Hit the road for Fiesta fun - at a price

Doing much more than getting you from A-B, Ford’s hot hatch is well worth its cost if you enjoy driving, says Carmel Stewart

First requirement for an accurate appraisal of the Fiesta ST is a clear run on a decent road. We all have our favourites – the Snake Pass, the Black Mountain Pass, the Cat and Fiddle and Cheddar Gorge among them.

The fun, fast, engaging composure of the ST is such that it encourages the driver to extractevery ounce of power from the 197bhp 1.5 litre award-winning EcoBoost engine linked to a sweet and sporty six-speed manual transmission. Open the windows a touch to fully appreciate the accompanying soundtrack. Nought to 62mph is achievable in 6.5 seconds; top speed red lines at 144mph.

This high-performance engine features the first ever cylinder de-action system in a three-cylinder engine. The technology automatically stops fuel delivery and valve opera- tion for one of the engine’s cylinders when full capacity is not needed, when coasting or cruising, for example. It can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds -20 times faster than the blink of an eye.

The phenomenal roadholding and handling of the ST is down to the addition of Ford’s enhanced torque vectoring control whereby brake force is applied to the inside front wheel when cornering for improved stability. That, together with Ford’s patented force vectoring springs, which apply sideways forces to the rear suspension, and sophisticated Tenneco dampers, improve stability and ride quality still further and guard against any untoward rear end friskiness.

For those who like to push their car to the limit at every opportunity, the addition of the optional-limited-slip-diff would make sense as it enhances the standard electronic torque vectoring by adjusting the wheel spin still further to optimise cornering grip.

The standard fit selectable drive modes of normal, sport and track allow the driver to adjust the engine mapping, throttle response, steering parameters and stability control to suit their driving style and the road conditions at the touch of a button.

The optional launch control is for track enthusiasts–not me then. It is very simple to activate via steering wheel controls and includes a dedicated graphic display on the instrumentation panel.

Inside, the hot hatch sporty aspects include hip-hugging Recaro seats, metal pedals, flat bottomed sports steering wheel and sports suspension. The ST logo is featured inside and out.

Priced from £19,495, the Fiesta ST is available in three and five door body styles. Upping to ST2 also ups the price - £20,695 – as does a step up to ST 3 - £22,445. The future of ST 1 is under review as less than one per cent of drivers opt for this model.

Standard spec includes 17-inch alloys, eight-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, DAB radio, power start button and cruise control.

The ST3 tested adds 18-inch alloys with red brake calipers, auto high beam, navigation, leather front seats, lumbar support for both front seat occupants, rear view camera.

The performance pack at £925 includes the additional limited slip diff, launch control and a shift indicator.

The Fiesta ST is not cheap to buy but it is great fun to drive and is the perfect vehicle in which to expand your horizons.