Small Car of the Year

SMALLCAROFTHEYEAR

2014 FORD FIESTA ST

You knew Ford had actually been listening to American car enthusiasts when it announced not only that it would introduce the Fiesta ST here but also that it would be virtually identical to its European counterpart. This was a paean for those of us who have spent the past couple decades hoping Ford would offer us the seriously fun cars it sells in countries where small doesn't equate to lousy.

The power and handling of the Fiesta ST are unmatched by that of other subcompacts, most of which understandably are pitched at the AII-l-Need-ls-Some-Basic-Transportation commuter class. Only the Mini Cooper S and Fiat 500 Abarth come anywhere close, but the Fiesta ST has way more power than either—197

horses versus 181 and 160, respectively—and it's more practical, with a usable backseat and hatchback configuration. And the ST's ride isn't the kind of harsh that the Europeans put up with. —J. B.

197-HP 1-4

26 35 $22,195 6.9 SEC.