Ford's big push into the realm of small-displacement turbocharged engines led it to make the little Fiesta one of few subcompacts available with a three-cylinder engine. That addition happened in 2014, along with the debut of the high-performance ST model and revised styling that brought Ford's Aston Martin-esque grille to this little sedan and hatchback.
In the wake of that update, Ford has left alone what it sees as well enough, with new paint colour options being the only change for 2017.
Fiesta remains one the most European-inspired small cars you can buy, with a sorted chassis that makes it more fun to drive than its size, price and domestic nameplate suggest. Fiesta also feels more substantial than most of its Japanese competitors, save the Mazda-built Toyota Yaris sedan, which gives Ford a run for its money in subcompact refinement.
In the regular-grade model, power comes from a choice of two engines. There's a 1.6L four-cylinder making 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.0L EcoBoost turbocharged motor that adds three hp and cranks out a more significant 125 lb-ft. And in the Fiesta ST, a turbocharged 1.6L makes 197 hp and 202 lb-ft.
The 1.6L can be paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic though the bargain-basement S trim can't be had with the manual. The 1.0L comes only with a five-speed manual and the ST gets a six-speed stickshift as its one-and-only.
Fuel consumption ratings, according to Natural Resources Canada testing, are 8.5/6.5 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 1.6L and five-speed, and 8.7/6.4 with the automatic. Estimates for the 1.0L model are 7.5/5.5, and 9.0/7.1 in the ST.
For its $16,148 starting price, S trim gets 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, air conditioning, manual windows, power door locks with keyless entry, power-adjustable side mirrors, capless fuel filling, SYNC voice activation and a stereo with CD player and auxiliary input.
SE models ($18,288) come with 15-inch aluminum wheels (oddly, the S' steelies are optional as part of the SE 1.0L EcoBoost package), ambient lighting, cruise control, leather and metallic interior trim, power windows and a rear dome light.
Titanium trim ($24,988) gets 16-inch wheels, leather-trimmed seating with heated front seats, SYNC 3, Sony-branded stereo with satellite radio, driver's lumbar, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, passive keyless entry with push-button start, two USB charging ports and backup sensing.
The ST benefits from upgraded brakes, 17-inch wheels, Recaro sport seats, aluminum pedals, ST-specific steering wheel and interior and exterior badging, fog lights and an engine block heater.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed