Titanium Sedan. So for comparison I ordered up a more plebeian SE Hatchback; same engine,

less frills.

Now sporting Ford's familial grille, the 2014 Fiesta is offered with new color options and

exterior design graphics that match its youthful exuberance. Take this Blue Candy model, for

example. It's one of 3 premium-charge paint choices of which there's 9 overall. The other

Fiesta headlines for this year include the U.S. debut of Ford's 1.0-liter 3-cylinder

EcoBoost engine mated to a 5-speed manual achieving 45mpg highway and the addition of

a racy Fiesta ST model.

But here, I've got the Fiesta SE -- ranked second in the 4 hatchback trim offerings ranging

from the base Fiesta S to the top turbocharged ST. My tester also adds the 6-speed automatic

but no other options -- leading to an as tested price of $18,335. These models run with a

spirited little 1.6-liter 4-cylinder making 120 horsepower giving you more hustle than

you'd ever expect. And just a note about the transmission; it's a dual clutch unit and

not a conventional automatic. It works very well but note: it has some quasi-manual characteristics

which grab the attention of first-time drivers.

I've always preferred the Fiesta's hatchback, both for its appearance and for its practicality.

It costs $500 more than the Sedan but it also gives you an extra 2 cubic-feet of cargo room

not to mention greater flexibility. It's not as roomy or quite as fuel-efficient as a Nissan

Versa Note, but with 15 cubic feet of cargo room and folding rear seats for expansion

the Fiesta is bigger inside than you'd think. Ditto for the rear seats as long as those

in the front don't go crazy with their own leg room.

The Fiesta is also relatively quiet inside and though the SE provides auto headlamps,

a tilt and telescoping wheel, ambient lighting, cruise control and a plethora of airbags,

it's not for those who like lots of goodies. And may I suggest you upgrade to the SYNC

system that operates through the MyFord Touch screen interface, because this base version

is just plain annoying to use.

It's no wonder the high-performance Fiesta ST is getting such high praise. Because even

this SE model with the PowerShift Automatic is a fun drive; nimble, reactive, diminutive

-- all the right ingredients. And it returns 29mpg city/39mpg highway.

Ford is doing the small car right and even if you don't have the bank account for Titanium

level Fiesta fun, the SE offers a competent package.