Fiesta ST185

The XR2 was the first hot Fiesta, but this is the fastest. Based on the already rapid ST150 and developed in association with Mountune Racing, this special edition supermini has a truly bespoke feel that’s unmatched by any rivals.

Thanks to special camshafts, a new inlet manifold and exhaust, the punchy 2.0-litre engine delivers 182bhp – an increase of 34bhp over the standard ST.

The tweaks don’t end there. It has a stiffer sports suspension set-up that lowers the ride height by 30mm, while driver and passenger get race-inspired bucket seats. On the move, the tuned motor pops and crackles like a rally car’s, while the scalpel-sharp steering and ultra-responsive handling make the Fiesta ST a joy to drive on twisty back roads.

But there is a price to pay – and a big one at that. This little Fiesta will set you back around £18,000, which is more than the bigger and faster Focus ST. If you can ignore the cost, then the ST185 will give you one of the most thrilling hot hatch experiences ever.

* Performance: 3/5

* Heritage: 2/5

* Style: 2/5

* Driver appeal: 5/5

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