The first turbocharged Fiesta ST of 2013 was always going to be a hard car to replace because it offered up everything anyone could ever reasonably want from a small hot hatch. And from a junior fast Ford, in fact. It was cheap, it was rapid, and it was enormous fun. After so long without a decent fast Fiesta, it was a welcome return to form.
It meant the pressure was on the 2018 Mk8 replacement in a way that it wasn’t for the Mk7. Happily, Ford delivered another knockout. Perhaps not quite as determinedly silly, but still a hoot to drive, with a great new engine and a much improved interior. The 1.5-litre ST comfortably assumed the 1.6-litre’s position at the top of the small hot hatch class, and it stayed there for the entire production run. There were other brilliant alternatives out there - the Hyundai i20 N, most notably - but nothing that meaningfully improved on what the ST could offer. In case you were still wondering why it remains so missed.
The most desirable of the more recent Fiesta STs were the Edition cars, either in orange or blue. With their flow-formed wheels and coilover suspension, they were even more exciting to drive - and cooler to look at - without sacrificing any usability. But as a result, they do still command a premium (as they did new), with even the most affordable ones commanding the best part of £20k.
For thousands less, this ST-3 looks a great way into seeing what all the fast Fiesta fuss is about. As well as just about every single possible option - big sunroof, Performance Pack, five doors - it’s been kitted out with the first rung of Mountune goodies, meaning 235hp and 258lb ft. It wasn’t an expensive or extensive upgrade, however another 35hp and 44lb ft added to a car for £900 or so was a very attractive offer. Especially as the Performance Packed Fiestas, complete with Quaife LSD, was more than capable of taking full advantage.
This Performance Blue example is an early, 2018 car, yet has still covered just 44,000 miles. It looks smart on it, too, both inside and out. The most recent MOT test (carried out last month) threw up a few advisory items around wheels and brakes, though they could potentially be used as negotiating points for the next buyer.
Speaking of which, the asking price is £14,495. This era currently kicks off at about £10,000 for higher mileage three-doors that aren’t quite so comprehensively specced, all the way to £23,000 for the last-of-the-line facelifts from last year. While there are plenty on offer, and the split between three- and five-doors quite even, it’s rare to find Performance Pack, sunroof and Mountune on the more family friendly option. The nursery run looks set to get a whole lot more entertaining.
SPECIFICATION | FORD FIESTA ST (MK8)
Engine: 1,497cc, turbocharged 3-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 200@6,000rpm (standard, Mountune 235@5,550rpm
Torque (lb ft): 214@1,600-4,000rpm (standard, Mountune 258@3,500rpm)
0-62mph: 6.5sec (standard, Mountune 6.0)
Top speed: 144mph
MPG: 42.8 (WLTP, standard)
CO2: 149g/km (WLTP, standard)
Year registered: 2018
Recorded mileage: 44,700
Price new: £22,570 (standard)
Yours for: £14,495
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