Fiesta ST is a nice place to be. It’s comfortable and the controls are well laid-out for ease of use as well as enthusiastic driving.

The driving position is excellent, with the steering wheel and seat offering plenty of adjustment. The wheel-mounted controls for the stereo and other functions make life easy, too. Even visibility is good.

Most of the items you touch feel good-quality. All three pedals are well spaced and the gear lever is in exactly the right place – even the handbrake has a positive feel to it. However, there are a couple of foibles, such as the aforementioned ropey door seals.

Although an unashamedly sporty car, Ford Fiesta ST comfort levels are surprisingly high. The sports seats are supportive and very well bolstered, holding you tightly in place through the faster corners.

Ride quality is excellent as well, and there isn’t much in the way of noise from the road or the air flowing around the car (if you find a good one). And while the engine note is louder than in a normal car, for the most part it is fun rather than boomy – perfectly in keeping with the ST’s character.