Time to Call Dibs on an ST-badged Ford That Isn't a Light Truck

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

While European customers can look forward to many more years of new Ford Fiestas, the same can’t be said of American buyers. Ford’s smallest domestic passenger car ceases production next summer, but there’s still time to have fun before our future gives way to sport crossovers.

For 2019, the scrappy Fiesta ST hot hatch continues unaltered, while customers gain a new Fiesta trim offering plenty of flash and probably no extra dash.

According to order guides seen by CarsDirect (h/t to CNET), the Fiesta enters its final model year with a price decrease of more than $3,600 for the entry-level model. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder carries over, boasting — if that’s a proper word — 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque.

A 2018 Fiesta S sedan carries a $14,205 sticker, plus a $875 destination charge. This model carries a standard five-speed manual. The hatch variant tacks on a few hundred bucks. Yes, it looks like there’s a deal to be had on basic Ford transportation come 2019.

The ST is where the real fun’s at, though. With the same 197 hp and 202 lb-ft on tap from its 1.6-liter EcoBoost motor, the top-rung 2019 Fiesta adds just $55 to its sticker for its final model year. That brings its sans-destination MSRP to $21,340. Of course, if extra power does nothing for you, or if your wallet can’t handle the added bucks, the order guides show an ST Line Fiesta for 2019.

The ST Line hands over some the appearance goodies but keeps the powertrain stock. Or at least that’s what the trim’s 1.6-liter engine selection suggests, though the “TBD” power figure should have Ford fans holding out hope for a smidgen of added thrust. Unlike the ST, the ST Line ditches a six-speed manual for a five-speed shifter or optional six-speed PowerShift automatic (a $1,095 option). We highly suggest you don’t select the latter tranny.

What does the lesser of the STs cost? $18,500 after destination. For that price, you’ll gain the ST’s fancy front fascia, rear spoiler, and dual chrome tips poking from beneath the rear bumper. Wheel size sheds an inch of diameter compared to the ST, with the 10-spoke black-painted hoops shod with P195/50R16 tires.

While you can forget about the ST’s sport suspension in this lesser trim, as well as a power driver’s seat, there will be “sport embossed bolsters” to nestle your backside into. There’s also a limited color palette that doesn’t get as wild as the ST’s.

If any of this appeals to you, you’ll get your chance to spring for the faux ST or its authentic sibling later this year. It’ll be your last chance to make a FiST.

[Image: Ford Motor Company]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Art Vandelay Art Vandelay on Jul 12, 2018

    I didn't by a B13 SE-R in 94 when they went away. I have kicked myself for almost 25 years. I didn't miss the boat on the FiST. It is, IMHO that good. For the record I drove and was close to pulling the trigger on a 330. It had some similar such "M Line" nonesense or something like that which basically meant sporty seats with the extenders and a nicer steering wheel with the M logo. I could never get a straight answer on weather it had a beefed up suspension...I know they offer one. The dream was a 320 with a stick and the sport suspension. They can make em' but a couple different dealers were uninterested in finding one. For my use honestly the Fiesta is way more fun and wallet friendly but admittedly i'm not the typical buyer in this respect. Also spent 5 hours in the Fiesta going from Huntsville to Augusta GA last week. It was fine but I grew up on little cars like that so it may not be everyones cup of tea. The truck is much happier there but the gearing is way more highway friendly than something like the Fit. The Focus ST had similar incentives as did the regular variants of each. Good buy at the moment.

    • See 2 previous
    • Art Vandelay Art Vandelay on Jul 13, 2018

      @JohnTaurus You won't go wrong with the Civic SI either. I prefered the FiST, but if it was going to be my only car I may have gone your route (or WRX). It is loud and raw in many respects. I did drive the Civic SI and the Type R. They were both fantastic as well. We live in a great era if you can get past the styling.

  • Art Vandelay Art Vandelay on Jul 13, 2018

    What really saddens me is that we have an article about what is at least, a once in a couple of decades type car and again, nobody cares. Then again maybe it is good that all the gasbags are back to talking about chickens and tariffs.

    • JohnTaurus JohnTaurus on Jul 13, 2018

      That's true. And this being a Ford, it would mostly be "every Ford should come with a bus schedule" and "hard to believe the cars in the pictures aren't on fire already". But, a Hyundai Accent review is full of "I think small cars like this are great" and "this is what 90% of the world needs". Look at that F-150 rental review. Its as cheap as a non-existent $10,000 Hyundai inside! Everyone with an EcoBoost gets 12 mpg going down hill with a tail wind! Everyone who has ever owned a Ford truck NEVER uses it as a truck, they're all status symbols (unlike my Lexus, of course).

  • FreedMike Off topic, but folks, this site is not working well for me from a technical standpoint, and it doesn't matter if I'm using my phone, or my computer (on two different browsers). It locks up and makes it impossible to type anything in after a certain point. Anyone else having these issues?
  • Syke Kinda liked the '57, hated the '58. Then again, I hated the entire '58 GM line except for the Chevrolet. Which I liked better than the '57's. Still remember dad's '58 Impala hardtop, in the silver blue that was used as the main advertising color.
  • Dartdude The bottom line is that in the new America coming the elites don't want you and me to own cars. They are going to make building cars so expensive that the will only be for the very rich and connected. You will eat bugs and ride the bus and live in a 500sq-ft. apartment and like it. HUD wants to quit giving federal for any development for single family homes and don't be surprised that FHA aren't going to give loans for single family homes in the very near future.
  • Ravenuer The rear view of the Eldo coupe makes it look fat!
  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
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