Ford Fiesta ST 2017 Review

Slick, modern and crisp, the Ford Fiesta ST is a hot hatch built for tackling the winding back roads.

We love:

• Engine really sparkles
• MyKey allows you to limit settings for teenage drivers
• Excellent steering

Pain points:

• You've got to reach for the seatbelt
• Not much room in the back
• Complicated dashboard

Ford Fiesta ST 2017 Review

This hot hatch will appeal to keen drivers. It's a true performance car with a surge of power and tenacious cornering.

Image courtesy of Car Advice.

Exterior of the Ford Fiesta ST 2017

The Ford Fiesta ST is a three-door hatch with 17-inch wheels and lower, wider profile tyres than the other Fiesta models. There are even 'puddle lights' which illuminate the ground as you step out of the car.

"The outgoing Ford Fiesta remains the best in its class to drive bar none" - Tim Pollard, Car Magazine.

It's crisp profile, arched roofline and aggressive lowered stance create visual drama. The black honeycomb-mesh grille, twin chrome exhaust tips and cross-patterned rear diffuser ensure you'll turn heads in the Ford Fiesta ST.

Inside the 2017 Ford Fiesta ST

With three doors this car isn't meant to carry passengers often, but then that's not what it's intended to do. Two adults will fit comfortably into the Recaro front seats in the Ford Fiesta ST, which are form fitting with decent lateral and lower back support. You sit low enough and there's a good view to outside enhanced in winter by the heated windscreen which defogs fast.

Image courtesy of Practical Motoring

Adults in the front seat have a surprising amount of headspace, but if you are really tall then don't choose the optional glass roof option which reduces the space here.

There's more cabin noise than in the Fiesta Trend or Sport, but it's a gusty low engine sound you want to hear.

There's not a lot of legroom in the back, and carrying three backseat passengers will be a pretty tight fit. If you do need to carry luggage, you can fold the rear seats up.

The interior trims are well-coordinated, two well-placed cup holders and storage pockets ensure odds and ends are safely stowed. You can stash a mobile phone in handy space just forward of the gear lever.

Connectivity

A 6.5-inch touchscreen and steering wheel controls give you access to voice-activated hands-free calling, automatic phone book transfer. Using Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay or Andriod Auto you can access a selection of mobile apps. The Sync 3 infotainment system can update software over wifi and allows you to use Siri eyes free.

The Ford Fiesta ST also comes with a reversing camera and satellite navigation.

What's it like to drive a 2017 Ford Fiesta?

Ample adjustments allow you to find a comfortable driving position, and the suspension of the Fiesta smooths bumps without being too soft. Four-wheel disc brakes, stiffer, lower suspension, the quick steering ratio and torque vectoring system mean this little car performs on the road and might be an option if you're considering a Mini Cooper S or even the larger Volkswagen GTI.

The positively weighted accelerator, brake and clutch with precise six-speed gearbox make for a smooth drive. It's responsive and nimble, yet still comfortable enough for long highway trips.

"...the most endearing and brilliant hot hatchback the world had seen." - Jeremy Clarkson, The Australian.

Who'd enjoy the Ford Fiesta ST?

The Ford Fiesta ST is perfect for car enthusiasts on a budget. Strong, responsive brakes and massive front end grip let you take corners on winding back roads with a true sense of agility and eagerness.

A true driver's car, don't buy this if you need space. But if you're looking for a performance car without a high price tag, this is the perfect car to put a smile on your face without breaking the bank.

Image courtesy of Practical Motoring

Feature Summary

Price: New from $27,490

Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder turbocharged engine

Transmission: Six-speed manual gearbox

Wheels: 17 inch alloy wheels

Safety: 5 star ANCAP

Fuel: 6.2L/100km

CO2: 145g/km

AV and tech: 6.5 inch touchscreen, 8 speaker Sony audio system.

Seats: 5

Doors: 3

Picture yourself in a hot hatch? You can finance a Ford Fiesta ST, get a quick quote to find out what it will cost.

No time to shop around for your car? Just tell us exactly what you want, including the features and colour. We will find the vehicle to match and negotiate the best price for you. Buy a Ford Fiesta ST from $120 per week with finance over a five-year loan term.

You can get Ford Car Finance for the Ford model of your choice, whether you want to buy a brand new model or a used car.