Wednesday 8th May

Ford Fiesta ST (Mk6) | Spotted

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

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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…

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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

See the original advert here

[Master Bean]

Yes please. Hopefully the steering wheel doesn't melt like the Clio's.

[Antj]

There’s a nice red MT200 one of these with the genuine recaro CS seats and MT wheels for sale currently at £6500. For a rare fast ford seems cheap, we all know what butters the ford lot when it comes to rare sporty fords. I’m sure I’m not the only one that remembers the focus T190,,,,,,,

[fantheman80]

I remember the RS concept well. My mate had a lovely white one of these with the blue stripes. Savage fuel economy apparently.

[molineux1980]

My late father had a red one, in fantastic condition. I used to enjoy driving it.

I was a bit gutted when he traded it in for a later turbo'd ST (Which was brilliant) and didn't ask me if I wanted it before trading it in :-(

[Dombilano]

Whos paying £13k for that?

Save £5k and buy one with just over twice the (still low) mileage.

Even if it had 500 miles on the clock, including a full recommissioning, its never £13k.

[Inline5]

Hmm…..no Fiesta RS? Apart from the RS Turbo & the RS1800? 🤔

[steveb8189]

[quote=Dombilano]Whos paying £13k for that?

Save £5k and buy one with just over twice the (still low) mileage.

Even if it had 500 miles on the clock, including a full recommissioning, its never £13k.

£8k of stripes!

[steveb8189]

One of the best handling cars I've owned

[Jamescrs]

I had one of these as a track car, which I sold to buy an MX-5 and I do regret selling it, it was a great cheap run around, i would definitely consider buying another.

In no way is a low mileage one worth £13k, I don't see it as a car that's ever going to appreciate in value as a collectors car even with the amount of Ford nuts around

[j555]

I test drove one of these when new, about 2006. I wanted to like it, but wasn't over impressed, it didn't feel anywhere like as lively as a Clio 172 Cup had previously spent time with.

I had driven lower powered 1.25 and 1.4 versions of the Fiesta and enjoyed them and I know some have said the 1.6 Zetec S was actually the sweet spot, which I can believe.

I do wonder whether the ST could come alive though with some slightly smaller/lighter wheels and a hotter cam in the engine.

[C5_Steve]

Saw a mint one of these in the supermarket not that long ago and it stopped me in my tracks. Just looks so good now, perfect proportions.

Not sure about the price of this one but really please to see the selection isn't that limited going by the ones shared above.

[mooseracer]

Jamescrs said:

I had one of these as a track car, which I sold to buy an MX-5 and I do regret selling it, it was a great cheap run around, i would definitely consider buying another.

In no way is a low mileage one worth £13k, I don't see it as a car that's ever going to appreciate in value as a collectors car even with the amount of Ford nuts around

Maybe the ST500 will be worth a few quid in years to come if you have a low mileage, standard one. But storage costs would probably outweigh any potential 'profit'.

Great handling cars though

[cookington]

fantheman80 said:

I remember the RS concept well. My mate had a lovely white one of these with the blue stripes. Savage fuel economy apparently.

I had one as enthusiastic 20something and it got 30mpg regardless of how hard I drove it. The following focus ST, Audi S3, Fiesta ST and mustang GT have all done a lot less!

I had a facelift with full leather heated seats and the 6 CD changer. Probably my favourite car of all time. They need lowering springs and uprated exhaust flexi and air filter really brings them to life.

[mwstewart]

I was never impressed with these. The Duratec engine felt harsh compared with the Zetec, the gearing was really low, and fuel economy terrible.

I did like some of the later (facelift) interior colour combinations but that was about it.

[David87]

My brother-in-law had one of these back when they were new and at the same time I had a Clio 182 Trophy. The Fiesta was miles away from the amazing highs the Clio delivered. Always thought this shape of Fiesta looked weird too.

[J4CKO]

Hmm, just get a MK7 ST...

[HazzaT]

That's almost ST200 or Performance Pack Mk8 money. I don't think these are ever going to be a modern classic like the Mk1 Focus RS or even the Mk2 Focus ST either, unless the fact it's the last naturally aspirated Ford hot hatch carries more weight than it should.

Even then I feel like the Mk7 S1600/Metal are better cars

[Gez79]

I just remember these getting poor reviews at the time so have never really held them in high regard. Seems like there are numerous rivals from the same era which are much better, but my only experience of this generation was a 1.25 courtesy car so perhaps they're not that bad, can't see it being worth £13k though!

[ambuletz]

Gez79 said:

I just remember these getting poor reviews at the time so have never really held them in high regard. Seems like there are numerous rivals from the same era which are much better, but my only experience of this generation was a 1.25 courtesy car so perhaps they're not that bad, can't see it being worth £13k though!

i seem to remember many saying just get the 1.6 zetec S instead. the ST seemed overshadowed by the cooper s and clio 182

[figtree]

cookington said:

I had one as enthusiastic 20something and it got 30mpg regardless of how hard I drove it. The following focus ST, Audi S3, Fiesta ST and mustang GT have all done a lot less!

I had a facelift with full leather heated seats and the 6 CD changer. Probably my favourite car of all time. They need lowering springs and uprated exhaust flexi and air filter really brings them to life.

Mine has the flexi pipe and filter, cracking combo. Lowering springs made the ride too crashy for me tho so have gone back to standard. It’s on A/Trader now.