Sporty Fiesta ST toes the line

The ST Line is Ford’s “warm” brand of hatchback – sporty looks and sharper handling but with cheaper running costs than a full-blooded hot hatch.

They’ve been a great success for Ford, particularly among its younger customers. Last week, I took custody of a three-door ST Line version of the new Fiesta.

It certainly looks the part. There’s a slightly more aggressive looking grille, smart 17in alloy wheels, side skirts and a small rear spoiler.

Inside, you get a flat-bottomed steering wheel, natty red stitching, sports seats, drilled metal pedals and some ST Line badging.

The Fiesta ST Line can be had in three or five-door body shapes and with three different variants of Ford’s 1.0 litre Ecoboost petrol engine or a 1.5 litre diesel.

My test car was the three door model – which looks a little sharper in profile but sacrifices some practicality – paired with the 140bhp petrol engine.

It’s a great little unit, combining power with low running costs.

Put your foot down and it hurls you forward much more rapidly than its 9.0 second 0-62mph time might have you think.

More importantly, it handles beautifully. The previous generation Fiesta was a revelation when it came to driving dynamics and this all-new version is, if anything, even better.

It grips beautifully through bends. The steering is responsive. Pedals and gear changes are smooth and perfectly weighted. Considering it’s a small family hatchback, it does a remarkable impersonation of a sports car.

A long drive on Fife country roads followed by a stretch of on the motorway shows just how far the Fiesta has come.

It has the ride quality and refinement that just a decade ago could only be found in an executive saloon.

The excellent optional £350 B&O sound system on my test car added to the luxurious feel.

On the three-door model, access to the rear seats is tight so if you’re going to use them often, I’d recommend paying the £600 it costs for the extra doors.

Prices start at a little over £16,000 for the 100bhp 1.0 ST Line. My higher spec ST Line X model cost a little over £19,000 and was topped up to £21,000 with extras.

There’s very little not to like about the Fiesta ST Line. It combines much of the fun of a hot hatch with the refinement and comfort of the standard Fiesta.