Young gun in contention

It has been eight years now since the first Fiesta ST not only introduced racing-inspired GT stripes to an entirely new generation of buyers, but also gained Ford that vital foothold in an enty-level performance-hatch market both on the global scale and some local markets including Nigeria.

 Simply put, the 2014 Focus ST hatchback is the performance version of the subcompact Ford Fiesta line with a sport suspension, 197 hp turbocharged engine, and manual six-speed transmission. On motion, it is seriously quick and, at the same time, is chock full of technology.

 The Ford Fiesta under the duo dealership of Coscharis Motors and BriscoeFord in Nigeria is great to drive, rides comfortably and handles with great panache. The motoring public who love it believe it is stylish inside and out and remains a supermini of rare quality suitable for keen drivers and economy-minded families alike.

 As much tech as any other Fiesta, the bulk of the Ford Fiesta’s infotainment and driver assistance technology is available across the Fiesta line. That includes Ford Sync with its suit of Bluetooth, two USB jacks, SD card slot, and voice control, MyFord Touch (touchscreen control), AppLink (connected smartphone applications for streaming media), and premium Sony audio.

 The model has the Fiesta line’s torque vectoring control that helps improve safety by overpowering the outside wheel in a slippery corner relative to the inside wheel through selective braking of the inside wheel.

 In most cases, one would ask; why should I buy the 2014 Fiesta ST? Well, the explanation is that if you are looking for the cheapest sports car with real performance, the nicely equipped Ford Fiesta ST is it.  And if you are reading this to learn more about mainstream Fiestas, you’ll find more competing brands.

 Some of these arethe Honda Fit that will be replaced this year, along with the Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Nissan Versa Note.  Fiesta offers a four-cylinder 120 hp engine and a must-try Fiesta 1-liter three-cylinder 145 hp turbo model that gets 45 mpg highway.

 Focus is one of our 10 best tech cars of 2013. However in this category, there are more strong performance competitors including the Volkswagen Golf GTI and MazdaSpeed3. We’ve also reviewed Ford’s excellent Fusion hybrid, which is falls into one of the top picks in midsized hybrids.

 There are host of user-friendly advanced technology in the car and Fiesta makes things a whole lot easier. These include intelligent access with push-button start in the Titanium and ST which allows you to open the driver’s side door and start the vehicle when the key is in your pocket.  Rear view camera and reverse sensing system, standard in the Titanium, aid you when you are slowly backing up in your Fiesta.

 Externally, one look tells you the car means business at all times. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with summer performance W-rated tires, ST-unique high-mounted body-color rear spoiler, black headlamp bezels and fog lamps with carbon black bezels, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, unique black mesh grille with red ST badge, front and rear fascia lower extensions, side rocker moldings and unique front air fold and rear diffuser. 

For those who want a hearty dose of power with a side of light-speed escapism, they can as well enjoy the spoils of the 2014 Fiesta ST. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine delivers 197 horsepower, 202 lb.-ft. of torque boosted by unique sport suspension, enhanced torque vectoring control with understeer cornering control, advanceTrac with three-mode electronic stability control and  ugraded chassis and larger four-wheel disc brakes. 

Available voice-activated technology with the aid of Applink helps the driver keep eyes on the road and stay connected to their world. Hands-free calling means you never have to miss a call. If your phone rings, you can answer with the push of a button, and you can make a call with the sound of your voice. 

AppLink allows the driver to voice-control some of his or her favourite mobile apps such as Pandora internet radio while driving. Just plug in your compatible digital music player, USB drive and browse your music collection by genre, album, artist, playlist or song title using voice commands.

MIKE OCHONMA