Replacing my beloved Subaru Impreza STi with the Ford Fiesta ST was not an easy choice for me to make. The 2005 model year GD chassis was well worthy of its WRC roots, providing the driver with a raw experience as if they were clawing their way through a tarmac rally.
Unfortunately, a career change required me to commute by car every day. The very things that made the Subaru special became reasons leading me to sell. Space and budget constraints also prevented me from keeping both cars.
I spent two years shopping for the perfect daily driver and the list of cars I considered was quiet immense. These ranged from practical choices like the Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Si all the way to outlandish candidates like the Chevrolet Camaro.
One day, I found a lightly used 2016 Ford Fiesta ST for sale online. After a brief twenty minute test drive, I fell in love right away with the nimbleness of the chassis as well as the torque of the 1.6L turbo Ecoboost engine. I signed the papers on the spot and found a new home for the Impreza with another Subaru enthusiast.
Car Shopping: How did I Decide on the Ford Fiesta ST?
During my two years of procrastination, I was able to really narrow down my criteria for a daily driven car. After reviewing the list, it became obvious the seventh generation Ford Fiesta ST would be the perfect car for me.
- Daily driven all year round. It has to be able to handle Canadian winters.
- Limited to one car due to space restrictions.
- Roughly $20,000 budget without financing.
- Relatively new, within five years old and under 100,000 km.
- Reliable because I need to depend on it to get to and from work.
- Fun to drive. It does not have to be the fastest car on the street, but priority is on driving feel and handling.
- Manual transmission.
- Reasonably fuel efficient and economical running costs.
- Room to seat four passengers and folding rear seats to maximize cargo space.
- Handle the occasional autocross and odd track day here and there.
List of Ford Fiesta ST Upgrades
In my pursuit of the perfect performance daily driver, the Fiesta ST did not stay stock for long. It was important for me to enhance the driving experience and performance without sacrificing too much drivability on the street. A review of each modification will be posted in the coming months.
Engine/Powertrain
- Cobb Accessport V3
- Stratified Flash Tune
- Depo Racing Intercooler
- Mountune Cold Air Intake
- Turbosmart Plumback Blowoff Valve
- NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs
Transmission/Drivetrain
- FS Werks Short Shifter Plate
- FS Werks Shift Bracket Bushings
- Ford Racing Carbon Fiber Shift Knob
- Motul Gear 300 Transmission Oil
Suspension, Chassis and Brakes
- BC Racing Coilovers
- Whiteline Adjustable Front Sway Bar Endlinks
- Hawk HPS 5.0 Brake Pads
- Stoptech Slotted Sport Brake Rotors
- ATE Typ 200 Brake Fluid
- TB Performance Chassis Bracing:
- Front Traction Bar
- Rear Torsion Bar
- Trunk Brace
Wheels and Tires
- Summer Tires Setup:
- Konig Hypergram 17×8 +40 in Gunmetal Grey
- Federal 595 EVO 215/40R17
- Muteki SR48 Lug Nuts in Gunmetal Grey
- Winter Tires Setup:
- Sparco Terra 16×7 +42
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 195/45R16
Miscellaneous
- No-Pistons Gas Pedal Spacer
- Lamin-X Fog Light Cover (Yellow)
- Weathertech Front Floor Mats
- DMB Graphics Front Fender Gel Overlay
Planned Modifications
- Engine and transmission mount bushings
- New set of winter tires