into a Curve
Like most subcompacts, the Ford Fiesta isn’t going to win a street race. But its sportily-tuned systems still make this sedan fun to drive. There’s a 120-horsepower inline-4 engine or a 197-horsepower turbocharged engine available. While that equates to average acceleration for the class (zero to 60 in 9.4 seconds), the handling is otherworldly, the steering is precise, and the grippy steering wheel feels right at home here. If you’re like most drivers, you’ll look forward to the next curve, and you’ll feel like a boss powering through it.
Grab That Tech
Trust us, you’re going to want to skip the base trim level with its paltry features. Sure, you might save a buck—the Fiesta S starts at $14,260—but the Fiesta really hits its stride with the mid-tier ST-inline trim level. There you grab goodies like Shadow Black exterior accents, cloth sport seats, race-inspired aluminum pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel with red accent stitching. Standard features include a keyless entry keypad, ambient lighting, and the upgraded SYNC3 infotainment system with an added USB port, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The only reason to go any higher is to get the sportiest Fiesta on the road: the Fiesta ST and its sport-tuned suspension.
The SYNC 3 system is worth the additional price, if you have any interest in infotainment. Because this Ford-exclusive system offers an intuitive, responsive interface with sharp graphics.
Cabin Quality
The Fiesta has average cabin space for its class, but this is the quietest cabin among subcompact sedans and contains subtle nods to its sportiness. The Fiesta seats five people with plenty of legroom for front-seat occupants. The Fiesta has a very quiet cabin. Of course, as is expected for a car this size, you will hear the engine working away. But it’s just a whisper compared to the cabin noise of most subcompact sedans. The cabin is solidly built, and we like the grippy steering wheel and other sporty features, especially on the upper trims. And those red racing stripes throughout the cabin. Yum.
The Ford Fiesta is going, going, gone. But this sedan isn’t gone yet. So if you like intuitive tech, whisper-quiet cabins, capable engines, sport-tuned suspensions, and a memorable exterior, look no further than the 2019 Ford Fiesta. Because once it’s gone, you’re forced to buy used.