TRACK TEST
Jason puts his latest upgrades to the ultimate test: on track with fellow Mountune customers at Brands Hatch
The Fiesta ST is now driving brilliantly. The Mountune m235 upgrade I recently installed delivers extra power and torque and is really smooth in its delivery. That, along with the stiffer lowering springs and new wheel and tyre combo, makes the ST very positive to drive.
This is my daily driver, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to take the car on track when Mountune teamed up with MSV Trackdays for a Ford-only event at my local track, Brands Hatch.
Many years ago – when I was eight years old – I used to come here with my folks. It was those trips that got me into cars and started my love for photography, so those memories made the experience extra special when I found myself driving the Fiesta around legendary corners such as Paddock Hill Bend and Druids.
The day was perfect; the weather was a comfortable 17C with only a small amount of the wet stuff landing in the late afternoon. The circuit layout was the tight and challenging Indy circuit, and we were out on track alongside everything from classic Escorts and Cosworths right through to the very latest fast Fords.
Of course, Mountune’s latest development cars were in action too, enjoying the day but also racking up the miles and gathering invaluable data at the same time.
Paul from Mountune even took me out in the company’s own Mk8 Fiesta ST Mk8. The latest m285 power upgrade – complete with a twin-scroll hybrid turbo and 285PS – gave me a chance to learn the best lines for the Mk8, and also see how a top-spec ST felt on track in comparison to mine.
Mountune’s ST was wearing track-spec Michelin Cup 2 rubber on the day, and the resulting grip levels were superb. The power
delivery was again smooth, and the best part of 300bhp under the bonnet felt just right in this hot hatch.
I took to the track in my own ST just before lunchtime. The Mk8 Fiesta has a light steering feel and it took me a few laps to get used to that on the tight and technical Indy circuit. My previous BMW M2 felt much heavier on the steering compared to the Fiesta, but I’d soon got the hang of it. Lots of tyre squeals proved I was pushing and, despite the noise, the grip levels felt good.
It certainly gave me the taste for it, and in the new year I think I’ll be booking on to plenty more track days, especially on shorter, more compact tracks, as this is where the ST excels.
The only area that I’d upgrade would be the brakes. The stock ones were okay, but a proper set of discs and pads would just give me more time on the track – or a full big brake kit would be the ultimate setup.
Do I need the m285 upgrade? I don’t think so… Not for now, at least. The m235’s 230bhp-plus is enough in a small, lightweight hot hatch, and it still gives a good balance of performance and usability. That said, I wouldn’t rule out a big turbo and more power in the future.
The day finished with a quick photoshoot in the pit lane. I must admit the three-door Mk8 ST in silver with the contrasting Compomotive wheels looks great. But does it need a little more added aggression? I’ve been looking at Maxton Designs splitters and side skirts, and maybe they will be my next upgrades.