Ford Fiesta ST review (2018-2023)

Thanks to its top-rank status in the Ford Fiesta line-up, the ST brings racy additions to the interior.

Driving position

There are hip-hugging seats, a sports steering wheel and matching dials, while the latest version gets a bigger infotainment screen and a button to control the drive modes.

The seating position is absolutely spot on for a car of this nature, and the back seats even remain equally as spacious as the normal model.

You don't have to compromise much with the sportiest Fiesta.

Tech and features

As for the technology aboard, there’s a lot of it. Especially if you go for Ford’s highest-ranking performance hatch, the ST-3 (there’s also an ST-2 or, in earlier models, an ST-1).

There you’ll find cruise control, heated and part-leather seats, as well as a powerful sound system.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are thrown in on later cars, along with Ford's famous standard-fit heated windscreen, which is a godsend on an icy morning.

Handling and ride comfort

The Fiesta ST is so fun that it’s not just a great hot hatch. It’s a fantastic car in its own right, regardless of class or segment.

The Fiesta ST can entertain at any speed because it’s so reactive. You only need to tickle the super-responsive accelerator pedal to hear a reaction from the engine.

The steering is also sharp as a tack, and the six-speed manual gearbox (no auto is available) is slick and precise. It puts more expensive cars to shame.

Engines and power

Earlier STs came with Ford’s turbocharged 1.6-litre engine – a punchy, characterful heart with a healthy 200hp to play with.

The latest cars get a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with the same power but even greater fuel efficiency, living up to its EcoBoost moniker with a purposeful growl.

Best of all, those brilliant engines always come mated to a car that handles superbly.

The Fiesta ST has long been the best-handling car in its class and has held strong, even in the face of its latest stern rival, the Hyundai i20 N.

Aside from a very slightly firmer ride from its sportier suspension, the Ford Fiesta ST doesn’t really sacrifice anything by way of practicality compared to its sibling models.

The boot is easily big enough to swallow three cabin-sized suitcases, the back seats can hold three adults, and the front comes equipped with cup holders and storage areas worthy of your bags of chocolate, sweets and coffee cups.

Like the rest of the range, the Fiesta ST comes in three- or five-door guise, so those needing easier access to the rear seats are in luck.

Rear seats

That said, the Fiesta has never been the most spacious car in its class, and that's still the case for the rear passengers. Rivals like the Skoda Fabia are better equipped in this department.

But cars like the Fabia don’t have a high-performance model to match the Fiesta ST, so the punchy Ford can be forgiven – especially since it's still super usable.

Ford’s range of EcoBoost engines is considered to be strong and reliable, and we still marvel at the character and performance of the ST engines.

Fuel economy

The earlier 1.6-litre cars are as economical as they are capable. You can expect to return up to 37mpg from normal driving, which is nothing to turn your nose up at.

Economy from the later 1.5-litre engine is boosted further because it can shut down one of its cylinders to save fuel (it's a three-cylinder most of the time) – you can get over 40mpg on a relaxed run.

Reliability

As well as lower fuel costs from the clever little engines, you shouldn't have to worry about high maintenance costs. Just make sure to keep up regular servicing.

These later models aren’t old enough yet to really be tested to higher miles. But, so far, things look very good. Ford’s latest EcoBoost engine does the family proud.