Ford Fiesta ST MK7 Fiesta ST

2014-2019

Ford Fiesta ST

Dedicated Race CarGood

1.6L EcoBoost I4197 hp2,720 lbsFWD6-speed manual

HPDE Overview

The Fiesta ST is the featherweight champion of budget endurance racing. At 2,720 lbs with 197 hp from the 1.6L EcoBoost, it does not sound impressive on paper, but the car is an absolute weapon on tight, technical tracks. The short wheelbase, quick steering, and light weight make the Fiesta ST dart through chicanes and tight corners with an agility that larger, more powerful cars cannot match. The Fiesta ST has become a staple of budget endurance racing (ChampCar, Lemons) because the platform is reliable, fuel-efficient, and hilarious to drive at 10/10ths. The EcoBoost engine responds well to tuning, and the car's low base cost makes it an ideal race car donor. Ford discontinued the Fiesta in the US market, which means clean examples are becoming harder to find. However, the car has already established itself as a go-to platform for endurance racing teams.

Strengths

Extremely agile on tight, technical circuits — darts through chicanesLightweight at 2,720 lbs with surprisingly good power-to-weightEcoBoost engine is fuel-efficient — a major advantage in endurance racingReliable drivetrain handles race abuse wellOutstanding value for budget endurance racing

Weaknesses

FWD understeer in slow cornersInterior is cramped with a cage and racing seatOnly 197 hp — gets swallowed on long straights by V8 carsFord discontinued the Fiesta — parts supply is finiteThe stock motor mounts are weak and fail under track loads

Why People Love It

The Fiesta ST is the most fun you can have in an endurance race car. It is agile, fuel-efficient, reliable, and puts a grin on your face every single lap. On tight tracks, a well-driven Fiesta ST can humiliate cars with twice the horsepower.

Why People Hate It

It is small, cramped, and slow on straights. The discontinuation of the Fiesta means the parts supply is finite. And getting four hours of seat time in a Fiesta ST cage car is an exercise in endurance for the driver as much as the car.

Best For

Budget endurance racers, ChampCar/Lemons teams, and anyone who values fun per dollar over outright speed.

Not Ideal For

Large drivers, straight-line speed junkies, or people who need long-term parts availability.