2020 Ford Fiesta ST review

We absolutely loved the previous generation Ford Fiesta ST — we thought it represented one of the best fun per dollar value quotients on the market.

So while the rest of the Fiesta range has since bitten the dust in Australia, we were beyond happy when Ford announced it will still bring the go-fast version Down Under.

And we’re not disappointed.

OK, so at $32,290 plus on-roads it’s almost $5000 more than the old one and it’s a cylinder down as well.

But the new turbo three-cylinder’s 147kW/290Nm is a handy 13kW and 50Nm upgrade on its predecessor, plus there are a lot of other perks added in this time around.

There’s the requisite safety improvements, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition and cross-traffic alert ... but you’re not likely reading this for the safety info.

More likely to excite is the addition of features such as a mechanical limited-slip differential and launch control, which are additional-cost extras overseas, but we get them as standard.

And we’re happy to report the additions make this even better than the old Fiesta ST.

This really is a point-and-squirt-type of car: head into corner, aim the wheel where you want to go and stomp the accelerator.

The combination of the LSD and sticky 205/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres (on 18-inch wheels, up from 17s) means you can absolutely charge out of bends harder than a front-wheel-drive car really has any right to.

It’s the type of go-kart stuff which can’t help but bring a smile.

The launch control is also easy to use via the steering wheel controls and uses the ESC, traction control, Torque Vectoring Control and Torque Steer Compensation systems to manage power and torque delivery.

As before, the Fiesta ST is manual only — and it’s a ripper, with short easy throws.

There is ample pull from low in the rev range, meaning you don’t even have to work the gears too often if you don ’t want to ... but you’d want to.

Keeping revs high is rewarded with exhaust gurgles and crackles which, while not as savage as some other hot hatches, still satisfy.

What’s impressive is despite the proficiency when going hard — it could get slightly upset over mid-corner bumps — the Fiesta ST is largely comfortable around town.

Driving modes — normal, sport and track — are easily engaged via a button on the console, and the most sedate version has the ST feeling very much like your average light hatch.

There’s a hint of firmness when you get on to rural highways, but certainly not as much as some other hot hatches (Renault Megane RS, I’m looking at you).

There’s also five doors this time, making it easier to get into the back row.

Back seat space is expectedly tight.

At a reasonable 311 litres, the boot can handle a small grocery shop or luggage for a couple.

The Recaro seats are well bolstered without being too severe for wider folk (raises hand), though the seat bases wouldn’t want to be any tighter.

Australia getting the highest-spec variant from overseas means there is plenty of fruit: a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, heated steering wheel and front seats, digital radio, built-in sat nav, 8-inch infotainment screen, 4.2-inch instrument display and more.

Complaining about having too much stuff in a car might seem nonsensical, but we’d guess some punters would rather less top-end features if it knocked a bit of the asking price.

If you want more, there’s also a $2500 panoramic sunroof and metallic paint for $650.

We never got close to the claimed 6.3L/100km, despite Ford claiming the car drops to using two cylinders when able — say it’s a claim as we never noticed it, so it’s either excellent or doesn’t work.

We hovered between 8.5-10L/100km, but this isn’t a car to be driven with fuel economy in mind.

Still, it requires 95RON.

VERDICT

Yes, it’s gone up in price, but the Fiesta ST is even more fun than before. Just as remarkably, you rarely pay for the performance fun when dawdling about town — a dual personality usually the domain of premium brands and cars far more expensive than this.

2020 FORD FIESTA ST SPECIFICATIONS

• Price $32,290
• Engine 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
• Outputs 147kW/290Nm
• Transmission Six-speed manual
• Fuel economy 6.3L/100km