Five-Point Inspection: 2014 Ford Fiesta Five-Door SE

The example provided for evaluation was an SE hatchback, which is one step up from the basest model. It drove out of the company’s Cuautitlán, Mexico assembly plant carrying an out-the-door price of $17,135. That figure includes $795 in delivery fees. The most affordable Fiesta hatchback can be had for a little less than $15,500; a comparable sedan version is about 500 bucks less.

As for updates, the Fiesta received a handful of really nice improvements this year. Most noticeably, the front end has been restyled to look more like the company’s hot new Fusion sedan. It’s more aggressive and considerably more handsome than before. Additionally, it benefits from a few new colors plus the company’s MyFord Touch infotainment system is now an option; it’s splashed across a bright 6.5-inch display screen.

Arguably the biggest news for 2014 is the availability of an ST version of the car. This performance-tuned Fiesta absolutely defines the term “pocket rocket.” It features a 197 HP EcoBoost engine, an addictively engaging chassis and the style to back up its swagger. Unfortunately our run-of-the-mill model did not wear ST badges, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.