Americans May Dislike This Ford Fiesta ST Comparison Test: Video

Though the Ford Fiesta has been out of production for several years, the hot hatch holds a special place in the hearts of Blue Oval fans worldwide. U.S. enthusiasts, however, might feel a pang of envy - while America got the Mk7 Fiesta, buyers overseas enjoyed both the Mk6 before it and the Mk8 after, leaving Americans to admire those models from afar. In a recent comparison, YouTuber Car Focused pitted a Focus ST Mk6 against the Mk7, giving a thorough and honest test drive of the two hatches to see how they stack up.

The first test drive puts Car Focused behind the wheel of the Ford Focus ST Mk6. While they're both good looking cars, there's no doubt that the older Mk6 lacks the modern charm that its newer sibling wears with pride. Jumping into the Mk6 feels "pretty old." The steering wheel feels huge, while the seat itself is rather uncomfortable, its interior cheap-feeling.

But despite all its shortcomings, it handles beautifully, putting a smile on the face of whoever drives it. It's lightweight and being hauled by a tuned engine throwing 150 horsepower, which may not seem like a lot - but it's more than enough get-up-and-go, considering the hatchback's small stature.

Jumping right from the Ford Fiesta ST Mk6 to the Mk7 is night and day. The Mk7 interior is far more comfortable with creature comforts like heated seats, and the steering wheel doesn't take up as much space, making the cockpit feel more modern. This vehicle is "peak small hot hatch," featuring a turbocharged 1.6L engine with 180 horsepower, plus a "nice amount of torque," making it into a "proper little weapon."

In short, while both vehicles are quite fun - as the Ford Fiesta ST was meant to be - the Mk7 is a much nicer vehicle. Now, that's not to put down the Mk6, which was a peppy little roller in its own right, and American hot hatch enthusiasts are probably a bit jealous at seeing both of them alongside one another.