A class stalwart, maybe, but the latest Ford Fiesta ST drives with real enthusiasm, engagement and sophistication -
starting at £22,570. The Up is excellent value for such a desirable car and it’s amusing to drive, too, but lacks the outright ability of the Ford. The Suzuki’s new mild-hybrid powertrain also undoes whatever interest the original Swift Sport held.
So far reliability seems to be good, but the bad news for the used buyer is that it’s a car in demand that depreciates relatively slowly, meaning that bargains are few and far between. The ST-1 is rare and has less equipment than the ST-2 and ST-3 and the latter model represents the best value for money with its additional kit fitted as standard. Look for models with the Performance Pack which have a Quaife limited-slip differential.
The first generation of ST was based on the Mk5 Fiesta and was introduced in 2004. It featured a 2-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine that was good for 148bhp and 140lb ft of torque, giving a claimed 0-62mph time of 7.9sec and a 129mph top speed. It faced stiff competition from the likes of the Mini Cooper S and Renault Sport Clio 182 Cup, and while it was competitively priced it wasn’t quite as much of a blast to drive as its competitors.