The big change for the 2017 Ford Fiesta is the availability of SYNC®3, an updated version of voice recognition for in-vehicle commands, including navigation and audio. That feature should resonate with the Fiesta ST driver as the sport-tuned ST hatchback is all about the drive. This nimble vehicle needs to be handled by a driver who understands there is no room for distracted driving. With this performance-minded car, the underscore is on vehicle dynamics, so the optional Recaro seat side bolsters are reflective of the car’s sports-spirited ride. But during a week long test drive, this driver found the Recaro seat simply too snug for comfort.

Powering the Fiesta is a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder that produces 197 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 202 pounds-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. The front wheel drive ST’s 6-speed manual transmission showcases a nice-tossing stick-shifter. (A dual clutch 6-speed automatic transmission is available.) The 98-inch wheelbase Fiesta has 14.9 cubic feet of stow space behind the 60/40-split rear seat; that space climbs to more than 25 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. The 2017 Ford Fiesta ST hatchback carries a base MSRP of $21,140 and collects estimated mpg of 26 city/33 highway.