[contourious]

I got to sit in a Fiesta ST for the first time this past weekend! Unfortunately the dealer was packed, so I didn't opt for a test drive, but I did get to sit in the car for about 45 minutes. The ST seems amazing, especially at its price point! I sat in a Molten Orange with moonroof and standard seats (non Recaro). I must admit that the car is on the small side, but that's part of the hot hatch appeal, and I did fit, even with the moonroof (6'2" and about 185lb). My only gripe has to be the arm rest on the driver's door. I actually didn't notice how often I use a door arm rest until after sitting in the Fiesta. I have an hour commute each way, which consists of mostly highway, so I realized that I use both armrests in my current vehicle routinely. The problem with the Fiesta is that I have the seat in a very low and far back position. Raising the seat up actually seems to push it forward too. It goes back far enough that I sit comfortable, but the door arm rest ends before my elbow. I can move my seat forward and fit my elbow on the arm rest, but at the expense of leg room. It's hard to explain, so I'll post some photos below. Without actually owning the car, it's difficult to know if this will become an annoyance/incommodious over time. Can any tall, arm rest fans, comment on how things are long term? I remember reading a post by Colin1337about having to sit so far back that "my left arm doesn't get to sit on the nice padded part of the door," so this may be a common problem. I haven't sat in a Focus ST, but the door arm rest seems to go all the way to the back of the door, whereas the Fiesta door arm rest ends an inch or two before the end of the door.

Also, for what it's worth, I would probably opt against the Recaro seats because it seems all that bolstering would make using the armrests even more difficult. The dealer did not have any STs in stock with Recaros, so I was unable to personally check. Can anyone with a similar height/weight attest?

 

[[email protected]]

I can't speak to the armrest but I'm 6'6" and 225 lbs. My big complaint is that in order to have a semi decent seating position I have the B-pillar next to my head and intruding into my seating space. Not pleasant. I've driven a three door SVT Focus for 10 years now, most comfortable car I've ever owned.

I think Ford shut the door on a big group of buyers by not offering the Fiesta in a three door here in the states.

-Steve

 

[contourious]

Also, unrelated to comfort, I had my mind set on ordering a Tuxedo Black with Rado Gray wheels. However, after seeing the Molten Orange in person, I'm on the fence now lol. That color looks sharp! Ironically, earlier that day, I saw a Tuxedo Black Fiesta with Rado Gray wheels in a Wendy's/Applebee's parking lot. It was covered in rock salt, so that may have played a part in my indecision between the two colors ha. It will come down to personal preference, but I keep weighing the pros and cons of each color. Black is more common and sleek. It looks great, but doesn't draw the "bad" kind of attention to the car. There are easily 50 other black cars around me during my daily commute. The bright orange color really stands out! I saw it on an overcast day, but the paint seems to have a little bit of gold/orange going on. It's really a sharp color. I usually prefer darker color cars, but this color stands out. Unfortunately, "standing out" isn't always a good thing. On my hour long commute today, I saw zero orange cars. The colors are primary black, white, silver, and gray. With that being said, a bright orange car is quick to draw attention amongst the other cars. I remember reading a report that bright cars, such as red or yellow, are ticketed most frequently by police, regardless of driving. There's a permanent spotlight on the car at all times, especially during bright sunny days. It could also draw attention while parked and unattended. The black Fiesta can easily be mistaken for just another regular small commuter car but unknowing passersby (which could be a good thing). The bright orange Fiesta is a lighthouse beacon, boasting its exclusivity and sportiness.

 

[contourious]

I can't speak to the armrest but I'm 6'6" and 225 lbs. My big complaint is that in order to have a semi decent seating position I have the B-pillar next to my head and intruding into my seating space. Not pleasant. I've driven a three door SVT Focus for 10 years now, most comfortable car I've ever owned.

I think Ford shut the door on a big group of buyers by not offering the Fiesta in a three door here in the states.

-Steve

Thank you Steve, I appreciate the reply. How long have you had your Fiesta ST? Do you eventually get used to the smaller setup? I'd hate to pass on this car, as everything else seems great! Though, if it's not comfortable for 2+ hour drives a day, then it won't be ideal. Which seats do you have (Recaro or standard)?

I have a Contour SVT, which has door panels similar to the Focus SVT, so I understand what you mean. It's a shame that Ford decided to have the Fiesta doors "scoop" back out near the rear of the door. They could've easily accommodated taller drivers' comfort this way, unless there's a locking mechanism behind there (which I doubt). Sorry if this seems like a minor issue, but I can see myself habitually trying to put my arm there for months or more if I buy it lol.

 

[Kap]

I'm a few inches shorter, so I can't give you personal relevant feedback on how well the car will fit you, but you might find this video review from a 6'5" 265 lb guy to be helpful. (He starts going into the fitment of the car just past the 3 minute mark, but I'd watch all of it. He gives a great, honest review of the car.)

As far as your color choice goes, I'm a big fan of color, so my vote is for the orange in a heartbeat.

 

[Jonnyz]

I can comment about the armrest (6'2" 200lbs). I found it annoying at first since my elbow sits past the padded part but I have about 10k miles on mine and I hardly notice it at all anymore. Occasionally it can be a little uncomfortable but for the most part Its not too bad.

 

[Tokendog]

I'm 6'2 and from the picture you provided, the seat is way too far back for the armrest to be practical. I must have my seat much closer cause I can easily use the armrest from where I am located in the driver's seat...though I do tend to put it on top of the door near the window rather than the armrest, until I notice it.

 

[[email protected]]

Thank you Steve, I appreciate the reply. How long have you had your Fiesta ST? Do you eventually get used to the smaller setup? I'd hate to pass on this car, as everything else seems great! Though, if it's not comfortable for 2+ hour drives a day, then it won't be ideal. Which seats do you have (Recaro or standard)?

I have a Contour SVT, which has door panels similar to the Focus SVT, so I understand what you mean. It's a shame that Ford decided to have the Fiesta doors "scoop" back out near the rear of the door. They could've easily accommodated taller drivers' comfort this way, unless there's a locking mechanism behind there (which I doubt). Sorry if this seems like a minor issue, but I can see myself habitually trying to put my arm there for months or more if I buy it lol.

Sorry, I don't have a Fiesta ST. I'd like a newer, more powerful car but I still drive my 2002 SVT three door and I'll keep driving it until Ford releases something comparable, let's just say I'm not holding my breath.

-Steve

 

[LotusZX3]

6'4" 210, long arms, 16k miles on it and I have no complaints. I have the seat as low as possible and don't sit like a g. On an 8 hour trip I was comfortable the whole way. Sounds like you put a lot of time in finding a comfortable position for you and it didn't really work out. I would wait for a test drive and make sure you will be comfortable in it. I knew all about the car when I bought it so when I was at the dealership my whole time was invested in how I fit. Ford does a great job making the cockpits roomy in my opinion.

 

[aar0n]

Im 6 foot 1 inch, 220 and I honestly sit extremely close to the steering wheel(partly because i learned to drive a stick sitting very close). Because of this fact, i dont think I have ever used the armrest on the door, i have always used the top of the interior piece. my arm rests next to the window. Most of the time though I have both hands on the wheel and it is almost never resting.

 

[djdennehy]

Yeah I noticed the same thing and have dealt with it over the past year. I own a Tuxedo black ST, love it and don't regret getting it, until I saw a white one with black Sparco wheels on it... SMH

 

[hollywood]

I rest my arm on the door/window sill, like I used to in my Miatas.

 

[NemesisFool]

6''1" 190lbs guy here. I have no problems with comfort armrest wise. I have long arms which help but my elbow is at the edge of the arm rest. I do about 75 mile commute between school and work, each day on a mix of hwy and city. 10k in and I couldn't be happier with the car.

 

[conevadr]

6'5" 240lbs - base seats. First, I agree with Steve that the B pillar would have been less of an issue with the 3 door. Even with a helmet on I don't find it to be intrusive while driving. But ingress/egress is a little uncomfortable - especially now in the winter with trying not to drag my pants on the salty rockers. As for the arm rest, for me it is a perfect fit with elbow cupped in the back of the cushion and left hand resting on the wheel with thumb on radio buttons. Although I will admit that I like my seat back in a more vertical position than most.

George M

 

[captainmorbid]

Sorry, I don't have a Fiesta ST. I'd like a newer, more powerful car but I still drive my 2002 SVT three door and I'll keep driving it until Ford releases something comparable, let's just say I'm not holding my breath.

-Steve

Shooting brake?