FORD FIESTA ST
OUR PICK ST-2 3dr (2013/13, 28k miles, £7,550)
THE last generation of Ford Fiesta ST is arguably even more appealing than the current car. The older model gets a four-cylinder motor rather than a three-cylinder unit like the current car, and it delivers just about as much fun as you can have on a twisty road.
The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine sends 180bhp through the front wheels, although 197bhp is available on overboost for a few seconds on full throttle. Clever torquevectoring tech helps to get the power down, plus there are some extra features over a normal Fiesta, such as the Recaro seats and a fruity sports exhaust.
It’s the ST’s chassis that truly shines though: the playful handling and sharp steering are a perfect foil for the slick gearchange and punchy engine – perfect for British back roads. The ST is a little firm over bumps, but that’s only a very minor compromise when the rest of the package is way ahead of similar small hot hatches. Yet this is still a Ford Fiesta underneath, so it’s practical, easy to drive and has a decent boot. Resist the temptation and moderate your right foot on the throttle and fuel economy is great, too.
It’s small and easy to park, and although we’ve picked a three-door version here, there’s also a five-door model that improves practicality. There are plenty for sale and that means prices are competitive, plus there are Ford dealers and specialists all over the country. Fairly leggy examples are available for as little as £5,000, but we’d stretch the budget up to around £7,500 to get a sparkling version of one of the best hot hatches ever made.