2018 Ford Fiesta Hatchback

There are currently 3 competitors in Fiesta's class, The Kai Niro FE, Toyota Yaris 5-Door L and Nissan Versa Note S. All these cars are quite affordable and has their own specialties but when competing head-on the Ford Fiesta gets a clean victory. The Fiesta easily gets overpowered by the Kai Niro FE as it outmatches Fiesta in power, performance, capacity, and caliber as well. But after considering the price gap which is about $8000, the difference is understandable.

"In a world where “affordable subcompact” too often means “dowdy and unattractive,” the 2018 Ford Fiesta wears a stylish and distinctive suit." - KellyBlueBook

Dimensions and Weight

The Ford Fiesta S is a hatchback with an aerodynamic appealing body complimented with chrome grille. The LED headlamps work as icing on cake making it look more stylish and stunning. It is 159.7 inch long, 67.8 inch wide with a height of 58.1. It has an awesome ground clearance of 6.1 inch making it perfect for a little off-roading. It has a curb weight of 2537 lbs. and wheelbase of 98.0 inch.

The Kia Niro FE weighing 3106 lbs. is the heaviest vehicle of all, it has the maximum dimension and has a ground clearance of 6.3 inch. The Toyota Yaris has the minimum dimension, it has a ground clearance of 5.5 inch and weighing only 2335 lbs also makes it the lightest among all in this competition followed by the Nissan Versa weighing 2460 lbs. has only 5.1 inch of ground clearance and has a greater dimension than the Ford Fiesta S.

Model	Ford Fiesta S Hatch	Kia Niro FE	Toyota Yaris 5-Door L	Nissan Versa Note S
curb weight(lbs)	2537	3106	2335	2460
Length(in)	159.7	171.5	155.5	163.7
Width(in)	67.8	71.1	66.7	66.7
Height(in)	58.1	60.4	59.4	60.5
Ground clearance(in)	6.1	6.3	5.5	5.1
Wheelbase(in)	98.0	106.3	98.8	102.4
Track width(in) F/R	57.7/57.7	61.6/62.2	58.5/57.9	58.3/58.5

Exterior features

• 15-inch steel wheels
• Lip spoiler
• Chrome Grille
• Body-colored front Bumper
• Body-colored Door Handles
• Light Tinted Class
• Day-time Running Headlamp
• Power Side Mirrors (Manual Folding)
• Approach Lights
• Heated Wiper Park and Defroster
• 15-inch steel wheels
• Lip spoiler
• Chrome Grille
• Body-colored front Bumper
• Body-colored Door Handles
• Light Tinted Class
• Day-time Running Headlamp
• Power Side Mirrors (Manual Folding)
• Approach Lights
• Heated Wiper Park and Defroster

"Regardless of trim level or body type, the front-wheel-drive Fiesta has poised handling and pinpoint steering, which are arguably the Fiesta’s defining traits in the subcompact car class."- Msn.com

Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Ford Fiesta packs in a 1.6L Ti-VCT I-4 120 hp engine attached with 5-speed manual transmission producing 112 lb.-ft. of torque for the base variant. Ford also offers 1.6L Ti-VCT Eco-Boost I-4 turbocharged engine with 6-speed manual transmission for the ST variant.

The Ford Fiesta S gets a clean win over the Toyota Yaris 5-Door L featuring 1.5L DOHC 16-valve 106 hp engine with 4-speed automatic transmission and the Nissan Versa Note featuring 1.6L DOHC 109 hp engine with CVT-automatic transmission leaving them speechless. But, Kia Niro FE hiding a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine with 6-speed automatic transmission producing 195 lb.-ft. of torque overpowers Ford Fiesta S with a huge margin but, considering the price gap it feels kind of unfair to compare the base variant with Niro FE. The only car which can go head on with Kia Niro FE is the Fiesta ST variant.

Models	Ford Fiesta S Hatch	Kia Niro FE	Toyota Yaris 5-Door L	Nissan Versa Note S
MSRP	$14,505	$23,340	$16,760	$15,600
Engine	1.6-Liter Ti-VCT I-4	1.6 L 4-cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System	1.5-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve VVT-i	1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed Automatic	4-speed automatic	CVT-automatic
Power	120 hp	139 hp @ 5,700 rpm	106 hp	109 hp
Torque	112 lb.-ft.	195 lb.-ft @ 4,000 rpm	103 lb.-ft.	107 lb.-ft.

Acceleration

The Ford Fiesta S featuring a 1.6L 120 hp engine @ 6350 rpm producing 112lb.-ft. of torque reaches from 0-60 in 9.7 sec and completes the quarter mile in 17.2 sec. It has a top speed of 118 mph. Well, the performance might now be something to brag about but at this price range, it is impressive.

As for its competition, The Kia Niro FE and Nissan Versa Note S have a better time for 0-60 mph then Fiesta S whereas the Toyota Yaris 5-door L beats ford in quarter-mile margin. The Kia Niro FE beats Fiesta S in both 0-60 and quarter-mile margin which was totally expected. The Fiesta has maximum Co² emission while the Niro FE But in overall evaluation, Fiesta S comes in second in its class.

Models	Ford Fiesta S Hatch	Kia Niro FE	Toyota Yaris 5-Door L	Nissan Versa Note S
0-60 MPH	9.7 sec	8.6 sec	10.2 sec	9.2 sec
Quarter mile	17.2 sec	16.7 sec	17.0 sec	17.8 sec
Engine	1.6L	1.6L	1.5L	1.6L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	5.8	3.5	5.5	5.2

Handling and Steering

The Fiesta S steers better than any of its predecessors, being equipped with 5-speed manual gives a sporty feel making driving really fun and exciting. The Fiesta S feels lighter, drives smoother due to impressively responsive steering making it quite agile on roads. The 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly as it silently drives.

It features Euro-Inspired Suspension enhancing the car's stability. For betters handling and controls while cutting corners or going at high speed it features Electronic Stability control (ESC) and Electric power-assisted steering.

Brakes

The 2018 Ford Fiesta S (hatchback) has 10.2-inch front disc brakes with 7.9 inch rear drum brakes. It also features anti-lock braking system. Fiesta S with a curb weight of 2537 lbs takes 129 ft. to stop from 60-0 mph.
Both the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa Note has the minimum stopping distance of 127 ft. from 0-60 mph in this class. The Kia Niro FE has the maximum stopping distance than any other i.e. 138 ft. from 60-0 mph which is a disappointment.

Model	Ford Fiesta S Hatch	Kia Niro FE	Toyota Yaris 5-Door L	Nissan Versa Note S
Brake Front(in)	10.2	11.0	10	10
Brake Rear(in)	7.9	10.3	7.9	8.0
Curb weight(lbs)	2537	3106	2335	2460
60-0 MPH (ft.)	129	138	127	127

"You should consider the Fiesta if you prioritize an affordable car with a bit of zip to it over passenger and cargo space" - MSN.com

Seating and Comfort

The 2018 Ford Fiesta S is a two row 5 seater hatchback. It has 6-way manual driver seat and 4-way manual passenger seat with 2-way adjustable head restraint, it also has a 60/40 rear folding seats. The seats are rapped with standard clothes upholstery which are not very comfortable. It has a multi-functional steering wheel for more convenient driving, auto-lock features for more safety etc.

The floor is covered with full carpet, it has illuminated glove box, ambient lightning option, etc. It has free on-board controls for trunk, hatch and tailgate with key less entry feature, integrated transmitter and illuminated entry. Ford has provided several seating options like heated front seats, leather upholstery or race inspired Recaro seats to give it a sporty twist.

Model	Ford Fiesta S Hatch	Kia Niro FE	Toyota Yaris 5-Door L	Nissan Versa Note S
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	85.1	100.9	85.1	94.1
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.1/52.7/42.2	40.1/56.4/41.7	39.3/52.5/40.6	40.8/51.7/41.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.2/49/31.2	39.1/55.2/37.4	37.6/51.8/33.3	38/51.9/38.3

Interior Features

• Analog Display
• Perimeter Alarm
• Front/rear Cup holders
• Power door lock
• Cargo Space light
• Front Map Light
• Day-night Rearview Mirror
• Manual Air-conditioner
• Driver Foot rest
• Full Cloth Headliner
• Remote Key-less Entry
• 12V DC Power Outlet
• Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
• Air Filtration
• Instrument Panel bins

Infotainment System

The 2018 Ford Fiesta S has several standard infotainment features with some newly added features. It has standard LCD monitor with AM/FM stereo, CD player with 6 speakers and some new features like Ford pass which is a mobile application that helps you find parking, compare fuel prices, provides Ford Guide etc. with another feature that is SYNC communication and entertainment system giving you accessibility of voice recognition, smart charging options 911 Assist and Applink to control your favorite mobile apps with voice. There are quite a few optional features like SYNC 3 providing Apple CarPlay and Android auto compatibility with 8 Sony premium Branded audio speaker.

Some standard infotainment features are-:

• 4.2inches LCD Monitor
• Integrated Roof antenna
• Automatic Equalizer
• Digital Signal processor
• Radio Data System
• Clock
• Speed Compensated Volume Control
• Steering wheels with Audio Control
• Integrated Roof antenna
• Automatic Equalizer
• Digital Signal processor
• Radio Data System
• Clock
• Speed Compensated Volume Control
• Steering wheels with Audio Control

Cargo Capacity

The 2018 Ford Fiesta S hatchback has a cargo capacity of 14.9 cubic foot. It is not too much, but is totally acceptable for a hatchback, the cargo space can further be increased to 25.4 cubic foot thanks to the 60/40 rear folding seats. The Lift-gate rear cargo access lets you fit bigger object easily.

The Kai Niro FE has the maximum cargo capacity among all with 19.0 cubic foot of space which can further be increased to 55.0 cubic foot that is totally unbelievable, Nissan Versa Note S securing second position with cargo space o 18.8 cubic foot and 38.3 cubic foot after rear seats are folded. The Toyota Yaris 5-Door L has 15.6 cubic foot of cargo space which cannot be upgraded. In overall competition the Fiesta S has minimum cargo volume.

Model	Ford Fiesta S Hatch	Kia Niro FE	Toyota Yaris 5-Door L	Nissan Versa Note S
Behind 2nd Row (ft.cube)	14.9	19.0	15.6	18.8
2nd Row Folded (ft.cube)	25.4	55.0	N/A	38.3

Safety Features

The 2018 Ford Fiesta offers Ford's personal safety features as Ford didn't held back a little in order to make this hatchback the safest one around in its class. It features dual-stage driver and passenger seat mounted front/side airbags with Seat belt pretensioners, sensors and energy-management retractors, electronic stability control, SOS post-crash Alert system and many more.

Some of other safety features includes Side impact beams, Anti-lock Braking system, Drive line traction control, Backup camera and Airbag occupancy sensor.

• 3-point safety belts for all seating positions, height-adjustable retractable front outboard safety belts
• AdvanceTrac electronic stability control (ESC)
• Belt-Minder front safety belt reminder
• Child-Safety Rear Door Locks
• LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors (for child-safety seats)
• SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft system
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System

The safety features provided by ford has already been rated by both IIHS and NHTSA.

IIHS Crash test results

Crashworthiness

Overall	N/A
Small overlap front driver side	Marginal
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

CRASH AVOIDANCE & MITIGATION

Front crash prevention	N/A
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use	Poor

NHTSA Crash test results

Overall Rating	4 Star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	5 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating	N/A
Side Barrier Rating overall	N/A
Side Barrier Rating Driver	N/A
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	N/A
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	N/A
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	N/A
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	N/A
Rollover Rating	4 Star

The 2018 Ford Fiesta S has an average mileage of 27 mpg in city, 35 mpg in highway with a combined mileage of 30 mpg which is totally acceptable. It is more fuel efficient than its predecessors but not better than any of its competitors.

The Toyota Yaris L has an average mileage of 30/35 for city/highway whereas a combined mileage of 32 mpg whereas Nissan Versa has an average mileage of 31/39 mpg with a combined mileage of 34 mpg proving both cars more fuel efficient than Fiesta S. But, the only car in this competition that totally overpower all of its competitors is the Kia Niro FE having an average mileage of 52/49 mpg city/highway and a combined mileage of 50 mpg which is way too much good for a car of this caliber.

Model	Ford Fiesta S Hatch	Kia Niro FE	Toyota Yaris 5-Door L	Nissan Versa Note S
mpg (city)	27	52	30	31
mpg (highway)	35	49	35	39
mpg (combined)	30	50	32	34

The 2018 Ford Fiesta (hatchback) has 3 additional trims except for the base one i.e. Fiesta S, which are the Fiesta SE, Fiesta Titanium and Fiesta ST. Starting from the basic model the Fiesta S features 1.6L engine, 5-speed manual transmission with basic infotainment features like AM/FM radio, Mp3 capacity, Ford Pass, SYNC etc.

The Fiesta SE variant cost about $15,735, it has all the basic features of the Fiesta S With some additional features like Cruise control, ambient lighting, painted aluminum wheels and My-Key feature. The Titanium variant features Reverse Sensing System, SYNC 3 enhancing infotainment system, heated front row seat for additional comfort and Sony Premium Audio speakers which is enough to bring the house down. The Titanium variant costs $4,990 more than the base variant.

The ST is the most costly one with a price tag of $21,285. It has an enhanced 1.6L GTDI engine with 6-speed manual transmission for better performance, SYNC 3, 17-inch Rado Gray Painted Wheels. Getting the ST trim simply puts the Fiesta in a different league. The 5/6-speed manual transmission ensures the sporty feel while driving, but in case you are not much of a fan, Ford has got you covered with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission for S and SE.

Trims	S	SE	Titanium	ST
MSRP	$14,415	$15,735	$19,495	$21,195
Features	1.6L Ti-VCT I-4 engine Rear view camera SYNC AM/FM stereo, CD player with MP3 capability and 6 speakers	Cruise control 15-inch Sparkle Silver-painted Aluminum wheels Ambient lighting MyKey	Reverse Sensing System Heated 1st-row seats SYNC 3 Sony Premium Branded Audio with 8 speakers	1.6L GTDI engine 6-speed manual transmission 17-inch Rado Gray Painted Wheels SYNC 3

We recommend

The base variant of Fiesta might be the one to consider as it has everything that you can think of in such an affordable price range. It is reliable, has low cost of ownership and has the best fuel efficiency. In case, you want to experience more comfortable and convenient rides than going for Titanium variant is a good choice. But, for the ST variant, it might not be a good choice to opt for, well it is true that its better than all the other variants in performance power and all but considering the price range there are better options in the market.

Ford Fiesta hatchback vs. The Kia Niro FE

The Kia Niro FE costs $ 23,340 featuring a 139 hp engine with 6-speed automatic transmission producing 195lb.-ft. of torque beats Fiesta in power, performance and acceleration. The Fiesta S has less stopping distance then Niro FE and that\u2019s all, apart from this Niro FE totally overpowers Fiesta S in every single aspect. But when we take the huge price gap between Fiesta and Niro FE into account, the difference in caliber is explained.

The only car that can compete with Niro FE is the ST variant of Fiesta but considering the rise in price from S variant to ST variant and both the car seems to be competing on different class.

Ford Fiesta Hatchback vs. The Yaris 5-Door L

The Yaris 5-Door L features 1.5-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve VVT-I 106 hp engine with 4-speed automatic transmission. It has better fuel efficiency and cargo space than that of Fiesta S but is no match in power and performance. The Yaris 5-Door L costs 16,760 which is $2,155 costlier than Fiesta S. The Fiesta S even after being cheaper than Yaris out-matches it in several aspects.

Ford Fiesta hatchback vs. The Nissan Versa Note S

The Nissan Versa Note S is $15, 600 hatchback featuring 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder 109 hp engine paired with CVT-automatic transmission producing 107 lb.-ft. of torques. It is also outperformed by Fiesta S in power and performance but in terms of fuel efficiency, stopping distance, CO² emission and cargo space it simply overpowers Fiesta S. In other aspers like comfort, safety and features both cars are neck to neck with each other.

The Ford Fiesta S is an amazing hatchback. It offers better fuel efficiency, more smooth and agile driving, enhanced performance than any of its predecessors. The 2018 model of fiesta offers new body design with all new trims and features. It has stunning looking sporty exteriors, better performance, newly added Ford's personal safety features better interiors, upgraded infotainment system and many more. It is reliable and also has low cost of ownership. Having so many trims option also provides it an advantage in the car market.

There are a lot of good things about the new Fiesta but nothing is perfect. It has less fuel efficiency, low cargo space and has maximum CO2 emission among all of its competitors. The ST variant is more likely to be a performance variant of Fiesta as it features more powerful GTDI engine with 6-speed manual transmission but has a huge price margin which actually puts it in a different class of competition.

After comparing every single aspect the Ford Fiesta S outclasses all its competitors proving to be the best budget hatchback around.