Shropshire Star

UK drive: Ford’s Fiesta ST-Line offers hot hatch fun without as much compromise

If you want a hot hatch but can’t afford the running costs, Ford’s Fiesta ST-Line could be the ideal compromise. Tom Wiltshire takes it for a drive

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What is it?

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Whenever you see a car with a ‘performance’ moniker followed by the word ‘line’, you can be fairly sure that what you’re getting looks like a hot hatchback but isn’t powered like one. Enter the Ford Fiesta ST-Line. It looks like an ST, but instead of a 197bhp engine you get a choice of rather more lowly units. You can even have a diesel if the fancy takes you.

The idea, of course, is to give customers some of those ST thrills with a body kit, bespoke interior and sporty handling upgrades, but without the extra purchase, fuel and insurance costs of a full-blown hot hatchback. We’re testing the top-end ST-Line X here, fitted with the most powerful engine on offer – the EcoBoost 140, which produces 138bhp.

What’s new?

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The ST-Line X obviously benefits from all the changes that the latest Mk8 Fiesta brought over its predecessor, so there’s a far more premium-feeling interior, sleeker styling and improved safety tech. ST-Line additions bring a body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels (or optional 18-inchers), figure-hugging sports seats and a stiffer sports suspension set-up for improved handling. Our ST-Line X model adds luxury kit to that roster.

What’s under the bonnet?

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The lowest reaches of the Fiesta’s engine range aren’t available but Ford does offer the ST-Line as a diesel – a 118bhp 1.5-litre unit. It’s smooth and practical but in truth doesn’t suit the effervescent quality of the car, so we’d opt for a petrol – one of three, all 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost three-cylinder units.

The 99bhp unit is good fun around town but can feel a little strained on faster roads, so we’d probably go for the middle ground and opt for the 123bhp version. Our test car, though, was fitted with the range-topping 138bhp unit. It offers really strong performance and an easy 50mpg on a cruise, though the ease with which it likes to be revved means you probably won’t see that very often. Mash the throttle in second – as you might when joining a motorway slip road – and a bassy thrum permeates the cabin. It’s a little different to the character of most hot hatchbacks, but it’s very appealing nonetheless.
A keen six-speed manual is the standard gearbox on offer, but 99bhp models do offer an optional six-speed automatic.

What’s it like to drive?

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If you want to channel the character of the full-blown Fiesta ST, we’re pleased to report the ST-Line is a hoot to drive. All Fiestas share a pliancy and fluidity of handling, which makes them incredibly satisfying on a twisting back road – but at the same time remaining comfortable on Britain’s tattered tarmac. The hardened sports suspension of ST-Line models doesn’t do too much to change this, either – you’ll only notice a problem on the most potholed of roads.

Though a VW Polo may be more solid and a Citroen C3 more comfortable, neither can compete with the Ford when it comes to sheer driving pleasure. The Fiesta’s best aspect is its fantastically balanced controls – almost anyone could get in for the first time and drive away totally smoothly.

How does it look?

ST-Line models add sporty styling touches to the Fiesta, which is already quite a handsome little car with a purposeful front end. The additions could be seen as a little brash or vulgar, but we quite like them – they really do add ST character to the little Fiesta.
The three-door model is nicely proportioned with a distinct wedge shape to it, and the new interior is a big improvement, too – with the red accents and big sports seats providing a dynamic edge.

What’s it like inside?

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Three-door Fiestas have never been the most practical of cars, and the thick sports seats of ST-Line models don’t improve matters. It’s downright cramped in the back of this car.
That’s not really a big issue for the front-seat occupants, however, who enjoy deliciously supportive sports seats with plenty of bolstering to keep them in place around hard corners.

There’s also the matter of the Fiesta’s much-improved dashboard to consider. Gone is the old button-fest, replaced by a simplified design that’s just as easy to use as the Volkswagen Polo’s, although not necessarily as classy. Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system is present and correct, and while it’s not the best around, it’s navigated through a big central touchscreen that is clear and responsive.

What’s the spec like?

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There’s a choice of ST-Line or ST-Line X trims. The former builds on mid-spec Zetec trim, giving you air conditioning, automatic headlights, a heated windscreen, keyless start and 17-inch alloy wheels, along with the ST-Line tweaks mentioned earlier.
ST-Line X, which was what our car was, tints the rear windows, adds leather facings to the sports seats, upgrades the air con to climate control and adds cruise control with traffic sign recognition and driver fatigue alert.

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Our test car also came with the brilliant door edge protectors – marvellously clever pieces of kit that fold out from the door jamb to stop you twanging the door on something. It also had the excellent Bang & Olufsen sound system, which is a worthy upgrade if you like your music.

Verdict

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An out-and-out hot hatchback isn’t necessarily for everyone, so the ST-Line with its more pragmatic engine choices could hit the sweet spot for many drivers – especially younger ones who crave that sporty style. In EcoBoost 140 form, as we had it here, the ST-Line is truly one of the best in its class, with a lack of practicality being the only thing that would stop us signing on the dotted line.



  • Model as tested: Ford Fiesta
  • ST-Line X EcoBoost 140
  • Price: £21,365
  • Engine: 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol
  • Power: 138bhp
  • Torque: 340Nm
  • Max speed: 121mph
  • 0-60mph: 8.2 seconds
  • Economy: 56.5mpg
  • Emissions: 131g/km
  • Rivals (3): Seat Ibiza, Vauxhall Corsa, VW Polo

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