Ford has released fuel economy ratings for the 2014 Fiesta ST, stating that the subcompact hot hatch will return an estimated 26 miles per gallon city, 35 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined. That puts the machine just behind its main competitor, the Fiat 500 Abarth, in terms of efficiency. The 500 Abarth yields 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for 31 mpg combined, but falls short of the Fiesta ST on power. The Fiesta ST serves up 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque compared to the 160 hp and 170 lb-ft available in the Abarth.
The Fiesta ST delivers considerably more cargo capacity at 15 cubic feet in hatchback configuration, while the 500 Abarth serves up just 9.5 cubes. What's more, the US-spec Fiesta ST will be offered as a five-door hatchback, with considerably more rear seat room for people and things.
When asked, a Ford spokesperson confirmed that these numbers are the result of testing done by the automaker, not the EPA itself. The 26/35/29 ratings what Ford has submitted to the EPA for certification, and if the EPA wants to re-test, it can.
