Let’s remember what Ford’s subcompacts were like before the Fiesta. Like, the piece of Festiva. Or, the car that Aspired to be a car. Both were built in South Korea by Kia before Kia was Kia. Prior to that, Ford actually sold its petite European Fiesta in the U.S.

We’ve probably gone too deep into history.

It wasn’t just Ford. Before Fiesta, small cars sold in the U.S. felt like tinsel. Ford changed that by selling the same European-engineered Fiesta, a popular model around the globe. It’s a small Ford that drives more like a smaller Acura than a larger Aspire. Some alterations enhance its appeal — especially in Titanium trim.

Ford designers deny any connection, but there’s a not-so-subtle resemblance to Aston Martin in the face (let’s remember Ford recently owned Aston Martin). However it materialized, the grille is one of the most elegant ever placed on a compact car and draws down the leading edge of the hood for a sense of pent-up energy. The rest of the car is Euro-chic, but looks upscale with 16” alloys and chrome brightwork along the lower windowline.

Interior dimensions are a little cozy, especially in the cheap seats, but the car is well-equipped. Heated leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, customizable ambient lighting, a USB hub for MP3 players, and Bluetooth add luxury. Praise all things Ford that the company improved its bedeviling SYNC infotainment system.Designers replaced an array of confusing buttons with an elegant “knob-and-plate” adjustment device; voice controls mostly listen. Amazing. (Note the sarcasm, please.) Navigation, satellite radio, and owner’s music library are easier to access, sending more of your attention to the road.

Putting the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine’s meager 120 horsepower and 112 ft-lbs of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission will wake neither the dead nor Studio 54, but at least it enables 29/39 mpg city/highway. On the plus side, a car that weighs only 2,628 pounds doesn’t need much power. I’d choose the base five-speed manual transmission for the most fun.

Fiesta’s real contribution to improving the general state of sub-compacts is its refined chassis. It drives like a car $10,000 more expensive, dancing on onramps with quick reflexes. It rides well on the highway and over rough city streets, despite a low-budget rear suspension. And rear drum brakes? You can sense some harshness in the suspension, and the electric power steering system could use some work — noticed because competitive proletarians raised their game at Fiesta’s prodding.

Here’s the part you’re not going to like: it’s easy to stuff a small container with lots of stuff when you charge $21,880. Yikes. But you can get a Fiesta starting at $14,000, or around $18,000 well-equipped. Obviously, if you want to equip your Fiesta like a $35,000 Acura, you’ll pay for it. Check out the Chevy Sonic, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, and Mazda2 for comparison.

Storm Forward!

2014 Ford Fiesta Titanium 5-Door
Five-passenger, FWD hatchback sedan
Powertrain: 120hp 1.6-liter I4, 6-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: In/Torsion beam
Wheels: 16”/16” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/drum fry/err with ABS
Must-have features: Luxury, economy
Fuel economy: 29/39 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Cuautitlan, Mexico
Base/As-tested price: $14,000/$21,880