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On the road Superb handling and peppy performance from 1.6-litre turbo make the ST a great everyday hot hatch
The previous-generation Ford Fiesta ST was the best small hot hatch you could buy when it came out in 2013. Now it’s set to go down as one of the greatest cars in the class of all time. That’s especially true when you consider how many are on the used market, and how much cheaper they are now.
The ST is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 180bhp through the front wheels, although 197bhp is available on ‘overboost’ for a few seconds when on full throttle.
In its transformation to ST, the Fiesta gained torquevectoring tech, 15mm lower suspension and rear disc brakes. Then there are the Recaro sports seats on mid and higher trim levels and a fruity sports exhaust.
The result is a car that feels just as much at home in a supermarket car park as it does on a Welsh mountain road. There’s space for four people, and a 290-litre boot means no practicality disadvantage over a standard Fiesta. Drive carefully and even the engine’s fuel economy figure is respectable.
But the ST comes alive when you reach a great road and put your foot down. The engine is very punchy from low down but it still relishes revs, while it sounds great, too. There’s more than enough power to exploit the chassis, but not so much that it feels intimidating.
It’s the chassis that shines brightest, though. Its limits are raised dramatically over the standard car’s, but it’s pure fun to drive. The ST turns in sharply and you can change direction very quickly without upsetting the balance. The stiff suspension isn’t horrendously uncomfortable, while the firmer ride (but sublime damping at speed) is worth it for handling this good.
Audi R8 2008 Mk1
Up your budget to around £35,000 and you can get a mid-engined Audi R8. This price will buy an early V8 manual model, which we reckon is a peach. Its sharp handling, powerful engine and tactile open-gated box are all a sports car fan could want, while its supercar looks set the whole package off.
options
Our selected 911’s age means Buyacar.co.uk doesn’t offer PCP deals here, but you can pick one up on a lease for £668 per month.
This might seem pricey, but bear in mind that the 10 per cent deposit is relatively low for a premium performance machine, while the talent on offer here will make that number seem small compared to the amount of fun you’ll gain access to.
options
THE Toyota Prius is the car that pretty much defined the hybrid sector, so it’s no surprise that it’s our pick here.
Put down £695 and on a threeyear lease deal with Buyacar.co.uk and you could pick up a used example for £200 per month.
That is for a previous-generation Prius, so the Toyota is not eligible for PCP finance. However, this deal still means it’s an affordable and economical hybrid car.
BMW i3
The i3 revolutionised the electric vehicle market place and even as a second-hand buy BMW’S ev is genuinely desirable. Super performance around town is offset by a firmer ride, but around 125 miles real-world range should be easily possible from the quirky-looking hatchback.
options
EARLY EVS tended to have a high price of entry due to the expensive tech that was in its early stages, but cars such as the Nissan Leaf have now dropped to levels less than a family hatch, while running costs will be super low as well.
Put £600 down and you could walk away with a Leaf in Acenta trim for just £128 per month on PCP finance. This is one way to keep you motoring bills minute.