Hot Fiesta is pocket rocket
FORD has an enviable reputation when it comes to hot hatchbacks. From the early days of the XR to its later ST and scorching RS models, the blue oval has forged a name for some of the best driving cars in the business.
Even better is the fact that Ford’s bosses seem to understand that too. While the brand’s models expand their global reach with the likes of the Mustang muscle car and Edge off-roader now in UK showrooms, it would be all too easy for Ford to kill off what is a very European, and especially British, penchant for go-faster models.
Particularly at the level of this new Ford Fiesta ST, sales tend to be more about offering a halo feelgood factor to the rest of the range. It is expected to account for just five per cent of the 120,000 Fiestas likely to leave Ford showrooms this year.
That said, it’s a tough sector of the market with plenty of talent including Renault’s Clio Sport and the VW Polo GTI. Ford isn’t exactly pulling its punches either. Available in both three and five-door forms, Ford is claiming that this is the most responsive and fun-to-drive Fiesta ST ever.
With more technology, new driving modes and a new 1.5-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine, it shouldn’t leave enthusiasts feeling short-changed.
It looks the part too. With lowered, sports suspension, 17 or optional 18-inch alloy wheels, a body kit and hunkered-down styling, it enhances the looks of the standard Fiesta considerably – even if we’re still not convinced about the bland rear styling.
Under the bonnet there’s that new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine which may cause some raised eyebrows among keen drivers for its three-cylinder layout.
They should focus more though on its impressive 200bhp output along with its minimal 6.5-second 0 to 60mph time and 144mph top speed. An automatic cylinder cut-off system (engaging and re-engaging the cylinders as and when required) helps to improve the Fiesta’s average fuel economy and emissions to 47.1mpg and 136g/km respectively too.
One interesting option for enthusiasts is the addition of a limited slip-differential for the first time to improve its handling still further, although it will set you back £850 as part of the ST Performance Pack. However, Ford still expects about three-quarters of ST buyers to tick this box.
Past versions of the Fiesta ST have always been about how it drives on the road, rather than those on-paper statistics though and the same is true here.
Push the button to start the engine and it sounds nothing like