Ahh, the Fiesta ST. This is where the Focus’s situation gets a little more muddled. While for bigger drivers like myself, the Focus is the better option, the question as to whether it’s worth an additional $5,400 over the Fiesta will always be a bee in the Focus’s bonnet.

The Fiesta handles well, it looks good and it fits in the super-subcompact genre that’s becoming ever so popular these days, especially for the fuel economy–minded city dweller.

But hold on a minute. If fuel economy is a priority, then why would you buy an ST version of the Fiesta—or indeed, a Focus? Why not opt for the versions equipped with the 1.0L EcoBoost three-banger? Both have that option, now (unless you want the Focus hatch, unfortunately) and it’s a very good powertrain. And how many city dwellers want to be rowing a manual transmission all the time? Well, that’s the only way you can have either of the ST models, so you have to deal.

So the fact the Fiesta may be easier to thread through town shouldn’t really be a determining factor.

So, we turn to the dynamics.

I’ve driven both, and the Fiesta is the dartier car, with a slightly quicker steering rack – I’ll give it that. It’s not the faster car, though, and as you start to reach higher speeds, the gap between the two continues to widen.

The Focus also feels the more robust of the two, the Fiesta feeling just that much more toy-like, not as substantial. Add the fact that you get cargo room that’s actually usable in the Focus (if you don’t drop the rear seats, you get 672 L of space in the Focus, and just 285 in the Fiesta – you may as well not have any at all), and the bigger car becomes that much more attractive.

Best bet? If you’re looking for a performance Ford, try them both, and be happy you have the chance to do so.

Warranty:
3 years/60,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 5 years/100,000 km roadside assistance

Competitors:
Honda Civic Si
Mini Cooper S 5-door
Subaru WRX
Volkswagen GTI

Pricing: 2015 Ford Focus ST
Base Price: $32,014
Options: $3,150 – Equipment Group 401A (Microsoft Sync with MyFord Touch, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-speaker Sony audio, Sirius XM satellite radio) $1,250, Navigation System $800, 18-inch painted wheels $600 black exterior stripe $500
Freight: $1,565
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $36,829

NRCan Fuel Consumption: 10.2/7.3 city/highway
Observed Fuel Consumption: 10.8 L/100 km

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