Ford Fiesta ST (2018 - 2022) review

Quick, usable and affordable, the Ford Fiesta ST is the perfect example of a fast Ford. We like it so much that we gave it our 2019 Thrillseeker and Car of the Year awards – and having run one as a long-termer, we’ve seen nothing to change our minds.

Admittedly, the Fiesta ST has been given a helping hand thanks to the current dearth of direct rivals. Peugeot’s 208 GTI is now out of production, as is the Renault Clio RS, while the MINI Cooper S is far less focused – and much more expensive. Indeed, the only real rivalry comes from the Volkswagen Polo GTI and Suzuki Swift Sport – although the latter in particular has never come close to the Fiesta ST’s all-round ability. 

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After all, it is still a Fiesta underneath – Britain’s best-selling car no less – so the usability and practicality is constant even if the edges have been sharpened. Indeed, the ST version gets a stiffer body, upgraded suspension and a faster steering rack, not to mention a more powerful version of the 1.5-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost engine.

Read the Ford Fiesta ST verdict

What’s it like inside?

The ST’s interior is largely the same as the standard Fiesta, benefitting from a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports pedals and gearlever, and Recaro sports seats.  Three drive modes – Normal, Sport and Track – also comes as standard. 

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Read more about the Ford Fiesta ST interior

What’s it like to drive?

Performance car fans may scoff at the Fiesta ST’s tiddly triple-cylinder engine, but it still produces the same amount of power (200hp) as its four-cylinder ST200 predecessor. That means a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 144mph. Not bad for a £22k supermini.

The standard-fit six-speed manual gearbox is also a treat to use, delivering a slick, mechanical feel from its pleasingly stubby gearlever. You can even perform flat shifts (where you change gear with your foot still pressed down on the accelerator), although we’d avoid doing this too often if you want to look after your clutch.

Performance Pack is a must

If you want to unleash the full potential of your Fiesta ST, it’s worth having the Performance Pack, which is now standard on ST-3, and optional on ST-2. This includes a Quaife limited slip differential, launch control (assists in launching the car off the line quickly) and performance shift indicators (a visual signal indicating ideal gearshift times). The latter two may well end up being of limited interest to many buyers, however the Quaife limited slip differential is quite the opposite.

What it does, is improve grip and traction from the front wheels, thus allowing the car to accelerate harder through and out of corners. This is because it stops power from being wasted on the inside driven wheel that naturally delivers less grip than the outside wheel when driving quickly through corners.

Limited run Edition model

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For those that want even more from their Fiesta ST, a top-of-the range Edition is also available finished in a striking Azura Blue paint job – but you’ll have to be quick or be prepared to search for one, as they’re limited to a run of 300. The engine and gearbox are untouched, yet the Performance Pack is fitted as standard, as are 18-inch gloss black 10-spoke alloy wheels, along with lowered – and adjustable – coilover suspension.

Previously, this was available with the same additions as the Performance Edition in 2019, finished in Deep Orange paintwork with grey wheels of the same design, but limited to 600 units.

Read more about how the Ford Fiesta ST drives

What models and trims are available?

Available in ST-2, ST-3 and Edition, all Fiesta STs come with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, tweaked exterior styling, featuring a unique ST upper grille, front bumper, rear bumper, diffuser and unique paint colours.

Read on for the full Ford Fiesta ST review to see why it’s the small hot hatch to have

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