Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Fiesta

While the Zetec S duo will appeal to cost-conscious buyers, it's the 150bhp ST that will get performance fans really excited. As we revealed in last week's Auto Express, the racy looks set it apart, while the special edition white paint and £200 stripe package mean our test car looks every bit a worthy XR2 successor.

The Fiesta ST is a worthy successor to the revered XR2. For the first time in a long while, Ford has a supermini hot hatch to be proud of. It's fast, fun and agile, and has a great, muscular appearance. We look forward to putting a UK-spec ST to the test against its competition early in the new year.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the Zetec S duo will appeal to cost-conscious buyers, it's the 150bhp ST that will get performance fans really excited. As we revealed in last week's Auto Express, the racy looks set it apart, while the special edition white paint and £200 stripe package mean our test car looks every bit a worthy XR2 successor.

The question is, does it live up to a long line of sporting Fiestas out on the road? Ford's engineers have worked hard to make sure it does - stiffened suspension combined with revised damping means the ST feels more alive than any previous sporting model.

Despite the steering being a little artificial around the centre point, turn-in is positive and quick, while front-end grip is excellent. What's more, the Fiesta remains stable through corners, even if it does lift its inside rear wheel when provoked. This excellent control means the ST, as with all good hot hatches, is very adjustable. You can use the throttle to balance the car through bends, and at all times it feels controllable.

The ST is light, agile and fun, while Ford has resisted the temptation to make the ride unpleasantly stiff, as it's pliant over undulating roads. The suspension gets jittery on really uneven surfaces, but despite our test car's optional 17-inch wheels, it never gets too crashy for comfort around town.

This is the first Fiesta equipped with disc brakes at the rear, and stopping power and pedal feel are good. Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre Duratec engine may lack the ultimate output of more powerful rivals such as the Renaultsport Clio, but performance is brisk, with a near 130mph top speed, and throttle response sharp - 0-60mph arrives in around eight seconds. The tuned exhaust also gives a pleasant burble, but it does get coarse towards the 6,500rpm mark. Nevertheless, with leather sports seats and chrome details to brighten up the interior, the ST will bring a smile to the faces of fast Ford lovers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £15,997
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,697
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £9,568 off RRP*Used from £13,176
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

Road tests
11 Sep 2025
Used Cupra Leon (2020-date) buyers’ guide: hot hatch fun with room for the family
Used Cupra Leon - front

Used Cupra Leon (2020-date) buyers’ guide: hot hatch fun with room for the family

Used car tests
10 Sep 2025
New Peugeot E-408 2025 review: Peugeot's best EV yet
New Peugeot E-408 2025 - front tracking

New Peugeot E-408 2025 review: Peugeot's best EV yet

Road tests
28 Aug 2025

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test
MG3 - front cornering

Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test

The MG3 has caused the automotive safety body to review the way it scores crash tests
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025