The cabin feels cheap in the £8495 1.25-litre Fiesta; for £13,495 it’s not good enough. The ST-branded seats are attractive, the speedo now reads to 150mph and there are smudges of silver, but the hard, shiny plastics and clumsy wheel remain. It’s solidly put together, but doesn’t feel special in the way that a Mini’s cabin does.
The driving position isn’t a patch on the Mini’s, either. It’s less awkward than a Clio’s, but you sit high, the wheel adjusts only for rake and there is no space to rest your clutch foot beside the metal-faced pedals. The seats grip your hips tightly, but feel unsupportive around the shoulders. At least it’s roomy, with a 268-litre boot and enough space on the flat rear bench to cram in a couple of adults.
The Fiesta achieved a four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, with two stars for its pedestrian protection. So it’s a surprise that even this top model lacks standard side and curtain airbags. But superb brakes and benign handling are in the ST’s favour.
At £13,595 the ST is £175 cheaper than the Peugeot 206 GTi and £419 below the Mini Cooper Works. It undercuts the 180bhp Clio Cup by just £205, though a six-CD changer, part-leather trim and group 13 insurance (three below the Renault) make it attractive.
With short gearing and a 2.0-litre engine that likes to be revved, don’t expect supermini frugality. Our ST returned an overall figure of 27.1mpg, giving a 268-mile range.