Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Fiesta ST Mk7 review (2013-2017) – performance and 0-60 time

The ST was evo’s favourite junior hot hatch, hopefully the new one will be just as fun

Evo rating
  • Great value, deeply involving chassis
  • Interior feels older than its model year suggests

The Fiesta ST isn’t the most powerful car in its class – the Renault Sport Clio 220 Trophy is 20bhp up on even the ST200 and Peugeot's 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport is 8bhp ahead – but on the road it has enough straight line performance to keep pace with its rivals. The Fiesta ST clocks a 6.9 second 0-62mph time and only stops accelerating at 139mph.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The strong peak torque figure of 214lb ft gives the ST an impressive turn of pace throughout the rev range, which means it overtakes slower traffic with ease. It produces a hearty roar as it does so, too – not through synthetic sound as you might find in some higher-end vehicles, but a relatively simple acoustic tube connecting the induction system and the cabin.

The ST200’s shorter gear ratios give it punchier acceleration than the standard car, dropping the 0-62mph time to 6.7 seconds, down from 6.9. The top speed creeps up to 143mph from 139mph despite the shorter gearing.

Tuning company Mountune offers a Ford-approved engine upgrade, which lifts peak power output to 212bhp, without affecting the manufacturer warranty. The upgrade costs £599 (plus fitting) and can be retrofit.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The TWR Supercat is a 600bhp, widebody Jaguar XJS that costs £225,000
TWR Supercat – front
News

The TWR Supercat is a 600bhp, widebody Jaguar XJS that costs £225,000

Tom Walkinshaw Racing has built the ultimate Jaguar XJS, limited to just 88 units and costing £225,000 apiece
30 Apr 2024
UK speeding fines 2024 – what are the latest penalties for drivers?
Speeding fines header
Advice

UK speeding fines 2024 – what are the latest penalties for drivers?

Here's everything you need to know about speeding fines in the UK and other possible motoring-related offences
18 Apr 2024
Mini Countryman JCW 2024 review – the most expensive Countryman is our least favourite
Mini Countryman JCW – front
Reviews

Mini Countryman JCW 2024 review – the most expensive Countryman is our least favourite

Mini has tried to make the 1.7-ton Countryman JCW drive like a hot hatch – the result is a compromised, frustrating driving experience
26 Apr 2024