Ford Fiesta ST (Mk6) | Spotted

Anyone have the original Fiesta ST on their modern classic bingo card?

Ford never got around to giving us a Fiesta RS. Back in 2004, the manufacturer revealed a trio of performance models spearheaded by a pumped-up Fiesta RS concept that closely resembled what would eventually become the company’s JWRC challenger. A revvy 180hp naturally aspirated engine was touted (though a 200hp turbo was later rumoured), as were bigger brakes and even a ceramic sports exhaust. It’s easily one of the coolest Fords to not make it out of the concept phase, but then-TeamRS boss, Jost Capito, claimed the rally-inspired hatch had become too expensive to produce and the project was canned two years later.

On the upside, we did get a Fiesta ST, which served as the starting point for one of the great hot hatches of the 21st century. And although Ford certainly improved the formula for the following two iterations, the Mk6 still made for a fine pocket rocket. Up front was an atmospheric 2.0-litre Duratec motor that revved to 7,000rpm, while a close-ratio five-speed gearbox meant you were always within touching distance of the redline. Granted, 150hp and 140lb ft of torque seemed somewhat underwhelming, especially given the Renaultsport Clio 182 had been around for a year by the time the Fiesta ST arrived, but it still hits all the beats a rev-hungry hot hatch should. And I should know. I own one.

There are a few reasons why my Performance Blue Fiesta ST hasn’t graced the front page of PH yet, mainly because it has a few (okay, a lot of) blemishes and scuffs that its previous owner picked up. I promise. But a few cosmetic issues are easy to look over when the rest of the car is as completely stock as mine is. So many of these STs have been tuned to within an inch of their lives and mucked up with questionable bodykits, which is a result of them being so tough and affordable for young mechanics to hone their craft on. True, they do respond well to a handful of mods and, while they’re rare, the Mountune cars are said to be phenomenal. But even in completely stock format, the Mk6 Fiesta ST is a riot.

Driving the old ST is a breath of fresh air compared to the twitchy, turbocharged hot hatches of today. Well, what remains of them. The engine sounds pretty industrial at lower revs but sings when from around 4,000rpm up, while the steering is surprisingly quick given the ST is knocking on the door of 20. The main criticism levelled at the launch was a lack of grunt, but there’s more than enough to keep the momentum up while hustling your way down a twisty B road. After seven years of ownership and just as many years of testing cars, it always serves as a reminder of what the basics of a fun hot hatch should be about.

The example you see here clearly isn’t mine, because it doesn’t have paint peeling off the rims and dull patches on the bonnet. It also comes with the sticker set, which upped the level of baditude and helped it stand out from the likes of the Suzuki Swift Sport, Peugeot 206 GTI and Honda Civic Type. The interior looks incredibly tidy, too. This being one of the rarer pre-facelift cars means you get a six CD changer instead of the single system on the 2006 update, while the head and rear lights were a touch less ‘cutesy’ on original cars, too.

Ford sold thousands of Mk6 Fiesta STs, but examples in as good a condition as this are almost unheard of these days. Mileage is low at just 18,500, and the seller says it comes with a fresh set of rubber and all the original paperwork. All of that comes at a price, of course, and it’s a big one at £12,995. For reference, this high-miler with what appears to be an aftermarket exhaust can be had for just £2,495. So, like anything, a tidy example is going to cost you big bucks. But there’s huge amounts of tomfoolery to be had here no matter which one you go for. Just ignore the naysayers - and the Clio 182 if you can…

SPECIFICATION | FORD FIESTA ST (Mk6)

Engine: 1,999cc four-cylinder
Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 150@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 140@4,500rpm
MPG: 38.2
CO2: 177g/km
Year registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 18,500
Price new: £13,795
Yours for: £12,995