Fiesta ST (2013 onwards) - Opinions saught
Discussion
I have a 2016 ST3 as a run-around to go along side a C63 coupe which obviously is the other end of the spectrum in terms of everything, including economy! I actually prefer the Fiesta for shorter trips as it handles superbly all of the time until you reach the limit of FWD capabilities, which is where my other car has no issues of course. In the Fiesta literally move the steering wheel a millimeter and it's going where you want it to, everything feels connected including yourself to the car. It eats up A, B & M roads equally with ease and never feels out of place, only more in its element the tighter and more twisty the road are.
Power is more than acceptable, and it's wonderful upsetting 20d/TDi brigade bullies with a lowly Ford Fiesta. It doesn't feel totally gutless when driving it directly after a blast in my C63 as it's so fun to drive even sensibly, so that says a lot for the car but, I can't help feel that the Mountune upgrade is really where the car should be from the get go as it perks up some of the flatter areas of the power curve if you ask me. I don't have this upgrade, but I plan to have this added this year.
The ride is firm, but coming from a long list of performance cars I rather like the rigidity. The interior is a nice place to be, it's solid and the seats hug you well. All in all it's the perfect car for me, and where it finds its (admittedly high) limits is where having my second car takes over, making them both enjoyable to own.
I am glad that I chose the ST-3, as for me it's worth the premium for the toys. The Nav is actually very good, as is the stereo. Cruise is of course very convenient, as are the folding mirrors.
Power is more than acceptable, and it's wonderful upsetting 20d/TDi brigade bullies with a lowly Ford Fiesta. It doesn't feel totally gutless when driving it directly after a blast in my C63 as it's so fun to drive even sensibly, so that says a lot for the car but, I can't help feel that the Mountune upgrade is really where the car should be from the get go as it perks up some of the flatter areas of the power curve if you ask me. I don't have this upgrade, but I plan to have this added this year.
The ride is firm, but coming from a long list of performance cars I rather like the rigidity. The interior is a nice place to be, it's solid and the seats hug you well. All in all it's the perfect car for me, and where it finds its (admittedly high) limits is where having my second car takes over, making them both enjoyable to own.
I am glad that I chose the ST-3, as for me it's worth the premium for the toys. The Nav is actually very good, as is the stereo. Cruise is of course very convenient, as are the folding mirrors.
I've got one and use it as a daily.
As others have said, bad road surfaces at slow speeds are not a pleasant experience. Other than that I really can't fault anything. It handles really well, has good straight line speed, is a nice place to sit, and the stereo is actually pretty good once you get used to it. The bluetooth works perfectly for me, the sound quality is impressive for a factory fitted install.
As others have said, bad road surfaces at slow speeds are not a pleasant experience. Other than that I really can't fault anything. It handles really well, has good straight line speed, is a nice place to sit, and the stereo is actually pretty good once you get used to it. The bluetooth works perfectly for me, the sound quality is impressive for a factory fitted install.
HJMS123 said:
mike74 said:
Are the extra toys the only difference between an st3 and st2?
Yes ... Nav, Cruise, Keyless and Auto lights/wipers I believe.alangla said:
Not sure if climate control comes with the ST3 as standard - on the configurator it shows as an option for the ST2 but not the 3. I've got it on my ST2 & it's well worth having. There's more noticeable differences between the ST1 & 2 - privacy glass and LED running lights, for example.
The climate is standard on the 3 as well ... knew there would be more than what I listed!
Looked at a 2013 ST-2 this evening, had the DAB radio with navigation and voice control, only thing it was missing was climate but apart from that it has everything I'd want for. Ride was firm but not crashy, nor did it shake and rattle so all good.
Deposit left, couple of grand under budget and the owner will put a fresh MOT on the car as its due in a few weeks Job jobbed, thanks for the responses/little nudge to test one.
Deposit left, couple of grand under budget and the owner will put a fresh MOT on the car as its due in a few weeks Job jobbed, thanks for the responses/little nudge to test one.
I've had my blue st3 for just over a week.
Ride is harsh over anything but the smoothest of surfaces but improves as the speed rises and is fine on motorways
The oem tyres are still bridgstones which I'm not impressed with and won't be staying on the car for long.
I'm hoping a different tyre will soften up the ride a bit
It's well equipped, I ticked all the option boxes and the only thing I would've liked extra is a sunroof which isn't a choice.
The steering is nicely weighted and very direct, the gear shift is easy to use and the seats keep you firmly in place.
When I first got in it felt like they were restricting my shoulders but I've gotten used to them now.
A lot of people seem to criticise the dash layout and say the nav etc is confusing but I've had no issues, its certainly no worse than others I've used.
Overall I'm very happy with mine and can see it keeping me entertained for at least the next 2 years.
Ride is harsh over anything but the smoothest of surfaces but improves as the speed rises and is fine on motorways
The oem tyres are still bridgstones which I'm not impressed with and won't be staying on the car for long.
I'm hoping a different tyre will soften up the ride a bit
It's well equipped, I ticked all the option boxes and the only thing I would've liked extra is a sunroof which isn't a choice.
The steering is nicely weighted and very direct, the gear shift is easy to use and the seats keep you firmly in place.
When I first got in it felt like they were restricting my shoulders but I've gotten used to them now.
A lot of people seem to criticise the dash layout and say the nav etc is confusing but I've had no issues, its certainly no worse than others I've used.
Overall I'm very happy with mine and can see it keeping me entertained for at least the next 2 years.
timberman said:
I've had my blue st3 for just over a week.
Ride is harsh over anything but the smoothest of surfaces but improves as the speed rises and is fine on motorways
The oem tyres are still bridgstones which I'm not impressed with and won't be staying on the car for long.
I'm hoping a different tyre will soften up the ride a bit
It's well equipped, I ticked all the option boxes and the only thing I would've liked extra is a sunroof which isn't a choice.
The steering is nicely weighted and very direct, the gear shift is easy to use and the seats keep you firmly in place.
When I first got in it felt like they were restricting my shoulders but I've gotten used to them now.
A lot of people seem to criticise the dash layout and say the nav etc is confusing but I've had no issues, its certainly no worse than others I've used.
Overall I'm very happy with mine and can see it keeping me entertained for at least the next 2 years.
The standard tyres as absolutely rubbish on anything but bone dry tarmac! Awful awful things! If it wasn't going back to the lease company in feb I'd have replaced them straight away!Ride is harsh over anything but the smoothest of surfaces but improves as the speed rises and is fine on motorways
The oem tyres are still bridgstones which I'm not impressed with and won't be staying on the car for long.
I'm hoping a different tyre will soften up the ride a bit
It's well equipped, I ticked all the option boxes and the only thing I would've liked extra is a sunroof which isn't a choice.
The steering is nicely weighted and very direct, the gear shift is easy to use and the seats keep you firmly in place.
When I first got in it felt like they were restricting my shoulders but I've gotten used to them now.
A lot of people seem to criticise the dash layout and say the nav etc is confusing but I've had no issues, its certainly no worse than others I've used.
Overall I'm very happy with mine and can see it keeping me entertained for at least the next 2 years.
It's great. Has the perfect amount of power and you can have fun without hitting silly speed, but has a real turn of pace when needed - as above it's very good at upsetting the bullies in diesel repmobiles. Always looking for excuses to drive it.
Ford Fiesta ST-2 by Bryan , on Flickr
If you're thinking about one, just bloody do it!
Ford Fiesta ST-2 by Bryan , on FlickrIf you're thinking about one, just bloody do it!
Edited by Janesy B on Monday 6th June 23:42
We have had our Panther Black St-2 for the last 2 years and it's been absolutely faultless, really good fun to whizz about in, and it loves to be pushed when the roads get twisty.
My only criticism's are the poor low speed ride quality and seat position which doesn't go low enough/steering wheel close enough albeit this is probably my issue at 6'3".
I just hope the replacement is as much fun, time will tell.
The blue looks great, hope you enjoy your new car
My only criticism's are the poor low speed ride quality and seat position which doesn't go low enough/steering wheel close enough albeit this is probably my issue at 6'3".
I just hope the replacement is as much fun, time will tell.
The blue looks great, hope you enjoy your new car
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