I drove the new hot Fiesta late this autumn, to find out if it'll bring the Blue Oval back onto driving enthusiasts' wish lists
Today is a good day. It’s 20-something degrees, there’s not
a cloud in the sky and I’m about to drive through some empty Northamptonshire
roads. Obviously my weapon of choice to tackle these sticky tarmac curves would
have to be something quick and fun. That’s why the car I’ve chosen for the job
is a little supermini with a 1.6-litre engine. No, I haven’t lost it, this
supermini is perfect. The keys I’m clutching in my hand open the doors to a Ford
Fiesta, but this one features a little badge on the boot that means business. This
Fiesta my friends, is an ST.
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| A modern dash layout is complemented by sporty touches |
Still not impressed? No I wouldn’t be either if I’d just
driven the old ST. But this car, a Moulton Orange ST 2, is part of a new line
up that will supposedly reignite the flame that once burned brightly in Ford’s
old performance days. Featuring a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, the new ST’s heart
is smaller than its predecessor’s 2-litre, but with the addition of a turbo it
produces a very respectable 179bhp. This enables the hot hatch to race up to 62mph
in 6.9 seconds and power all the way up to a top speed of 139mph.
I’m pleased to say the performance is matched by great looks,
with a ‘squint and it looks like an Aston’ nose and sharp lines carving across
the body. Unlike the almost soft looking old car, this ST looks aggressive and
ready to lock horns with its hot hatch rivals. Climbing into the Fiesta there’s
a typically Ford style layout to the dash, with purpose and function clearly
having taken priority. That’s not to say the interior isn’t good though, the
standard Ford Fiesta dash is ergonomic and modern, whilst some sporty additions
to this ST set it apart from the rest of the range. An ST branded steering
wheel and white sports dials are attractive additions, but it’s the red
detailing and Recaro bucket seats that really show this Fiesta isn’t interested
in the commute to work.
It is interested, as I am about to find out, in being
thrashed to within an inch of its life. From the moment I press the start
button and the sports exhaust burbles behind me, it’s clear that the Boost in
EcoBoost takes priority here. I waste no time in leaving the warmed engine to
idle, and proceed to do what any man confronted with miles of sun baked country
lanes and a vacant passenger seat would do: I floor it. A woosh of induction
noise and deep exhaust note follow me up through the gears, the slick changes
meaning I can rush the box and sprint up to and over, ehem...59mph at fantastic
speed. I’m already grinning, but as I approach turn one of my almost private
Northamptonshire race track, a light flick right sees me confronted with some
grin stretching, tail-wagging action. No dogs here, the Fiesta was more than happy
to follow my steering line with the lift of an inside wheel and a small amount
of rear slip. I’m drifting in a supermini; bloody fantastic.
This being Britain, no matter what angle of slip you like to
travel at, you will meet several pot holes on your journey. Pleasingly though the
ST shows no signs of strain over the bumps at high speed, soaking up cracks and
broken surfaces as well as remaining entirely composed when thrown left or right.
It’s here the electric steering feels impressive, with a nice amount of weight
and great amount of accuracy. As I approach a corner I know I can turn the nose
comfortably towards the apex; that in itself is a very satisfying feeling.
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| The new Fiesta ST thrives on the limit |
The most satisfying feeling, however, has to be backing the
little ST into a corner. With the car’s stability control initially set in
Sport mode, I decide to switch off electronic assistance entirely. Instead of becoming
a completely different animal though, the Fiesta’s playful character manages to
show itself even more. As I approach a corner I step on the brakes, pedal feel
still being fantastic and bite instant, whilst the weight of the car flies towards
the front axle and the rear begins to squirm left and right. As a result, the
smallest input of steering sees the rear begin to slowly hang out, meaning
instead of waiting for the nose to turn in, I’m straight back onto the power
and using the front-wheel drive to drag me through the corner. Jason Plato eat
your heart out, I’m backing a Fiesta through the roads of Northamptonshire.
Six or seven miles along the road when my face hurts from
smiling, I’m suddenly confronted with 30mph zone signs and have to stamp on the
anchors, the Aston’ish nose diving down once again. As I allow the revs to drop
I can’t help but hear the little Fiesta sigh, and not being one to disappoint this
orange rocket I of course decide to throw in a U-turn and head back to my race
track. I mean come on, it’s not often the sun is shining so
brightly on Old Blighty.
After my afternoon sprint in the ST, I’ve had time to gather
my thoughts on the new hot hatch. I can now explain exactly why I love this
car, and why it is so much bloody fun; it’s simple really. Unlike its grippier
Renaultsport 200 Turbo rival, the ST allows you to touch its limit at road
speeds. When you reach this limit, instead of sitting you on a knife-edge and
spitting you into a hedge, slides are progressive and grip is consistent
meaning you can play without constant fear of firing off the road. And the
smooth torque curve and revvy nature of the EcoBoost engine, mean even in
slippery conditions it’s easy to extract every last bhp with maximum effect. Engine
and chassis combined, it really is a great all round performance car. Plus with
its starting price of £17,995 (in ST 2 spec as tested) and combined mpg figure
of 35.8 (not that I ever achieved that on my run), it’s great value for money too.
I was never a fan of the Blue Oval’s recent performance
attempts, but after today I’m a changed man. Today has been a great day, all
thanks to a little orange supermini.
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| The 2013 Fiesta ST: One for the wish list |
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