Fiesta ST’S the leader of the Pack

From last weekend, cars over 40 years old will not need an MOT. All they’ll have to do is declare annually that their car is eligible for not requiring one. It sounds wonderful but is it sensible? The assumption is, I presume, that classic car owners lavish such care on their pride and joys that they’re always kept in perfectly safe condition. I’m not so sure. Like many of us, I owned loads of cars from the 60s and 70s and regularly discovered quite serious faults (or faults developing) while having my old bangers Mot’d. Sensible owners will still have their cars checked out by a professional once a year. I HINTED last week that the new Ford Fiesta ST was shaping up to be a good car.

After the road test, that opinion needs revising.

In fact it’s a brilliant machine and it had to be – not just because the competition is strong, but because the last ST was so good – particularly the limited edition ST200 version which had suspension all subsequent STS received as standard.

But what gives this latest model the edge is that it can pack a punch the old ST didn’t have if you spend a little bit more money on it. More of that later. The new ST uses a 1.5-litre version of Ford’s threecylinder Ecoboost engine which saves fuel and reduces emissions.

Its output is 197bhp, 21bhp more than the old ST.

That’s more than enough for a hot hatch, which is about feel, spirit and sensation, not low 0-60mph times and top speeds.

You’ve got a choice between three and five-doors and three trim levels. This top spec model Ford Fiesta ST three-door hatchback

1.5-litre three-cylinder, 197bhp 0-62mph: 6.5sec 47.1mpg

has 18in alloy wheels, sat nav and automatic wipers and headlamps, plus red brake calipers.

It’s quite a subtle car to look at – just the odd badge, flash of red and a honeycomb grille. Inside, it’s more grown up, with a driver seating position that’s suited to a sporty car. Basically you can get your bum closer to the carpet than in the old ST.

You get supportive Recaro