FORD FIESTA ST200

One of our favourite superminis in its very best form

THE ST200 HIT THE MARKET IN 2016 AS A LIMITEDrun, further-honed take on the already-excellent Mk7 Fiesta ST. Even with the recently discontinued Mk8 still fresh in our minds, the ST200 remains one of our favourite Fiestas, thanks to outstanding dynamic ability that makes it huge fun to drive.

Launched three years into the Mk7 ST’S production run, the ST200 increased the output of the standard car’s turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder from 197 to 212bhp (on overboost in third and fourth gear), with peak torque rising from 214 to 236lb ft. A power increase wasn’t all the ST200 received, though, with Ford Performance applying softer springs and dampers all-round for better ride quality, but with a 33 per cent increase in front antiroll bar and rear torsion beam stiffness for reduced roll. These chassis changes were rolled out to the standard ST soon after.

The ST200 is near-identical to the standard ST in appearance, with only its badging, 17-inch diamond-cut wheels and unique grey paint setting it apart. Ford did ensure that every optional extra came as standard, though, making it not only a fantastic driver’s car, but a wonderful one to live with day-to-day too.

Thanks to its chassis changes, a 198bhp-per-ton power-toweight ratio and the added response from that torque-rich motor, the ST200 settles into a beautiful flow on a good road, with its sharp front end and compliant, perfectly damped chassis rarely upset by uneven tarmac. The driver’s seat is set a little too high and the steering wheel is not quite as adjustable as we’d like, but these are moot points given the vast array of ST modifications now available.

The used market is wise to the value of the ST200, with prices having been steady for some time now. Nevertheless, you’ll only need £15,000 for the very best c30,000-mile cars, and if you’re willing to take a punt on one with closer to 100,000 miles, you’ll be paying under £10,000. There are plenty to choose from, too: Ford initially planned to build just 400 examples, but demand saw this rise to a much higher number that the marque won’t officially disclose. What we do know is that just shy of 1000 were registered at one point in 2017.

Given the Fiesta ST’S reputation for hard use, it’s wise to check for regular servicing, with oil changes in particular a must. Ford did issue a recall for a cylinder-head cracking issue on Mk7 STS, but this was for cars built before December 2014, meaning the ST200 should be unaffected. Interior quality for this generation of Fiesta wasn’t a particularly strong point, so don’t be surprised by some squeaks and rattles on higher-mileage examples, but generally speaking the ST200 is a strong car with no catastrophic reliability issues. Ensure everything’s been regularly and properly maintained and you’re unlikely to have any serious problems.