Car Review: 2014 Ford Fiesta 5-Door Hatch SE

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When one looks to the 2014 Ford Fiesta, you have to expand your thoughts on the car, because Ford smartly offers many configurations of this gem. We had the chance to test drive the 2014 Ford Fiesta 5-Door Hatch SE with a manual five-speed transmission and truly appreciated what this car had to offer. The overall design is solid but not overwhelming, and for the price range you are looking to spend on a Fiesta, most will find the packaging appealing!

EXTERIOR

The major change to the exterior is the front fascia, which incorporates Ford’s global look and resembles cars that can cost thousands of dollars more that the Fiesta. Yes, the thinner headlights with built-in LED running lights with more aggressive lower intakes, a pronounced power dome on the hood and a new trapezoidal grille transform the Fiesta into somewhat of a combative little brother to the Focus and Fusion models. We thought the 16-inch painted aluminum wheels set the tone for the Fiesta, along with auto headlamps, dual power mirrors, the 5-bar chromed grille, integrated spotter mirrors and rear spoiler.

INTERIOR

The 2014 Ford Fiesta 5-Door Hatch SE is much better car when it comes to the interior space compared to the 2013 model. The center counsel and armrest between the two front seats is a huge improvement, as you don’t get the feeling that just because it’s a compact car that it has to eliminate so many things that buyers crave, and I believe that was part of why Ford built the new Fiesta in the first place, so hat’s off on a great step forward! The seats are also very comfortable and wider than some midsize sedan seats that we’ve driven, which was a welcome surprise.

We’re also fans of the ambient lighting, which really enhances the whole cabin space, along with the leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls. The comfort package also delivered heated first-row seats, electronic automatic temperature control and navigations system. SYNC was also rocking with MyFord Touch and satellite radio. Little things like the chrome-tipped switches show us that Ford wants to keep improving this car rather than strip down like some rivals. The hatchback design is also one of our favorites and the practicality points are very high; you can find that out by just asking those who own one!

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PERFORMANCE

The Fiesta was launched a few years back on the premise that this compact car was not your ordinary compact in both power and handling, and the Fiesta was true to form on those points. The standard 1.6 liter TIVCT Duratech DOHC 14 engine with 5-speed manual transmission worked like a charm, and the smooth shifting of the Fiesta SE is one of the best in the business. Power was adequate, but longing for a bit more with four adults in the car. There is something about the 2014 Ford Fiesta 5-Door Hatch SE that just feels right when driving, and it might be one of many things, including the superior steering, high-end handling or smooth gearbox shifter. Whatever it is, the Fiesta grows on you the more you drive the car. Our test model was also very strong in the fuel efficiency department, delivering 27mpg in the city and 38mpg while driving on the highway.

OVERVIEW

Cars aren’t cheap anymore, and when you can get a 2014 Ford Fiesta 5-Door Hatch SE with real options for $18,925, that’s a good deal. The Fiesta is a refined car after some tweaking by Ford, and it definitely has the feel of a more expensive model. If Ford engineers turbo charge the 1.6 liter, this car would be a home run from the starting gate. But in the meantime, the Fiesta is good and getting better!

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