Introduction
As one of Ford’s all-time greats, the Fiesta ST has proven to be an ideal way of injecting extra fun into day-to-day journeys. Throughout the years, it’s always served as an accessible performance car.
The latest generation of Fiesta ST arrived in 2018, and had a tough act to follow compared to its predecessor. However, despite using a smaller three-cylinder engine, it proved to be more than up to the task. Following on from recent updates to the rest of the Fiesta line-up, Ford has now tweaked the ST hot hatch too.
Given the standard of the package already, it’s only a relatively light update, with styling changes including a revised front end that sees Ford’s blue oval emblem moved from the bonnet edge to within the grille, while the ‘Mean Green’ colour that the Puma ST crossover launched in is now available on the Fiesta too. There are some new Ford Performance seats, and more in-car technology to round things off.
Performance
The Fiesta ST continues to use a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox delivering drive to the front wheels. If you want an automatic small hot hatch, you’ll have to look at a Volkswagen Polo GTI.
Power remains the same as before at 197bhp, though the torque figure has increased from 290Nm to 320Nm. Getting to 60mph takes just 6.2 seconds, with the ST capable of a top speed of 143mph.
Its relatively small engine means it’s not too bad on fuel, either, with Ford claiming 42.2mpg, and reasonable CO2 emissions of 151g/km.
Ride and handling
The ST has always majored in fun, and thankfully none of that has been lost. The fizz begins as soon as you press the starter button, with the weightier steering immediately making you feel like you’re driving something sportier than a regular hatchback.
It’s truly a hoot to drive, with its boosty engine delivering more than enough pace, but it’s still a car that you can enjoy at sensible speeds, while the way the Fiesta darts through corners is nothing short of staggering. It is unsurprisingly quite firm around town, but nothing that you wouldn’t expect from a small hot hatch like this.
Interior
Most of the visual changes affect the exterior of the Fiesta ST, though one new addition is a smart digital instrument cluster that helps to give it a more modern feel. Like before, it’s not the most upmarket cabin, but feels hard-wearing and durable.
The ergonomics are excellent too, as you’re able to sit nice and low in the seat, while the steering wheel (if slightly chunkier than we’d like) has plenty of adjustment. It retains the same level of practicality as a regular Fiesta too, with the boot measuring 292 litres, or 1,093 litres once the rear seats are folded.
Equipment
Ford offers two trim levels on its junior hot hatch – the ST-2 and ST-3.
Choose the ST-2 and the level of equipment is still impressive, including 17-inch grey alloy wheels, climate control, a reversing camera and an eight-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring.
Upgrade to the ST-3 and it brings larger 18-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights and a Ford Performance Pack, incorporating a limited-slip differential and launch control. You also get a digital instrument cluster and keyless entry.
Cost
Ford has put the prices of the Fiesta ST up in recent years, and at the time of writing, the hot hatch isn’t available to order new because of ongoing supply chain issues.
No prices for the ST-2 are available, though the ST-3 is available from £27,245, or more than £28,000 once you’ve added metallic paint.
Verdict
Though the prices for the Fiesta ST might have increased over the years, once you get in the driving seat you’ll quickly realise it’s worth every penny.
These small edits have only enhanced the fun this hot hatch offers and combined with its reasonable running costs and generous equipment levels, there’s very little not to like.
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