Ford Fiesta ST: PH Carpool
Where to head when an MX-5 isn't the answer to everything? This PHer thinks he's found it!
Car: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST2
Owned since: June 2015
Previously owned: 2007 Mazda MX-5 NC, 2003 Ford Focus 1.6, 2001 Ford Fiesta 1.3
Why I bought it:
"Oddly enough because it was practical. Coming from a Mazda MX-5 NC, I was tired of the lack of seats and using it as a daily driver, plus I couldn't afford to keep two cars. I was not happy with the way the Mazda drove either as I thought the steering felt over assisted for a sports car. My early mid-life crises had also come to an end as having a convertible was no longer appealing.
"I began to miss my 1.6 Focus and having the option of the extra seats. I always thought the Mk1 was one of the best handling cars I had driven and I have always admired how Fords drove. Ultimately I wanted something that combined the sportiness of the Mazda and the do-everything ability of my old Fords.
It's been travelling already!
"Purely out of curiosity, I jumped in the car to a Ford dealer to try their demo car after I heard continuously good things about the latest Fiesta ST. I was also shocked on how reasonably priced they had become on the secondhand market since launch.
"After driving the demonstrator, I decided not to even bother trying anything else and that I would start saving for the Spirit Blue version with Style Pack. I've always felt there is a lasting quality of performance Fords in a deep blue colour.
"I trawled the classifieds looking for used examples for a couple of weeks. Once the Mazda was sold, I immediately encountered a very tidy looking barely used 2014 model in the exact spec I wanted located in Dagenham. After a short test drive later, the deposit was down straight away!"
What I wish I'd known:
"I made sure I did my homework when it came to choosing the ST, so there were no nasty surprises really.
"Part of the appeal also was that it was a nearly new car so maintenance would be minimal. The Fiesta ST Owners Club was a great source of information on such a new car so I was armed when I went on the search for mine. The only criticism I really have is that there a quite a few about, but what do you expect from a Fiesta? The 17-inch alloys are also magnet for kerbs!"
Chunky Recaros a big part of the appeal for Adam
"Ecoboost power and those snug Recaro seats! The engine makes up such a large amount of the character that is the ST. The 1.6-litre turbo engine has so much torque available and seems much more powerful than you would initially think. After throwing you back in your seat unexpectedly it just pulls and pulls but also just seems effortless in its endeavours when you just want to take it easy.
"On the first drive home after picking it up, the turbo spool and blow off valve noises had me giggling like an idiot. The first couple of days I think I drove most places with the windows down listening for all the silly noises.
"There is a lot to like with the car. Some may say it looks a bit 'Saturday night McDonalds car park' but I think it looks great. I also like how it reminds me of my old Focus, similar dimensions and interior layout especially.
The steering and handling cannot be forgotten though, despite having electric power steering it has better steering feel than many hydraulic assist cars I have driven.
Overall I think it is a really good package."
Things I hate:
"Anything I mention will be nit-picking really. The Bluetooth is fiddly but the ride quality is the main thing that can wear thin. It is a very firm ride on rough roads, however I was fully aware of this from the start and it is small compromise on such an enjoyable car.
"From behind the wheel it can feel a little normal at times, and detached from what is going around you. The dashboard is quite big but these are just small shortfalls that are inherited from the regular everyday Fiesta on which it's based on. You can tell the development of the ST has been focused on the superb engine and its direct and sharp handling. It's enough to not make me miss the RWD of my old Mazda."
Costs:
"Surprisingly cheap to run and insure. Short journeys can hurt the fuel consumption but longer drives are definitely its strong point - I've managed around 45mpg on the motorway. The tank is fairly small though so it does not take a lot to fill it."
Where I've been:
"I have taken it to Ford Fair during the Summer, as I have once again caught the Ford bug.
"Lately I've been to the Lake District and through the infamous Hardknott and Honister passes which were an experience that will not be forgotten. It feels a little bored on regular everyday roads but thrives on B-roads where it truly shines."
What's next?
"Nothing for the near future, which was the whole purpose of buying the ST. This one's a keeper hopefully.
"It's everything you need in one package really. The long term aim may be to install the ever popular MP215 package from Mountune and release some extra performance. Maybe a few subtle mods alongside a nice characterful exhaust note to complete the car."
Look for a Ford Fiesta ST in the classifieds!
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
I also run an ST-2 (style pack) in spirit blue. Your write up pretty much sums up my ownership for the past 19month. Fantastic car, surely a 'future classic' seeing as it has all the hallmarks of legendary fast fords 
and this is coming from someone who doesn't have a mountune'd/revo'd ST!The sync is the voice activated crap, although I've never used a good one of those I suppose
I tend to use it when I want to make a call or switch to USB to play music off my phone.
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