Ford Fiesta ST (2012 - 2017) 1.6 EcoBoost ST-2 3d Owner Review

This being my first hot hatch, and such a range of choices (clio, 208 etc), I researched the car extensively before buying it and watched more road tests and reviews than I care to mention. Needless to say, that my expectations and excitement levels were extremely high. I am however pleased to say that the Fiesta ST has lived up to my expectations. It looks sporty and aggressive, with darker alloys and light up kick plates and performs beyond my expectations. The only thing I would say is that it could definitely be perceived as a boy racer car, given the styling and the engine sound, but that's only a problem if you care about that. The car pulls well in almost any gear at any speed, but feels at it's most impressive after 3500rpm and pulls strongly all the way up to 6000rpm. It sounds aggressive and sporty under hard acceleration, but once you dial it back it's quite happy to sit quietly until you want to drop a gear again and put your foot down. It's also surprisingly easy to drive, with a smooth gear box, excellent handling and strong brakes. The seats however, are probably one of the strongest points about the car. The Recaros hug your body and keep you well planted under cornering. Also, despite being figure hugging, they aren't uncomfortable for even broader users. It's surprisingly cheap to run as well, with good finance rates/PCP deals and good fuel economy (for a sub-7 second 0-60 hot hatch) returning around 30MPG on average and 45MPG on a purely motorway run. Replacement tyres are also pretty cheap (which is a good thing, as mine have only lasted around 7000 miles), with top of the range Continentals coming in at around £85 a corner. Service costs for me have been around £160 for a minor service, with an independent using Ford parts, and £239 for a major, at a Ford garage. On to the pain points, not that there are many. The ride is often criticised for being too hard to live with. Whilst it is definitely firm, as the driver it doesn't particularly stand out. I do however notice it much more as a passenger, however again it's liveable. I also wish I had gone for an ST-3 over the ST-2, mainly for the cruise control. I have missed it much more than I thought I would have done, however if you haven't had it before you're not going to notice. Overall I would say that this is one of the best hot hatches on the market and for anyone who wants a car that doesn't cost the earth to run, but delivers fantastic performance, this is definitely the car to get.