Ford Fiesta ST Mk7 review (2013-2017) – performance and 0-60 time

The ST was evo’s favourite junior hot hatch, hopefully the new one will be just as fun

Evo rating
  • Great value, deeply involving chassis
  • Interior feels older than its model year suggests

The Fiesta ST isn’t the most powerful car in its class – the Renault Sport Clio 220 Trophy is 20bhp up on even the ST200 and Peugeot's 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport is 8bhp ahead – but on the road it has enough straight line performance to keep pace with its rivals. The Fiesta ST clocks a 6.9 second 0-62mph time and only stops accelerating at 139mph.

The strong peak torque figure of 214lb ft gives the ST an impressive turn of pace throughout the rev range, which means it overtakes slower traffic with ease. It produces a hearty roar as it does so, too – not through synthetic sound as you might find in some higher-end vehicles, but a relatively simple acoustic tube connecting the induction system and the cabin.

The ST200’s shorter gear ratios give it punchier acceleration than the standard car, dropping the 0-62mph time to 6.7 seconds, down from 6.9. The top speed creeps up to 143mph from 139mph despite the shorter gearing.

Tuning company Mountune offers a Ford-approved engine upgrade, which lifts peak power output to 212bhp, without affecting the manufacturer warranty. The upgrade costs £599 (plus fitting) and can be retrofit.

Most Popular

Volkswagen W12 Syncro – dead on arrival
Volkswagen W12 Syncro
Features

Volkswagen W12 Syncro – dead on arrival

A genuine supercar from the maker of people’s cars seemed tantalisingly possible – until logic prevailed
8 Dec 2023
AC has built an all-new Cobra that costs £240,000
AC Cobra GT Roadster
News

AC has built an all-new Cobra that costs £240,000

The Cobra GT Roadster is a bespoke recreation of the iconic ‘60s sports car, packing a heavyweight 654bhp punch
7 Dec 2023
Car prices are plummeting: fancy a £36,000 discount on a brand new M car?
BMW M8 Competition
News

Car prices are plummeting: fancy a £36,000 discount on a brand new M car?

Dealers are slashing prices on new and pre-registered cars on the run up to Christmas, offering enormous savings on some evo favourites
8 Dec 2023