Ford Fiesta ST200 (2016 - 2017): a limited-run hot hatch great for under £10,000

The Ford Fiesta ST200 hit the market in 2016 as a limited-run, further-honed take on the already-excellent Mk7 Fiesta ST. Even with the recently discontinued Mk8 still fresh in our minds, the ST200 remains one of our favourite Fiestas, thanks to outstanding dynamic ability that makes it huge fun to drive. 

Launched three years into the Mk7 ST’s production run, the ST200 increased the output of the standard car’s turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder from 197 to 212bhp (on overboost in third and fourth gear), with peak torque rising from 214 to 236lb ft. A power increase wasn’t all the ST200 received, though, with Ford Performance applying softer springs and dampers all-round for better ride quality, but with a 33 per cent increase in front anti-roll bar and rear torsion beam stiffness for reduced roll. These chassis changes were rolled out to the standard ST soon after.

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The ST200 is near-identical to the standard ST in appearance, with only its badging, 17-inch diamond-cut wheels and unique grey paint setting it apart. Ford did ensure that every optional extra came as standard, though, making it not only a fantastic driver’s car, but a wonderful one to live with day-to-day too.

Thanks to its chassis changes, a 198bhp-per-ton power-to-weight ratio and the added response from that torque-rich motor, the ST200 settles into a beautiful flow on a good road, with its sharp front end and compliant, perfectly damped chassis rarely upset by uneven tarmac. The driver’s seat is set a little too high and the steering wheel is not quite as adjustable as we’d like, but these are moot points given the vast array of ST modifications now available.

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The used market is wise to the value of the ST200, with prices having been steady for some time now. Nevertheless, you’ll only need £15,000 for the very best c30,000-mile cars, and if you’re willing to take a punt on one with closer to 100,000 miles, you’ll be paying under £10,000. There are plenty to choose from, too: Ford initially planned to build just 400 examples, but demand saw this rise to a much higher number that the marque won’t officially disclose. What we do know is that just shy of 1000 were registered at one point in 2017.

What to look out for

Given the Fiesta ST’s reputation for hard use, it’s wise to check for regular servicing, with oil changes in particular a must. Ford did issue a recall for a cylinder-head cracking issue on Mk7 STs, but this was for cars built before December 2014, meaning the ST200 should be unaffected.

Interior quality for this generation of Fiesta wasn’t a particularly strong point, so don’t be surprised by some squeaks and rattles on higher-mileage examples, but generally speaking the ST200 is a strong car with no catastrophic reliability issues. Ensure everything’s been regularly and properly maintained and you’re unlikely to have any serious problems.

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What’s it like to drive?

Almost exactly like the Fiesta ST we know and love, which is a very good thing indeed. You’d need to drive this model back-to-back with an earlier version to notice those chassis teaks – in isolation the two cars behave in much the same way.

The first impressions from the international launch in the south of France were very positive indeed and, encouragingly, we now know the ST200 wasn’t simply being flattered by the smooth roads of the test route. On our much bumpier network it is every bit as impressive.

At low speeds the chassis does feel very tautly sprung on rougher surfaces, but with speed the ride does settle markedly. It should be noted that the seat is set a little too high and the steering wheel is only just within comfortable reach, but the seats themselves are supportive with firmly stuffed bolsters that wrap around your torso.

It’s just such a cohesive, expertly judged machine to drive on a twisty road, bumpy or smooth. The ST200’s dynamics are as polished as those of the very best sports cars at any price, but it backs up that impressive technical ability with an effervescent, addictive character. The chassis is characterised by its neutrality and the way it leans in cornering; to call it roll would be misleading. Pitch the car into a medium speed or fast bend and it snaps sharply into the corner without a trace of understeer, then leans onto its outside wheels in a very tautly controlled way.

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What really demonstrates the quality of this chassis is the way it breathes with an angry road surface, soaking up big bumps and landing softly into depressions. This being a small car with a short wheelbase you do certainly feel those bumps and potholes, but the crucial point is that the car isn’t unduly deflected or upset by them, instead maintaining a steady course.

That sharp front end gives the car huge pace down a road and that propensity to lean somehow makes you feel as though you’re travelling at far greater speeds than you really are. The car is really well supported at its outside rear corner, too, which works the rear tyres hard and keeps the front axle on a tight line. It all means the ST200 flows down the road beautifully, with enormous precision and control, all the while placing the driver front and centre.

This is a stupendously fun car to drive, one that goads you into committing ever harder. Only in the very tightest corners does the front end begin to wash out. The steering, meanwhile, is direct and precise with a very natural rate of response from the front end. There are six-figure sports cars that don’t marry steering response, grip and body control as cohesively as this.

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The drivetrain is the weak point, because although the gearshift is brilliantly mechanical the engine itself is short on thrills. There’s plenty of power – without any torque steer, incidentally – and low down response is good, but the engine always sounds coarse and there are no real fireworks as you approach the redline.

Rather like the chassis tweaks it’s difficult to identify the ST200’s shorter gear ratios in terms of straight-line acceleration – you’d need to drive it back-to-back with an ST – and there are actually occasions where the shorter gearing forces you to shift up between corners rather than being able to hold the lower gear. – Dan Prosser

Ford Fiesta ST200 specs

This story was first featured in evo issue 320.