Ford has a rich history when it comes to making performance cars. It has one of the strongest followings of any car manufacturer, which unsurprisingly has seen prices soar for its class models in recent years.
The last-generation Fiesta ST was one of the greats, with its four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine being a key highlight. When Ford announced its new model was to use a three-cylinder engine, there were fears that it would have lost its character. Thankfully this isn’t the case at all.
2018 has already proven to be a great car for the hot hatch, with models such as the Volkswagen UP! GTI and Suzuki Swift Sport all impressing, but here’s why the new Fiesta ST is our favourite hot hatch of 2018.
Ford has proven three-cylinder engines work in performance cars
As manufacturers are increasingly looking to downsize their engines to comply with ever-stricter emissions regulations, it has led to some cars losing the character of their naturally-aspirated ancestors. The same fear was expressed with the new Fiesta ST, particularly when the last generation’s engine was such a peach.
The latest model uses a smaller 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit, but it’s no less potent – producing 197bhp and 290Nm of torque – and has some impressive performance stats to go with it – 0-60mph in just 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 144mph, for example.
Ford has well and truly proven that there is nothing to worry about when it comes to downsizing engines.
It’s unbelievable to drive
The most important aspect of a hot hatch is the way it drives, and thankfully the Fiesta ST does not disappoint.
It’s one of the most thrilling cars to drive on the market, and has accessible performance which allows you to have real fun at safe speeds. Once pushed to its limits, it comes alive with the rev-happy three-cylinder engine coming into its own, and sounding pretty good too with its exhaust producing some fantastic bangs and crackles.
There’s also the choice of three drive modes – normal, sport and track – which adjust the car and can stiffen it up if required for thrashing across the countryside. Yet, stick it in normal and it’s perfectly usable to drive.
Enquire Now on a new Ford Fiesta STIt’s a bargain
While many hot hatches are pushing the £25,000 market (or well beyond), Ford has kept the Fiesta ST at a reasonable price and affordable.
Prices start from £18,995, with standard equipment including Recaro seats, cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a touchscreen. It’s all most people will need, although you can upgrade to get a B&O sound system, a larger touchscreen and heated seats from ST-2, or jump to ST-3 to get luxuries such as satellite navigation, automatic lights and wipers as well as further safety assists.
Practicality is in abundance
Most expect hot hatches and sporty cars to be flawed when it comes to practicality, but this couldn’t be further from the truth with the ST.
If desired, it could be used a small family vehicle, and thanks to its adjustable drive modes, if left in normal it is happy to be driven around town, or on motorways. There are larger hot hatches available, but its reasonable-sized boot and rear space makes the Fiesta ST fantastically usable. While the three-door model is our choice, Ford also offers it as a five-door, extending its appeal and practicality further.
We gave it five stars
Awarding a car five stars puts it into an elite club, which few cars can get into. While there’s plenty of good cars, there are few great cars and by awarding the Fiesta ST, it shows it’s truly fitting of a hot hatch of the year award.
Understatement is its thing
Some hot hatches are a little vulgar, with huge spoilers and brash bodykits ruining their look and blending in terribly. We’re a fan of understatement, and we love that Ford has not gone over the top with the design of the Fiesta ST.
A smart styling kit, subtle rear spoiler, dual-exit exhausts and ST badges demonstrate it’s not a normal Fiesta, but it’s never outlandish. This means you can drive around just enjoying the true driving pleasure it offers, without having eyes constantly looking at you.
The latest Fiesta ST is a class act, and while it’s already at the top perch when it comes to modern hot hatches, it’s undoubtedly reserved for the Ford future classic list, too, which is an incredibly high accolade for the car to receive.
You could do far worse than popping along to your local Ford showroom…
Test drive a new Ford Fiesta ST