By Ian Strachan.
Ford’s latest Fiesta ST hatchback is powered by a three-cylinder engine, which can even switch to two-cylinder operation under low loads. So it’s surprising that this latest offering in the Fiesta stable takes some holding back.
The 1.5 litre three-potter powers out 200 bhp with a maximum speed of 144 mph and a 0-60 time of just over six seconds. Not the performance you might expect from a three-cylinder vehicle.
The latest sporty Fiesta ST hot hatch comes with sharp, streamlined styling, a smart, high-quality interior, good specification, class-leading low-polluting engines and a host of technology to keep you comfortable and safe. The Fiesta has achieved a maximum Euro-NCAP safety rating, and comes with lane-keeping alert, speed limiter and traffic sign recognition.
I test drove the three-door Fiesta ST Ecoboost in Edition spec – powered by a 200 bhp 1.5 litre petrol engine. This unit delivers miserly fuel economy of 40.4 mpg in mixed driving. I test drove the manual version with a pleasant-to-use, springy six speed box.
The Fiesta ST is the epitome of urban chic with a wide range of colour variations to customise your car. With its sleek lines, its aggressive road stance and shark-like front end it certainly looks the part, while the inside is packed with premium features including electronic automatic temperature control, Recaro leather sports seats, satellite navigation with an eight-inch touchscreen, a ten-speaker DAB surround digital radio with Apple CarPlay, voice control and USB sockets, traffic sign recognition, heated front screen, all-round electric windows, electric folding door mirrors with puddle lights, automatic high-beam headlights, heated seats and steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers.
You also get smart 18 inch ten-spoke alloys, ST styling on grille and rear bumper and stand-out red brake calipers. Other standard equipment includes three selectable drive modes, LED daytime running lights and rear view camera with parking sensors.
All this is in addition to the Fiesta’s well-established virtues of smooth good looks, bags of interior space and great ride and handling, though the suspension feels a little harsh on country lanes..
The 1.5 petrol engine is a quiet unit despite its gutsy performance, even when worked hard, with good acceleration and flexibility.
On the road price for this spec is £27,080. I enjoyed driving this Fiesta. There’s a big car in there trying to get out, but with small car personality, and looks guaranteed to keep claiming the sales top spot.
