Ford Fiesta Mk7 ST-2 & Past car history
Discussion
Hello there fellow PH car guys. It's about time i introduced myself on here, real car Enthusiasts place.
I just love Fast Hatchbacks, ever since my old man had the Rover Metro GTi back in the 90's they all have that DNA that make's them ooze appeal, the affordability, there's a type for all matter of taste's whether it's the bottom of the pile thrill's Fiat Panda 100BHP or the Sport's/Supercar slaying Mercedes A45 AMG, i just love them, reading about them, comparing them etc, etc... So i thought i'd say hello here and show you my history, and my current drive, now i'am only 22, so it's not the biggest selection or even the most special, just a section i've had since i first started driving,
Started with Ford's Fiesta Mk5 Zetec S, remember seeing these in the showroom's when they first appeared way back in 2000, sat there in that stunning Imperial Blue, i knew i would have one when i got my Pink Card,
Last few picture's before it was sold, Wearing 12.5mm Rear Axle Spacer's,
It went through quite a few changes in my time, noticeably Rear Disk Brake Setup, G-Max 40mm Lowering Shock and Spring Kit and Ford Logo Mud Flap's spend a good time exploring B-Road's and learning how to drive more advanced. Spent a mint keeping it good as possible on Maintenance related thing's and keeping it OEM+ and fitting Interior Upgrade's from the 'Ghia' Models', very fun car, proper good starter Hot Hatch as 'EVO' basically said. Fun, light, Chassis Adjustable and just enough power,
After that i moved onto what i think was the next step up after a narrowing it down from a selection of Hatches. Ford Fiesta ST150, was everything the Zetec S was, but more improved, more modern, but lacked the 'Raw' feeling which was what i expected, but i didn't matter i loved it!,so much more of a car the Magazine's credited it for, had some serious fun with it, it was very potent in the twisty B-Road's where it's low down grunt could scrabble it's way out tight twist's and turns with ease, something that my mate's then Honda Civic Type-R (EP3) could not do without dropping out of the screaming V-Tec,even on the longer stuff the ST was firmly stuck to it's rear, until the 4th Gear Onwards, something he was very surprised with,
Loved it. But it had to go due to personal matter's,
Next came the Renaultsport Clio 172, it's a car i've always admired, like the old Zetec S, just alot faster with the 'Raw' feeling and having a good blast in my mate's well sorted 182 i knew i had to get one, but with limited money it was hard to get the 'Right' one, after searching i found one, '53' Plate Iceberg Silver 172, with 85k showing and with big pile of receipts and Bill's that totaled up to around 3k, i knew this car has been driven, tracked and enjoyed, it had that feeling to it, but it drove well and true with no nasty knock's and bang's and the Engine pulled strong, very strong compared to a few i've been in. Also the Interior was like brand new, very well kept.
Ran it for 6 enjoyable Month's, did the usual thing's, many Back Road blasts and drives out, just for the sake of it.
Very grippy! wasn't as 'Fun' as i thought it would have been still had the buzzing feel about, big engine in a small light car, very characterful car, but it would later go on the give me left Ankle troubles which resulted in getting traded in for my current Hot Hatch, more so doing 45 Mile's a day commute to work and back, the..
Vauxhall Astra VXR, many reason's why i choose this against some more established car's in the same price and performance bracket, it looks fantastic, Interior is a nice place to be and it actually good on fuel and it's nice to drive, but in terms of driving, it's different to what i'am used to, the Turbo Engine for starters' it requires a different approach to driving and it's got that Character that the Clio had, that buz factor. It's a right handful to drive on a tight twisty B-Road but along the more flowing B-Road's it's more at home there, which i personally love, it's fun, and it can Handle rather well for quite heavy hatchback, million time's better the people who read thing's on the internet believe, EVO Magazine rated it rather well in the Hot Hatch group Test, putting it ahead of the Honda Civic Type-R (FN2).
Well that's a brief overview of what i've been driving, i'll keep this updated accordingly. Thank's, Mike
I just love Fast Hatchbacks, ever since my old man had the Rover Metro GTi back in the 90's they all have that DNA that make's them ooze appeal, the affordability, there's a type for all matter of taste's whether it's the bottom of the pile thrill's Fiat Panda 100BHP or the Sport's/Supercar slaying Mercedes A45 AMG, i just love them, reading about them, comparing them etc, etc... So i thought i'd say hello here and show you my history, and my current drive, now i'am only 22, so it's not the biggest selection or even the most special, just a section i've had since i first started driving,
Started with Ford's Fiesta Mk5 Zetec S, remember seeing these in the showroom's when they first appeared way back in 2000, sat there in that stunning Imperial Blue, i knew i would have one when i got my Pink Card,
Last few picture's before it was sold, Wearing 12.5mm Rear Axle Spacer's,
It went through quite a few changes in my time, noticeably Rear Disk Brake Setup, G-Max 40mm Lowering Shock and Spring Kit and Ford Logo Mud Flap's spend a good time exploring B-Road's and learning how to drive more advanced. Spent a mint keeping it good as possible on Maintenance related thing's and keeping it OEM+ and fitting Interior Upgrade's from the 'Ghia' Models', very fun car, proper good starter Hot Hatch as 'EVO' basically said. Fun, light, Chassis Adjustable and just enough power,
After that i moved onto what i think was the next step up after a narrowing it down from a selection of Hatches. Ford Fiesta ST150, was everything the Zetec S was, but more improved, more modern, but lacked the 'Raw' feeling which was what i expected, but i didn't matter i loved it!,so much more of a car the Magazine's credited it for, had some serious fun with it, it was very potent in the twisty B-Road's where it's low down grunt could scrabble it's way out tight twist's and turns with ease, something that my mate's then Honda Civic Type-R (EP3) could not do without dropping out of the screaming V-Tec,even on the longer stuff the ST was firmly stuck to it's rear, until the 4th Gear Onwards, something he was very surprised with,
Loved it. But it had to go due to personal matter's,
Next came the Renaultsport Clio 172, it's a car i've always admired, like the old Zetec S, just alot faster with the 'Raw' feeling and having a good blast in my mate's well sorted 182 i knew i had to get one, but with limited money it was hard to get the 'Right' one, after searching i found one, '53' Plate Iceberg Silver 172, with 85k showing and with big pile of receipts and Bill's that totaled up to around 3k, i knew this car has been driven, tracked and enjoyed, it had that feeling to it, but it drove well and true with no nasty knock's and bang's and the Engine pulled strong, very strong compared to a few i've been in. Also the Interior was like brand new, very well kept.
Ran it for 6 enjoyable Month's, did the usual thing's, many Back Road blasts and drives out, just for the sake of it.
Very grippy! wasn't as 'Fun' as i thought it would have been still had the buzzing feel about, big engine in a small light car, very characterful car, but it would later go on the give me left Ankle troubles which resulted in getting traded in for my current Hot Hatch, more so doing 45 Mile's a day commute to work and back, the..
Vauxhall Astra VXR, many reason's why i choose this against some more established car's in the same price and performance bracket, it looks fantastic, Interior is a nice place to be and it actually good on fuel and it's nice to drive, but in terms of driving, it's different to what i'am used to, the Turbo Engine for starters' it requires a different approach to driving and it's got that Character that the Clio had, that buz factor. It's a right handful to drive on a tight twisty B-Road but along the more flowing B-Road's it's more at home there, which i personally love, it's fun, and it can Handle rather well for quite heavy hatchback, million time's better the people who read thing's on the internet believe, EVO Magazine rated it rather well in the Hot Hatch group Test, putting it ahead of the Honda Civic Type-R (FN2).
Well that's a brief overview of what i've been driving, i'll keep this updated accordingly. Thank's, Mike
Edited by Mike1990 on Sunday 14th February 15:26
Mouse1903 said:
All nice, especially the ZS. I really wanted one but ended up getting a Mk5 Polo GTI as my first car instead. Having driven a 1.25 Mk5 Fiesta I knew that the ZS would be good. A future classic imo, imperial blue or red are the best colours
Most defiantly a future Classic, but there at that age now where 95% are rust buckets and need slight restoration to make them mint. Such a fun car to drive, the slick iB5 Gear Box is a joy to use, I'd 100% have another one. AuthurDaley said:
Very nice selection, kept cosmetically standard like they should be
I'am into the whole OE/OEM/OEM+ look with my cars, spending money on the maintenance side of things and replacing worn item's, and upgrading certain parts of the car to make it better than strandard but keep drivability and try to keep originality feeling. It's quite satisfying. Chris Jay said:
Nice write up and good selection of cars there. I had a Fiesta ST 150, great little car on the twisty B roads.
I kinda not regret not going for the MR200 kit for the ST, as people say it totally transforms the car and makes it like what Ford should have done from factory. But always had it in my mind the low end grunt would be sacrificed and i loved that aspect of it. Made the whole car 'feel' faster than it actually was, mine ran in the OE Spec Pirelli P-Zero Nero's that a personally rate highly. spats said:
Nice cars there.
We had a Zetec S in the same colour and I always felt the rear wheels were a little lost in the arches. The frotns were great but the rears needed a little something.
The VXR is a great car, not owned one but driven on track and few times and the wifes Vectra B was converted to run the older Z20LET engine which runs a VXR turbo among other mods and its great fun on the road. The Z engines are fun!
Out of all the VXR's Ive driven the Astra felt the best.
Rear's just needed simple 12.5mm Axle Spacer's and these where sold buy Ford i believe, well the ones i bought where Genuine Ford, simple yet effective mod, also made the rear a little more stable, under braking and cornering. We had a Zetec S in the same colour and I always felt the rear wheels were a little lost in the arches. The frotns were great but the rears needed a little something.
The VXR is a great car, not owned one but driven on track and few times and the wifes Vectra B was converted to run the older Z20LET engine which runs a VXR turbo among other mods and its great fun on the road. The Z engines are fun!
Out of all the VXR's Ive driven the Astra felt the best.
The Astra has surprised me, it really is a great car IMO, still loving it 3 Month's on!
Long overdue little update. My current Mileage is now on a '31600' and i'am averaging 34MPG and around 350 Miles to a tank before the Fuel light come's on, very impressed with this if i'am honest, miles better than what i thought it would be. I'am a sucker for this type of 'Geeky' readings. Strangely satisfying
Anyway's Finally got around to purchasing a Brand New Toyosport 2.5" Precat-Decat Pipe after my mate saw one for sale on here and gave the head's up,
Then we to went my mate's garage and made a start of fitting my Precat-Decat,
All came out nice and easy, but went to Vauxhall for some replacement Stud and Nut's to be on the safe side as one was buggered.
All went smoothly enough, just a bit of blowing but, quick tighten up and some exhaust paste and all is good. liking the extra audible noise from the front and the few pop's and bang's i've had, the Turbo seem's the pull more and the extra noise. Overall very pleased!, just need a full system and a map now, just a few pictures,
i've noticed some gain's. My average MPG has gone up 1-2 MPG on my usual drive to work and back, obviously it's a VXR fuel figures shouldn't matter but it's nice to know.
Also done a few little 'Mod's and Upgrade's' just to improve things a little,
Anyway's Finally got around to purchasing a Brand New Toyosport 2.5" Precat-Decat Pipe after my mate saw one for sale on here and gave the head's up,
Then we to went my mate's garage and made a start of fitting my Precat-Decat,
All came out nice and easy, but went to Vauxhall for some replacement Stud and Nut's to be on the safe side as one was buggered.
All went smoothly enough, just a bit of blowing but, quick tighten up and some exhaust paste and all is good. liking the extra audible noise from the front and the few pop's and bang's i've had, the Turbo seem's the pull more and the extra noise. Overall very pleased!, just need a full system and a map now, just a few pictures,
i've noticed some gain's. My average MPG has gone up 1-2 MPG on my usual drive to work and back, obviously it's a VXR fuel figures shouldn't matter but it's nice to know.
Also done a few little 'Mod's and Upgrade's' just to improve things a little,
- De-Restricted Airbox with ITG Panel Filter
- Vauxhall Insignia 'Mist' Washer Jet's
- Team Heko Window Deflectors
Edited by Mike1990 on Tuesday 8th October 16:20
Nothing really to report as such but fitted a Cobrasport's 2.5" Sport's Cat which I kept on for a few month's, which gave the VXR a few pop's and bang's but in turn it brought the engine light one and every couple of week's it would jump into limp mode and overfuel like mad! I even tried the trusty rear lambda spacer but even that didn't cure it! so i put my standard Pre-Cat and Cat back on along with new genuine V Clamp, i actually prefer the standard system! sounds like darth vader on full chat, such a characterful sound for a 4 pot! and it even seem's quicker. Prior to this i had it dyno'd at RS Tuning, it ran 246 BHP and around 250 Torques.
But this past month or so has seen 2x Maxxis MA-Z1 Tyres fitted to the front along with tracking and alignment at ATS at '43439' miles, Oil & Filter change at miles. Also this week had the Cambelt and Waterpump changed, this was done at '45505' Miles, I'am still loving it, I've covered over 20k+ in little over 12 months and it's been 100% reliable, most weekends it get's a good blast along the b-road's which is where i spent most of my time
But this past month or so has seen 2x Maxxis MA-Z1 Tyres fitted to the front along with tracking and alignment at ATS at '43439' miles, Oil & Filter change at miles. Also this week had the Cambelt and Waterpump changed, this was done at '45505' Miles, I'am still loving it, I've covered over 20k+ in little over 12 months and it's been 100% reliable, most weekends it get's a good blast along the b-road's which is where i spent most of my time
ST150HB said:
Good history there, loved my ST when I had it and agree with all of your comments on it.
Enjoy the VXR!
Glad you enjoyed the ST, the fact it's the underdog in the hot hatch world make's it better than people will believe that's one of the main reason's i love this VXR so much!Enjoy the VXR!
Prohibit said:
Nice history and write up. I owned my Astra VXR for 2 years and sold it a few months ago. One of the things I loved most about it was the colour and reflections of the 'arden blue' paint. Seemed to turn heads everywhere.
Like you've mentioned, the interior was a nice place to be and people always seemed to be surprised by it considering it's a Vauxhall. Mine had full heated leather, built in sat nav, cruise control, auto lights and wipers and xenons. My old Subaru that I own now is totally different!
100% agree! Arden Blue is the best colour for these VXR's, even though it's common as muck, but there's obviously a reason. Like you've mentioned, the interior was a nice place to be and people always seemed to be surprised by it considering it's a Vauxhall. Mine had full heated leather, built in sat nav, cruise control, auto lights and wipers and xenons. My old Subaru that I own now is totally different!
Even the Corsa D's have a really good solid interior, i wish that mine would have had some goodies but mileage and condition swung it for me and the fact it was 15 minutes from my house
All i've got it Cruise control and the optional 19" Alloy's.
Went for a good drive this afternoon around some local road's i know and grabbed a few pictures,
Untitled by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
Nothing special but the car is filthy! the usual 40+mile B-Road commute to work and back,
It's still reliable as ever, i replaced the front number plate as my 3/4 got cracked also going to be getting some new tyres for the rear, the Maxxis MA-Z1's as i love them! I'am so wanting the do a trackday so much just so i know where i stand regarding the handling.
Cheer's
Untitled by michael.smith199042, on Flickr by michael.smith199042, on Flickr by michael.smith199042, on Flickr by michael.smith199042, on Flickr by michael.smith199042, on FlickrNothing special but the car is filthy! the usual 40+mile B-Road commute to work and back,
It's still reliable as ever, i replaced the front number plate as my 3/4 got cracked also going to be getting some new tyres for the rear, the Maxxis MA-Z1's as i love them! I'am so wanting the do a trackday so much just so i know where i stand regarding the handling.
Cheer's
A few months ago i took the VXR out for a drive to the Evo Triangle and surrounding road's with a good selection motors, covered around 350 Mile's round trip and managed a respectable 26'ish MPG considering most of the time the car was getting driven hard everywhere!, here's a few selection of pictures, not got many as driving is more fun One of the Focus RS's was used on Top Gear when it had a drag race with the Golf R32
DSC_0100 by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
DSC_0101 by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
DSC_0098 by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
DSC_0097 by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
DSC_0094 by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
DSC_0087 by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
DSC_0087 by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
Was a top day of pure none stop spirited driving! i love the VXR even more now, it coped with everything well.
DSC_0100 by michael.smith199042, on FlickrDSC_0101 by michael.smith199042, on FlickrDSC_0098 by michael.smith199042, on FlickrDSC_0097 by michael.smith199042, on FlickrDSC_0094 by michael.smith199042, on FlickrDSC_0087 by michael.smith199042, on FlickrDSC_0087 by michael.smith199042, on FlickrWas a top day of pure none stop spirited driving! i love the VXR even more now, it coped with everything well.
Just thought i'd update this, After the Wale's run, the VXR did a fine job daily duties but i kept looking at the Ford Fiesta Mk7 ST, and after doing some man maths and the VXR needing 4x Tyre's Disk's and Pad's all round and various body work issues, i decided to part ex it in,
Here it is,
ST by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
ST by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
ST by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
ST by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
13 plate ST-2 with '10550' showing upon arrival at my house (29/11/2014) in Spirit Blue. All i can say is that it's amazing. I'am really loving it so far, i was averaging 50.4 MPG at 70 MPH whereas the VXR was getting 32-34'ish. It's just had it's 1st service few month's ago at '10400' miles, had 2x new Bridgestone RE002's at the front and the rear's are the OE Bridgestone RE050A's which are pretty much brand new still. Been out for a spirited drive before, feel's like a go cart compared to the VXR.
I'am currently on 17.5k and it's bloody fantastic hot hatch. I've not done much apart from set of clean number plates and LED number plate lights along Genuine Ford Mats.
Just some pictures from a few week's ago,
Hatches by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
Hatches by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
ST by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
Hatches by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
ST by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
Hope you like.
Here it is,
ST by michael.smith199042, on FlickrST by michael.smith199042, on FlickrST by michael.smith199042, on FlickrST by michael.smith199042, on Flickr13 plate ST-2 with '10550' showing upon arrival at my house (29/11/2014) in Spirit Blue. All i can say is that it's amazing. I'am really loving it so far, i was averaging 50.4 MPG at 70 MPH whereas the VXR was getting 32-34'ish. It's just had it's 1st service few month's ago at '10400' miles, had 2x new Bridgestone RE002's at the front and the rear's are the OE Bridgestone RE050A's which are pretty much brand new still. Been out for a spirited drive before, feel's like a go cart compared to the VXR.
I'am currently on 17.5k and it's bloody fantastic hot hatch. I've not done much apart from set of clean number plates and LED number plate lights along Genuine Ford Mats.
Just some pictures from a few week's ago,
Hatches by michael.smith199042, on FlickrHatches by michael.smith199042, on FlickrST by michael.smith199042, on FlickrHatches by michael.smith199042, on FlickrST by michael.smith199042, on FlickrHope you like.
mahoone said:
Looks great! I had mine for over a year now and I'm still laughing while driving it.
Which number plate bulbs did you go for? I'm on the 3rd set now and still can't decide.
Cheer's. It's such a fun car to drive, i was going full banzai into some roundabouts the other evening whilst to weather was hot, i was giggling all the time, so controllable, adjustable and so confidence inspiring! love it! Which number plate bulbs did you go for? I'm on the 3rd set now and still can't decide.
These are the Bulb's,
Bulbs by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
Difference by michael.smith199042, on Flickr
Bulbs by michael.smith199042, on FlickrThey should be on eBay, i got these last year for my VXR.
mahoone said:
That's the only way to drive it haha
Any plans for it?
Thanks for sharing all the photos!
That's true haha, it's the sort off car that egg's you on, i'am planning on going to Wales in the next few week's to stretch its legs again Any plans for it?
Thanks for sharing all the photos!
I'd like the MP215 kit and and other Mountune goodies if funds would allow, but it's such a fantastic car out off the box so i'am not massively fussed about doing stuff to it, just use and abuse and enjoy it, which is one off the main reason's for buying it
Have you done anything to yours ?
mahoone said:
I went for osram night breaker but I'm thinking about hid kit.
My step-brother just bought st2 in the same colour as yours and to be honest, now I do prefer it over the white one.
The good old Osrams, I've had them in my all my previous cars apart from the Clio, as they had factory Xenons. The Osrams are really good bulbs, I'll consider them again as i was looking at some MTEC bulbs which are similer to H.I.D's i think. My step-brother just bought st2 in the same colour as yours and to be honest, now I do prefer it over the white one.
Nice! bet he's loving it it
So yesterday i took a drive out to Wales, the ST performed just as it should, it's such a cracking hot hatch on these road's. Covered 290 miles all in all and averaged 35 MPG and rarely dropped out off boost
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Wales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWales by Michael Smith, on FlickrWhy thank you
I remember hearing a story from when the Evo Magazine guys where there years ago with various Super Cars. The cashier took a photo and hung it behind the counter, or something like that!
The ST is such a fantastic car, the way it can cover ground at such a speed and still inspire so much confidence is quite something for a 200 BHP hot hatchback. I've been around the "Triangle" in a well sorted Renaultsport Clio 182 and I'am fairly sure the ST can carry more speed and adjustability.
I remember hearing a story from when the Evo Magazine guys where there years ago with various Super Cars. The cashier took a photo and hung it behind the counter, or something like that!
The ST is such a fantastic car, the way it can cover ground at such a speed and still inspire so much confidence is quite something for a 200 BHP hot hatchback. I've been around the "Triangle" in a well sorted Renaultsport Clio 182 and I'am fairly sure the ST can carry more speed and adjustability.
Time doesn't half fly when your having fun, and that's what's been happening with this little ST, it was due it's 2nd Service, so last week booked it in at the local Bristol Street Ford in Bolton for the 6th July, agreed the price, was told what was needed and what was included and to bring it down anytime after 08:30 in the morning, got there at 08:45 and was greeted with friendly helpful staff, 10 minutes later i was on my way. Bearing in mind i've never had a Dealership service my car so complete noob with the process as daft as it sounds :lmao:
Few hour's later i was back down there picking it up, quick turnaround that i would say
Current mileage is "22066". Roll on the next 12.5k miles, Mountune MP215 will likely be happening as the Girlfriend is kindly treating me in the next few months and i've ordered 2x Michelin Pilot Sport 3's for the front as the current 'Stone's have a few MM of tread left. Looking forward to giving them a workout in Wales in the next few week's.
Few hour's later i was back down there picking it up, quick turnaround that i would say
Current mileage is "22066". Roll on the next 12.5k miles, Mountune MP215 will likely be happening as the Girlfriend is kindly treating me in the next few months and i've ordered 2x Michelin Pilot Sport 3's for the front as the current 'Stone's have a few MM of tread left. Looking forward to giving them a workout in Wales in the next few week's.
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