Overview

Quick, usable and affordable, the Ford Fiesta ST is one of the few cars to have remained true to brand values established in the 1970s and ’80s well into the 21st century. Buyers looking for cheap fast cars in Britain have always been able to look to Ford for an answer, and the Fiesta ST Mk8 builds on the legacy established by XR2s, RS1800s and RS Turbos.

It’s so effective, and so impressive, there was little argument when awarding it the 2019 Parkers Thrillseeker and Car of the Year awards – and having run one as a long-termer, we’ve seen nothing to change our minds.

Replaced at the end of 2021 with the facelifted Fiesta Mk8.5, it’s a car that exists in spite of changing trends and aspirations. When looking for used cars made between 2018 and 2022 you’ll find fewer hot hatchbacks to choose from, and the hot Fiesta outlived many long-standing rivals including the Peugeot 208 GTI and Renault Clio RS.

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However, the premium MINI Cooper S, understated Volkswagen Polo GTI and affordable Suzuki Swift Sport mean the Fiesta ST isn’t your only choice. 

Usability and practicality is constant even if the edges have been sharpened; it’s based on one of Britain’s best-selling cars, after all. Fiesta ST’s get a stiffer body, upgraded suspension and a faster steering rack, to complement the more powerful tune of Ford’s 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Ecoboost engine.

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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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 standard on later ST-3 models, 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.

Improving grip and traction from the front wheels, it allows 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 bends.

Limited run Edition model

For those that want a collectable Fiesta ST Mk8, 2020’s top-of-the range Edition with distinctive Azura Blue paint job is worth seeking out – but you’ll have to be prepared to search for one, as Ford only made 300. While the engine is standard, the Performance Pack is fitted as standard, as are 18-inch gloss black 10-spoke alloy wheels along with lowered – and adjustable – coilover suspension.

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2019’s Performance Edition, finished in Deep Orange with grey wheels of the same design, offers similar benefits with production limited to 600 units.

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. Compared with the current Fiesta ST the range is more diverse, and three-door models are easier to find.

Read on for the full Ford Fiesta ST review to see why it’s one of the best used hot hatchbacks you can buy.