Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiesta ST185

On the move, the tuned motor pops and crackles like a rally car’s, while the Fiesta ST is a joy to drive on twisty back roads.

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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

Vote for your favourite fast Ford here, in our exclusive reader survey

Details

Model tested: Fiesta ST185
Chart position: 18

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,850
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
New Audi A3 e-tron proves the brand isn’t turning its back on smaller cars
Render of the Audi A3 e-tron - front static

New Audi A3 e-tron proves the brand isn’t turning its back on smaller cars

Audi has confirmed it’s bringing a posh all-electric take on the MEB platform to market, and in good time
News
18 Jun 2025
Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028
Nissan Leaf - front cornering

Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028

The industry is in a race to bring solid-state to the market, and Nissan isn’t too far behind the leaders
News
17 Jun 2025