Supply is Running Out | Go Buy a New Fiesta ST Now!!!

Supply is Running Out | Go Buy a New Fiesta ST Now!!!

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I’m going to let you guys in on a little secret. The Ford Fiesta ST is dollar for dollar one of the most fun new cars you can buy today. However, that isn’t going to be true for much longer. The sad fact is that in a few short weeks the supply for brand new Fiesta STs on dealer lots in the US will be gone. According to SVTP Member @13COBRA, as of 11/12/19 there are only 195 new ones out there. In Ford’s infinite wisdom they have made the decision that the Stateside crowd will not be getting the updated 2020 Fiesta ST model with its heavily revamped interior. So if you want a new one, time is running out and here is why you should care.

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“Life is too short to drive a car that sucks.” That simple maxim is just a fact. So why would you waste your time in something mundane when you could be driving a Ford Fiesta ST? The FiST, as owners have taken to calling it, is simply put has the best dollar-to-fun ratio on the market today. Don’t believe me? Just ask anyone who owns one, or take a look at this thread:

My new ST! Oxford White 2015 Content


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Starting at just $21,340 the FiST is by far the least expensive performance vehicle offered by Ford in the US, but what do you get for that small stack of cash? First, you get the angry little 1.6L I-4 EcoBoost and a 6-Speed manual trans. Then there’s the aggressively tuned suspension, potent brakes, and summer tires. Add in the option of some very nice Recaro seats and you have the makings for something really special. Hell, fully loaded you’re still looking less than $27,000.

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Nonetheless, it’s not just the components that make the car. The best way I can describe the FiST is as a throwback to more raw period of performance. I know this may sound insane to some, but this smallest ST reminds me of the legendary 03-04 SVT Cobra Terminator. Don’t believe me again? Just speak with SVTP Member jojomofo21 (Ryan), since he happens to own both:


Some Similarities: Modest numbers until you start modding, then the sky is the limit. The 1.6L EcoBoost can take a lot of power, and make gobs of torque.

Everyone wants a Shelby, but for half the price you can get a Terminator and have more fun. Everyone wants a Focus RS, but for half the price you can buy a FiST and have TWICE the fun.

If you love the feeling of a car that's pushing you to find its limitations but still have the time of your life, then buy a Terminator. If you want all the same , minus the alternator anxiety and poor MPGs, buy a FiST.


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The key to the visceral driving dynamic is two-fold. First, at around 2,700 pounds the Fiesta is very light weight for a modern production car. Second, the FiST appears to have been engineered with a little less regard for NVH than most Ford Performance vehicles. The engine is a bit rougher, the suspension is somewhat harsh, and brake pedal is very firm. This all adds up to a car engages the driver in a way that no other reasonably priced car can match. You can feel the car working through all the surfaces you touch. The steering in extremely precise and the power is surprising.

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However, if you really want to kick your driving experience up a notch you’re going to want to start adding some mods. Over the past few months we’ve been doing just that to our SVTP 2015 Fiest ST project car. Our first round of mods were fairly simple. We added a Magnaflow Catback for a modest increase in exhaust tone, and a Montune shift reduction kit for quicker gear engagement. From there it was time for a CP-e cold-air-intake, which added quite a bit of turbo sound. All the work was performed at Pro-Dyno in Hope Mill, SC. There’s something very satisfying about an occasional ‘whoosh’ and from compressor flutter. But the pièce de résistance of any EcoBoost mod package is the tune.

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For our Fiesta ST we turned to Livernois Motorports, and their owner/tuning guru, Dan Milan. We had also used Livernois tunes, with great success, on our 2015 EcoBoost Mustang project car. With the FiST Dan once again knocked it out of the park to the tune of 208HP and 263lbft with just the above mentioned bolt-ons.

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So that review brings us up to present day, and the start of what I have dubbed ‘Phase II’ of the FiST mods. It’s time to get a bit more serious, so we’re going to be adding a downpipe and intercooler from CP-e and various goodies from Mountune. I suspect there will be a big turbo and brake upgrade in the not too distant future as well.

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I just bought a 16 Golf "R" DSG. Had it tuned at United Motorsports and puts down 350 whp! Thing rips! And its AWD so perfect DD for winter. Big Turbo kit coming. Should make 550 whp.


This is the one. I loved my GTI. Golf R has a slightly bigger turbo and obviously AWD.

They are great cars and the interior beats ANYTHING in its class by a LONG shot.

I might pick up a used AWD Audi A3 2.0 turbo. You can get one for bottom $20’s. They’re a great deal and basically an AWD version of a GTI.


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Hands down best car I've ever owned! Has the DCC as well so the handling and ride quality are amazing. That interior is so nice ur right! Its like an Audi basically and nothing in its class even comes close.

Them seats are the most comfortable things ive ever sat in. I had an 04 VR6 and it was awesome to. It, unlike my R had a sunroof tho. Thats the only real benefit of the GTI is the sunroof option and it weighs a couple hundred pounds less. The launch control on it makes it hard to beat from a dig tho.

Car aint cheap tho. New they're $43k. Much less used of course. Car surprises and seems to piss off a lot of other cars on the road when I pass them them for some reason like they get all butthurt cause a little VW passed them lol. I guess it just doesnt scream "Fast" but its a high 11 second car the way it sits with just a tune. Bigger Turbo, intercooler, DP, etc... and its a 10 second car.

This is the one. I loved my GTI. Golf R has a slightly bigger turbo and obviously AWD.

They are great cars and the interior beats ANYTHING in its class by a LONG shot.

I might pick up a used AWD Audi A3 2.0 turbo. You can get one for bottom $20’s. They’re a great deal and basically an AWD version of a GTI.


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I did like that color. I know for most people its a hit and miss. But i like it and it was a really fun car. Even in bay traffic it waswas so bad because the clutch was so light.

On the 2019 there were a lot of color options.
I'm not usually keen on bright color paint, but for smaller hot cars I like a color that screams like the motor. LOL.
 
This is the one. I loved my GTI. Golf R has a slightly bigger turbo and obviously AWD.

They are great cars and the interior beats ANYTHING in its class by a LONG shot.

I might pick up a used AWD Audi A3 2.0 turbo. You can get one for bottom $20’s. They’re a great deal and basically an AWD version of a GTI.


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The reason I got started on performance cars was thanks to Golf R. Was riding my bike with some buddies and stopped at a gas station along the strip. A friend of one of my buddies shows up in a new golf R. After talking for a while, the guy offered to let me drive it. Never had driven anything so cool. Before that, the sportiest thing I had driven was a neon (non srt).

Soon after that traded my explorer for a stang gt. Changed my life forever.
 
Any idea about comfort level of the FiST for tall folks? I've driven a Focus ST and the head and leg room were fine. When I tried to sit in a Fiesta ST at an auto show, the battery was dead and I couldn't move the seat back to fit in it. I'm 6'5''.
 
I suppose if the price is right I'd buy one of the last ones.

But my 18 FiST has depreciated so much I bet, that it's not reasonable.

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In 2017, I traded a SHO in on the FiST as a daily driver because I do so many miles a year, and I always regretted it.

The FiST handled great and got great gas mileage. But, it's terribly cramped, and it doesn't necessarily project the style you want on a first date, if you know what I mean. Few people really know how great it is, and most think you are driving a teenage girl's "beep beep" car.

After 2 years and nearly 80k miles, I traded it back in on another SHO. Gas mileage is up 50%, but the power and luxury can't be compared. No regrets.
 
Hands down best car I've ever owned! Has the DCC as well so the handling and ride quality are amazing. That interior is so nice ur right! Its like an Audi basically and nothing in its class even comes close.

Them seats are the most comfortable things ive ever sat in. I had an 04 VR6 and it was awesome to. It, unlike my R had a sunroof tho. Thats the only real benefit of the GTI is the sunroof option and it weighs a couple hundred pounds less. The launch control on it makes it hard to beat from a dig tho.

Car aint cheap tho. New they're $43k. Much less used of course. Car surprises and seems to piss off a lot of other cars on the road when I pass them them for some reason like they get all butthurt cause a little VW passed them lol. I guess it just doesnt scream "Fast" but its a high 11 second car the way it sits with just a tune. Bigger Turbo, intercooler, DP, etc... and its a 10 second car.

How do you like it so far? Have you had it for a winter yet? I really want one but was looking at a manual so i can keep practicing and have it keep me more focused. But the price tage and premium fuel for a DD is a downer for me.
How are the headlights, and the AWD system in crap weather?
 
Any idea about comfort level of the FiST for tall folks? I've driven a Focus ST and the head and leg room were fine. When I tried to sit in a Fiesta ST at an auto show, the battery was dead and I couldn't move the seat back to fit in it. I'm 6'5''.
Power seats isnt an option. Recaros would probably fit your needs.
 
Well, first let me say its the best DD car I've ever owned period! I have not had it for the winter yet and going back and fourth on whether to get (19) inch snow tires for the stock rims and buy (18)'s with snow tires. One of the reasons I bought was AWD for winter.

(18)'s would certainly work better but that requires me to buy new rims. Sure, ppl say just buy some crappy (18) inch rims and put some good snow tires on. Problem with that is winter last (6) months here in New England so having a shitty pair of rims on my car for (6) months just doesn't work for me. Think I'm just gonna go with some (19)'s. Cost about $900.

I would highly recommend against the manual. The DSG is better in every way. That dual clutch is the smoothest fastest shifting trans I've ever experienced and it has launch control which works far better is DSG than manual. The DSG is just way faster period.

Yes they are expensive even used. I went with the ECU/DSG tune from United Motorsports. I would say that the UM tune is an absolute MUST thing to have. In fact, I would suggest that be the very first thing u do is get it tuned from UM United Motorsport Not only does the car simply drive and shift much faster with better throttle response it makes almost a (100) extra HP! With a car weighing 3300 lbs. a (100) extra HP is a LOT trust me. Wasn't cheap. $1300 but hands down the best $1300 I ever spent on a car mod. So yes it will require 93 octane.

The headlights for me are some the best features this car offers. They turn with car which was really strange at first but awesome! It not a novelty it really improves ur sight at night around corners and they have wiper spray that comes out to clean them. They are hands down the brightest HID lights I've ever owned in both Low beam and High beam. The running lights are wicked too! They are extremely bright and look great!

I would HIGHLY recommend you get one with the (DCC) which is the adaptive suspension with (3) different settings. If u buy an (18-19 7.5 model Face-lift its called) it comes automatic with DCC. If u buy a 15-17 its an option so make sure u get it. I use it at least 10-15 times a week no BS. It REALLY works and when on the Race setting its super stiff and handles corners like its on rails! On the Comfort setting its supper soft for those crappy areas of the hi way which is like every road here in CT. The soft setting turns it into a Camry lol.

UM offers an upgraded tune to the Halidex AWD as well for which im told makes it a beast in the snow and can almost snow drift in the thing after it's tuned. It just sends power to the rear tires a lot better than the factory settings do. I have not opted for that yet but the owner says it makes winter driving a LOT easier. Its $600. Not needed just a big benefit im told not only in the snow but how it handles around corners and how the power is transferred and it also improves the launch considerably im told.

I test drove the Taurus SHO, a few SUV's and as soon as I test drove the R I was SOLD! Gets great gas mileage to!

How do you like it so far? Have you had it for a winter yet? I really want one but was looking at a manual so i can keep practicing and have it keep me more focused. But the price tage and premium fuel for a DD is a downer for me.
How are the headlights, and the AWD system in crap weather?
 
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Them SHO's have the BIGGEST trunks ever ever seen lol! U could fit (5) full size men back there easily lol. Great car I agree just to dam heavy at 4500 lbs but does drive nice. Just not that upgradable as far as power goes but who cares its a DD for most I guess.

In 2017, I traded a SHO in on the FiST as a daily driver because I do so many miles a year, and I always regretted it.

The FiST handled great and got great gas mileage. But, it's terribly cramped, and it doesn't necessarily project the style you want on a first date, if you know what I mean. Few people really know how great it is, and most think you are driving a teenage girl's "beep beep" car.

After 2 years and nearly 80k miles, I traded it back in on another SHO. Gas mileage is up 50%, but the power and luxury can't be compared. No regrets.
 
Them SHO's have the BIGGEST trunks ever ever seen lol! U could fit (5) full size men back there easily lol. Great car I agree just to dam heavy at 4500 lbs but does drive nice. Just not that upgradable as far as power goes but who cares its a DD for most I guess.

You're not going to be running 10s in a SHO. But, there's some seriously good "bang for your buck" upgrades because the tuners have lots of room to work with the twin-turbos . . . colder plugs, thermostat, 3-bar MAP, and a good tune does wonders.
 
Yes true I seriously looked into the SHO. Really smooth riding car but there just isn't a big market for the SHO so ur kinda tapped out with mid 12 second car at best even with the Turbo options. Its just too heavy. Golf R's with a bigger Turbo, IC, DP, Tune and fuel will go 10.80's at 125-126 mph and lose zero Daily drivability.

You're not going to be running 10s in a SHO. But, there's some seriously good "bang for your buck" upgrades because the tuners have lots of room to work with the twin-turbos . . . colder plugs, thermostat, 3-bar MAP, and a good tune does wonders.
 
CPO Audi A3 Quattro.....


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I had not thought about that, nor did I know the new ones run on regular fuel. Found a few 2019s with sub 3k miles, but they arent CPO. But either way thanks! I am looking into them for the wife.

Well, first let me say its the best DD car I've ever owned period! I have not had it for the winter yet and going back and fourth on whether to get (19) inch snow tires for the stock rims and buy (18)'s with snow tires. One of the reasons I bought was AWD for winter.

(18)'s would certainly work better but that requires me to buy new rims. Sure, ppl say just buy some crappy (18) inch rims and put some good snow tires on. Problem with that is winter last (6) months here in New England so having a shitty pair of rims on my car for (6) months just doesn't work for me. Think I'm just gonna go with some (19)'s. Cost about $900.

I would highly recommend against the manual. The DSG is better in every way. That dual clutch is the smoothest fastest shifting trans I've ever experienced and it has launch control which works far better is DSG than manual. The DSG is just way faster period.

Yes they are expensive even used. I went with the ECU/DSG tune from United Motorsports. I would say that the UM tune is an absolute MUST thing to have. In fact, I would suggest that be the very first thing u do is get it tuned from UM United Motorsport Not only does the car simply drive and shift much faster with better throttle response it makes almost a (100) extra HP! With a car weighing 3300 lbs. a (100) extra HP is a LOT trust me. Wasn't cheap. $1300 but hands down the best $1300 I ever spent on a car mod. So yes it will require 93 octane.

The headlights for me are some the best features this car offers. They turn with car which was really strange at first but awesome! It not a novelty it really improves ur sight at night around corners and they have wiper spray that comes out to clean them. They are hands down the brightest HID lights I've ever owned in both Low beam and High beam. The running lights are wicked too! They are extremely bright and look great!

I would HIGHLY recommend you get one with the (DCC) which is the adaptive suspension with (3) different settings. If u buy an (18-19 7.5 model Face-lift its called) it comes automatic with DCC. If u buy a 15-17 its an option so make sure u get it. I use it at least 10-15 times a week no BS. It REALLY works and when on the Race setting its super stiff and handles corners like its on rails! On the Comfort setting its supper soft for those crappy areas of the hi way which is like every road here in CT. The soft setting turns it into a Camry lol.

UM offers an upgraded tune to the Halidex AWD as well for which im told makes it a beast in the snow and can almost snow drift in the thing after it's tuned. It just sends power to the rear tires a lot better than the factory settings do. I have not opted for that yet but the owner says it makes winter driving a LOT easier. Its $600. Not needed just a big benefit im told not only in the snow but how it handles around corners and how the power is transferred and it also improves the launch considerably im told.

I test drove the Taurus SHO, a few SUV's and as soon as I test drove the R I was SOLD! Gets great gas mileage to!
Thanks for the honest review so far. If I did get one it would be next year and be 2017+ probably used depending on the miles, a few good deals around me. But ill have to check back in once you decide what to do winter and after winter wise. Since I am in PA and you in the north east it helps give me an idea of what to expect. The DSG does get good reviews, I was just looking at a manual for my own enjoyment and to keep me focused more while driving. But well see in the long run what happens. I have read up on some tunes and shifters(for manuals) and short of a stage 1 I would not do much for a while. But it does sound like a nice boost in power. Just crazy how expensive some of the mods for these cars are.
That is good to know on the headlights as my current headlights blow and I drive on one late curvy roads with no street lighting and lots of deer. So good headlights are a plus. Also I will keep in mind to look for something with the DCC.
Thanks again and enjoy it in the winter! Hope driving in the snow is fun and not a nightmare!
 
I been going back n fourth on the snow set-up. If I can find a decent lightweight set of 18's for a reasonable price I'll go that route. I did look at tire rack and rims/winter tires are like $1500. Keep ya posted.

I had not thought about that, nor did I know the new ones run on regular fuel. Found a few 2019s with sub 3k miles, but they arent CPO. But either way thanks! I am looking into them for the wife.


Thanks for the honest review so far. If I did get one it would be next year and be 2017+ probably used depending on the miles, a few good deals around me. But ill have to check back in once you decide what to do winter and after winter wise. Since I am in PA and you in the north east it helps give me an idea of what to expect. The DSG does get good reviews, I was just looking at a manual for my own enjoyment and to keep me focused more while driving. But well see in the long run what happens. I have read up on some tunes and shifters(for manuals) and short of a stage 1 I would not do much for a while. But it does sound like a nice boost in power. Just crazy how expensive some of the mods for these cars are.
That is good to know on the headlights as my current headlights blow and I drive on one late curvy roads with no street lighting and lots of deer. So good headlights are a plus. Also I will keep in mind to look for something with the DCC.
Thanks again and enjoy it in the winter! Hope driving in the snow is fun and not a nightmare!
 

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