Ford Fiesta 2005 review

Competition is fierce in this sector, but despite the quality of the opposition, the Fiesta ST has plenty to offer. Good performance and excellent handling make it great to drive, without compromising its comfort or practicality. Competitive pricing and the popularity of the blue oval badge mean it's bound to find plenty of buyers in the UK.

Britain's baby hot hatch market is booming, and at last the Fiesta ST has joined the fray. Ford has a long history of producing entertaining sporting versions of its mainstream cars, and the ST is the first of a new generation. It has already proved to be an impressive driver's machine on European roads. But how does the newcomer cope on home turf with the twists and bumps of Britain's highways and byways?

The ST looks ready for action with a stack of eye-catching features. The menacing front bumper has a deep air intake along with a pair of piercing foglights, matched to a chunky rear apron and side skirts. A distinctive tail spoiler and optional 17-inch alloys complete the imposing look, hinting at the performance potential available.

Slide into the driver's seat and the sports chairs are a welcome replacement for those in the standard Fiesta. Although set quite high in the cabin, they are supportive and look the part.

However, the only other highlights inside are the chunky leather steering wheel and silver detailing. The interior feels solidly built and is well equipped, but the plastics are hard and the facia too similar to lower-spec models.

Turn the key and only a slight burble from the exhaust indicates that the ST has fire in its belly. The tuned 2.0-litre Duratec produces 150bhp and 190Nm of torque. But while it lacks sparkle on paper, the powerplant responds quickly to throttle inputs and delivers consistently good torque, even at low revs.

So this Fiesta is not just a capable machine around town, it's also lots of fun to drive on the open road. Only when it approaches the red line does the engine start to run out of steam. Otherwise it is flexible and capable.

But it's on a typical British B-road where the ST really begins to shine. The suspension is supple enough to cope over bumps without being thrown off line, yet body roll is also kept neatly under control. The steering is a little numb around the straight ahead position, but as you turn in the ST provides plenty of feedback. Understeer is well controlled, and hard acceleration does not result in any noticeable torque steer. Even beyond the limit, the latest addition to the range is a secure handling, fun to drive machine, making it an excellent companion on a back-road blast.

Elsewhere, the ST retains all the practicality you would expect from a regular Fiesta. Passenger accommodation is very spacious for a vehicle of its size, with generous head and legroom, even in the rear. Good all-round visibility and smooth controls make it an easy car to drive, and Ford's fuss-free reputation should mean the newcomer is reliable and inexpensive to run.

With such a broad set of abilities, the Fiesta ST fills the hot hatch template with style. So for those considering the 150bhp machine, this is a highly compelling ownership prospect.