Sometimes fairy dust gets sprinkled on cars in munificent amounts.
The Fiesta ST is just one of the most entertaining, most cajoling of all the compact hot hatches. Maybe, the fairy dust did settle on the Fiesta ST200 a bit too heavily, as the car is only available in love it, or hate it, but rather unique ‘Storm Grey’ paint finish.
Still, once in this latest version, this new top of the range develops 10 percent more power and 20 percent more torque than its siblings. 200PS in this compact hot hatch is more than enough for rapid progress, 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 143mph.
This year celebrates 40 years of the seven different generations of the Ford Fiesta. Remember the well-known and loved XR2 model from 20 years ago. The ST200 now produces more than twice the power. Front wheel drive has seriously grown up due to a host of new engineering tech.
The ST200 is distinguished with a host of extra items including ST200 badging, smart new ST alloys, honeycomb grille, red callipers, ST200 illuminated scuff plates, part-leather Recaro trim and silver striped seatbelts. I would like to see an option of a more premium flat-bottomed steering wheel with softer stickier leather, but, thats only because I like them.
Gear ratios are enhanced, and the Ford engineer’s working overtime have built a transient overboost system for the ST200, this adds a bonus 20 seconds of 15PS more power and 30Nm more torque. At higher revs, there is a gratifying, but synthetic engine soundtrack inside the car to match the performance. On the road, the mid-range torque makes the turbocharged car serious fun with take off from 31-82mph taking just 5.2 seconds in fourth.
The go-kart-like handling of the Fiesta ST has been intensified with sharper steering and a more composed and controlled ride. The new car sits 15mm lower with a 27 percent improved stiffness with increased diameter front and rear roll bars. Driving dynamics are the cleverest yet due to the new enhanced torque vectoring and electronic stability control
For the green, cautious and conscious, the cars CO2 emissions are 140g/km and a claimed 46.3mpg on the combined cycle, running around sensibly I did achieve 44mpg, on an extended fast run I destroyed this to a dramatically lower 18.5mpg, after all, it is what hot hatches are all about.
The hot new Fiesta ST200 is available in a limited edition run priced at £22,745 all highly specced as standard. Although a fairy tells me the production has moved up from Ford’s original limited intentions, as a bevvy of fans, have already ordered.
The first batch of cars are built now with late summer deliveries expected.
Magical
Powerful
Handling
Fun
Colour
Car reviewed: Ford Fiesta ST200, priced at £22,745
FAST FACTS:
Maximum speed: 143mph,
0-62mph; 6.7secs,
Combined mpg: 46.3
Engine layout: 1596cc Inline four cylinder turbo petrol
Maximum power: 200PS,
Maximum torque: 290Nm,
CO2 emissions: 140g/km
The 2016 Ford Fiesta ST200 reviewed by
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