Road Test: Ford Fiesta ST

Sometimes it takes car designers a couple of runs before they get a look right, writes Brian Byrne. As is the case with the latest version of Ford's Fiesta, which now has real presence after a new front end treatment.

A presence that is enhanced even more in the ST variant, the 'hot hatch' aimed at leading that particular niche segment in small cars.

It is a niche. Not everybody, indeed a relatively small number, would want to live with a 182hp version of one of the world's favourite superminis. But for those who do, and for those who like their ordinary Fiesta to bask in the halo of high power, the ST is the ticket.

It does look the part, especially in the Molten Orange that is one of the signature colours of the version. A hot colour in name and hue. Then there's its own theme on the new grille, a couple of unique twists and funky 'ST' badge along with a more aggressive lower air intake.

It's a 3-door, so looks the sporty part in this respect too. And there's a large and complex spoiler at the end of the roofline, in addition to its aerodynamic functions adding an element to a very ST-only rear end treatment. A brace of tailpipes also indicate a special car, even if you didn't see the rear ST badge too. Extreme side skirts and a fetching look in alloys fill in the profile, which features privacy glass in the back seat windows.

The inside isn't for those who like a quiet-coloured space, the Recaro seats in the review car (the higher of two specification levels) reflecting that Molten Orange exterior in big patch sections and stitching. The Sony upmarket radio system is well designed and easy to understand, incorporating a large volume knob surrounded by the buttons for the menu and screen management. A chrome strip on the bottom of the steering wheel reminds the driver that it's an ST too.

That same wheel is blessedly unlike many in recent Fords I have driven in that there's only one external control attached to it, for radio volume and phone pickup. So much lately I have wished for a 'keep it simple' attitude in the face of ever more complex instrumentation and buttons.

And on the subject, can I also commend Ford for the simple and very clearly labelled heating/ventilation function switchgear. VW in particular could copy. The main dials have a fast design theme, but are clear and bright and aren't affected by glare (the same can't be said for the windscreen, which reflects the dashboard top strongly, though these things don't generally bother me).

All of the foregoing is, of course, just about the externals. It's the powertrain that really counts here, and in this instance is a 1.6 turbocharged EcoBoost petrol with a punchy 240Nm of torque and 0-100km/h capability as low as 6.9 seconds. That all helps to make it the fastest production Fiesta ever.

The 20 percent more power which the ST has over its predecessor isn't at a fuel penalty, as there's an equivalent figure cut in consumption and emissions. Fuel sipping is around the 48mpg level, thirsty in general Fiesta terms but not at all greedy in a car with such ability.

Ford has a special engineering division for the performance versions of its cars, and in the case of this one Ford Team RS fettled the suspension, steering and brakes to make the most of the extra power and performance. The 'keep it between the ditches' technology includes a better torque vectoring control and an electronic stability control with three modes.

Driving it is an experience in direct motoring, with steady steering and instant feedback which doesn't, though, make anything uncomfortable. It's the latest version of some very sophisticated software managed electronic steering systems, which have come on unimaginably since the first such. The seats feel grippy at first, but very quickly you don't notice just how supportive they are if you get a chance to throw this one about.

The engine is, as expected, joyously effervescent when you ask it for some fun, yet lamb-like in traffic. Floor it and there's a nice hint of yowl, but you'd never be mistaken for a modified Civic kid. The gearshift is crisp, light and foolproof. As they all should be at this stage of technological evolution.

Fiesta ST1 and ST2 both come as standard with Ford's SYNC connectivity systems and a lot more. The upper level adds LED daylight running lights, those Recaro seats, the superior Sony, and pushbutton start with smart key. Prices are €25,760 and €27,260.

Look, it's not the kind of car I need to live with, but great fun to drive its like from time to time. It also shows that Ford values a sporty heritage that goes back right to the time of the company's foundation. The bean counters still haven't managed to strip this out, and let's just hope enough people buy the ST and similar to make sure there's always an argument against them.