Actually it’s not just any hatch that we’re going to discuss; it’s only a pair of them. These two aren’t quite on par with being called hot hatches and are not going to turn the laps at Nurburgring faster than the lauded and high powered hot hatches we know and love. Even though these aren’t the fastest two hatchbacks on the market they are two of the most fun to drive and give you a blend of practicality to go along with the enjoyable drive. The two hatchbacks we’re looking at today are the MINI Cooper S Hardtop and the Ford Fiesta ST.
Starting with the MINI you see this car as one that offers you the style of a MINI from many years ago. These cars are certainly full of personality and the ability for you to order yours in a variety of colors and themes to make it a car you love to drive and show off around town. When you look under the hood you find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides you with 189 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is attached to a six-speed transmission that is either a manual or an automatic depending upon which one you want.
Driving this car can be a joy as the steering is direct and if you choose the manual you can have the fun you want from behind the wheel. If you’ve never driven a hatchback you are missing out. These little cars are quick and active while being able to fit nearly anywhere and with the MINI Cooper S Hardtop you will have 2,785 pounds of fun to play around with. This may seem a bit heavy for a hatch, but it’s not bad and the powertrain is capable of pushing this car to sixty mph in the mid-six second range to offer you a quick acceleration that you will love.
Moving to the Ford Fiesta ST you will have a car you’re instantly familiar with. The look and style of the Fiesta offers you something you’ve seen before and desire to drive. Even if you’ve turned your nose up at hatchbacks in the past, this is one you should step in and give a chance. The Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine which brings you 197 horsepower and 202 lb.-ft. of torque to be more densely powered than the MINI.
With the Fiesta you only have one transmission, a six-speed manual which feels amazing as you row the gears and turn this car up to speed. The Fiesta is actually lighter than the MINI, coming it at 2,742 pounds but it’s also eight inches longer and about two inches taller than the MINI Cooper to give you more space and accommodate taller drivers. This car can easily reach the sixty mph mark faster than the MINI to give you the speed you want. Handling this little beauty is easy and fun as the Fiesta ST is more than just a party by name.
Which one of these two is right for you? If you prefer the polarizing and European styling of the MINI then the Cooper S Hardtop makes a great choice and one that is quick and active for you to enjoy. This is also the right choice if you aren’t comfortable with a manual transmission since you can have the MINI with an automatic. On the other hand, if you want a bit more speed and a transmission that is outstanding, the Fiesta is the car for you. Not only is this car a bit quicker, but we’re told the EcoBoost engines can be tuned up to give you more power with a twist of a screwdriver to give you more fun from behind the wheel.
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