The Ford Fiesta was discontinued for the US market back in 2018, followed shortly by the larger Focus. This meant America lost the hardcore Fiesta ST, arguably one of the funnest hot hatchbacks we have ever driven. In Europe, however, the Fiesta continues to evolve in response to competition from the Volkswagen Polo GTI, Hyundai i20 N, and Toyota GR Yaris. For the 2022 model year, Ford has given the Fiesta a mid-cycle facelift, featuring refreshed styling, upgraded interiors, and new standard tech.
To keep the Fiesta looking fresh, Ford has increased the size of the upper grilles and nose, while the blue oval badge is displayed within the grille instead of the edge of the hood, giving the popular hatchback more presence. Across the range, LED headlights incorporating LED low-beam, high-beam, and daytime running lights are now fitted as standard and black surrounds have been added to the taillights.
Optional Matrix LED lights are also available with "Glare-Free High Beam" technology that blocks individual light rays to prevent blinding oncoming traffic detected by a front-mounted camera.
Inside, the updated Fiesta features a new 12.3-inch, fully configurable digital instrument cluster with unique color themes depending on the driving mode selected. Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes are available for the standard Fiesta along with Trail and Slippery modes for the Active. A dedicated Track mode is reserved for the high-performance ST, which switches off the traction control and sets ESC to wide-slip mode for track driving.
The display also features a new Wrong Way alert that combines a windshield-mounted camera with information from the navigation system to alert the driver if they drive through no entry signs on a highway. Complementing the 12-inch digital display is an eight-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Optional tech includes a wireless smartphone charging pad and a premium sound system with ten speakers, an integrated subwoofer, and a 575-watt amplifier.
Under the hood, the regular Fiesta is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine producing 99 hp, combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. An electrified 1.0-liter EcoBoost Hybrid with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology is also available with 123 hp or 153 hp but can only be equipped with a manual. At the top of the range, the sportier Fiesta ST packs the same turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine as its Puma ST sibling good for 197 hp and 236 lb-ft. While the power output is unchanged from last year, torque has increased by 22 lb-ft. 0-60 mph takes 6.5 seconds before the hot hatch tops out at 143 mph. A striking Mean Green finish has also been added to the Fiesta ST's color palette.
To improve the interior comfort, the Fiesta ST is fitted with new performance seats featuring an integrated headrest, red contrast stitching, Sensico trim, and 14-way adjustment. With Ford discontinuing the EcoSport, we're keeping our fingers crossed that the Fiesta ST will make a comeback in America one day. Alternatively, we think now is the right time for the high-performance Puma ST crossover to come to America.