RE: Ford Fiesta ST
Discussion
PulseTurbo said:
The only thing that is close to the Fiesta ST on price is the Seat Ibiza Cupra, which I would choose, as it's performance is close to that of the Corsa VXR, without the price tag and imo, a nicer car, on the whole, if a little dated.
Still, when you look at it, brand new, the Ibiza Cupra is still £2k more than the Fiesta, so Ford still have the reigns there on price, which is why people will buy it. I'm not saying it's the best car of the bunch. In fact, it's probably the worst, but that's because it's cheaper than the rest, so can't really be compared.
As above, the Ibiza Cupra and the Corsa VXR could easily be compared, due to their similar specs, and the Ibiza Cupra would win (for me, personally), although there is the fact that it's an old design now, so will lose money faster than the Corsa VXR most probably.
http://www.drivethedeal.co.uk/price.aspStill, when you look at it, brand new, the Ibiza Cupra is still £2k more than the Fiesta, so Ford still have the reigns there on price, which is why people will buy it. I'm not saying it's the best car of the bunch. In fact, it's probably the worst, but that's because it's cheaper than the rest, so can't really be compared.
As above, the Ibiza Cupra and the Corsa VXR could easily be compared, due to their similar specs, and the Ibiza Cupra would win (for me, personally), although there is the fact that it's an old design now, so will lose money faster than the Corsa VXR most probably.
Discounted Price Fiesta ST = £13,381
http://www.drivethedeal.co.uk/price.asp
Discounted Price Seat Ibiza Cupra = £13,272
http://www.drivethedeal.co.uk/price.asp
Discounted Price VX Corsa Sri = £13,700
http://www.drivethedeal.co.uk/price.asp
Discounted Price Fiat Grande Punto 1.9 130bhp Diesel = £10,620
http://www.drivethedeal.co.uk/price.asp
Discounted Price VW Polo GT 150 = £13,500
So no there is a lot of choice and many more but you can search them out yourself.
Yeah, I know there's other stuff out there aswell.
The polo gti actually I forgot about. That's comparable to the Fiesta ST, and it's £2500 more. Look on Autotrader for example at brand new cars, and the Fiesta ST comes up as £11,000. Far cheaper than any of those, except the Fiat, which you wouldn't want to own when it's older than 3 years (or I certainly wouldn't anyway)
Btw, you've quoted for the Corsa Sri, not VXR.
The polo gti actually I forgot about. That's comparable to the Fiesta ST, and it's £2500 more. Look on Autotrader for example at brand new cars, and the Fiesta ST comes up as £11,000. Far cheaper than any of those, except the Fiat, which you wouldn't want to own when it's older than 3 years (or I certainly wouldn't anyway)
Btw, you've quoted for the Corsa Sri, not VXR.
PulseTurbo said:
Yeah, I know there's other stuff out there aswell.
The polo gti actually I forgot about. That's comparable to the Fiesta ST, and it's £2500 more. Look on Autotrader for example at brand new cars, and the Fiesta ST comes up as £11,000. Far cheaper than any of those, except the Fiat, which you wouldn't want to own when it's older than 3 years (or I certainly wouldn't anyway)
Btw, you've quoted for the Corsa Sri, not VXR.
The drive the deal are Brand new cars, as you will see there is £300 discount on the Ford vs near on £2k on some of the others.The polo gti actually I forgot about. That's comparable to the Fiesta ST, and it's £2500 more. Look on Autotrader for example at brand new cars, and the Fiesta ST comes up as £11,000. Far cheaper than any of those, except the Fiat, which you wouldn't want to own when it's older than 3 years (or I certainly wouldn't anyway)
Btw, you've quoted for the Corsa Sri, not VXR.
Question why wouldnt you want to own a Fiat over 3 year old? Mine is 10-11 years old and running very sweetly - no problems in 4+ years ownership bar consumables + look at the JD power survay and rethink.
PulseTurbo said:
JD power survey?
Maybe I'm just thinking of the old fiat puntos, which everyone always say are very unreliable?
I wonder why the discount on the Fiesta is so low?
Strong demand/newish model - it makes a lot of sense to think out of the box to get a far better car than you would normally getMaybe I'm just thinking of the old fiat puntos, which everyone always say are very unreliable?
I wonder why the discount on the Fiesta is so low?
http://www.drivethedeal.co.uk/specialoffers06.asp?...
Look half way down to the Focus TDI 110 thats a £16k car for £10k brand new
http://www.drivethedeal.co.uk/price.asp
Or even the 122bhp 1.4 turbo Golf GT £13.8k
10k for the Focus is indeed a good deal, but when it's not what you want, it's not. It's an entirely different market, really.
The focus is less powerful, a diesel, and 'normal' looking.
The Fiesta is more powerful, smaller, and 'Sporty' looking.
The golf is simply too expensive when you compare it to the Fiesta for £11k. (Btw, 11k is the brand new price on Autotrader, not 2nd hand)
The focus is less powerful, a diesel, and 'normal' looking.
The Fiesta is more powerful, smaller, and 'Sporty' looking.
The golf is simply too expensive when you compare it to the Fiesta for £11k. (Btw, 11k is the brand new price on Autotrader, not 2nd hand)
PulseTurbo said:
10k for the Focus is indeed a good deal, but when it's not what you want, it's not. It's an entirely different market, really.
The focus is less powerful, a diesel, and 'normal' looking.
The Fiesta is more powerful, smaller, and 'Sporty' looking.
The golf is simply too expensive when you compare it to the Fiesta for £11k. (Btw, 11k is the brand new price on Autotrader, not 2nd hand)
Is this £11k a one off example or are multiple available at this price as if its the former then once its sold then your back up to £13k.The focus is less powerful, a diesel, and 'normal' looking.
The Fiesta is more powerful, smaller, and 'Sporty' looking.
The golf is simply too expensive when you compare it to the Fiesta for £11k. (Btw, 11k is the brand new price on Autotrader, not 2nd hand)
Agree its a different car but you compromise - if you buy the ST you know that in 3 years it will be worth at best £6.5k so a £6.5k loss whereas the Focus TDI will be worth £7-8k in 3 years time which will mean you lose at worst £3k so if your happy to lose £3.5k more & clearly a lot more on fuel/tax/ins then fine but if your a buyer who thinks that £13k is top end budget wise then I'd imaging £3.5k is a lot to that buyer - whereas say a £30k car buyer wouldnt be so concerned due to higher wealth.
Not sure if it's a one off, but I'd imagine not. It certainly doesn't look to be. I searched under 'new cars' on Autotrader.
Obviously if the price went up, it isn't as good of a deal, but then if you're easy with what you go for, you look for a deal on another car, for example the Cupra.
I hadn't factored in the Focus retaining more of it's value to be honest. In that case, I'd say the Focus is the better buy, if you can live with the mundaneness (is that even a word?) of the Focus. Some people will want a car they can look at and think (and I'm not saying the Fiesta does) "That looks really good", whereas the Focus is more likely to just be a car to get about in.
Certainly deviating from the thread a little here I reckon. At 11k, it's a good buy I think, personally. At 13k, definitely not, as it doesn't compare to the Cupra or VXR, and not even the Polo really.
Obviously if the price went up, it isn't as good of a deal, but then if you're easy with what you go for, you look for a deal on another car, for example the Cupra.
I hadn't factored in the Focus retaining more of it's value to be honest. In that case, I'd say the Focus is the better buy, if you can live with the mundaneness (is that even a word?) of the Focus. Some people will want a car they can look at and think (and I'm not saying the Fiesta does) "That looks really good", whereas the Focus is more likely to just be a car to get about in.
Certainly deviating from the thread a little here I reckon. At 11k, it's a good buy I think, personally. At 13k, definitely not, as it doesn't compare to the Cupra or VXR, and not even the Polo really.
rspick85 said:
Good article...
Really..?!? 
article said:
That all changed in 2004 with the Fiesta ST, the ‘ST’ moniker presumably now being used by Ford to stop insurance salesmen slamming the phone down when you muttered the letters ‘XR’.
You might want to look that up. The ST moniker first appeared on the Mondeo ST24, which was a Mk2 Mondeo… had the tester bothered to do any research he’ll have realised the ST moniker stands for “Sports Technologies” and was introduced to give better structure / indication to a model’s performance, eg Zetec-S, ST, RS.article said:
it is difficult to hide the fact the design is starting to look slightly dated…
Hardly a timely piece is it..? How long has the ST been out..?article said:
The worst part for me was the blue dashboard that looked like it had been inspired by an early Eighties Datsun.
Firstly, the dash colour is an option according to brochure in front of me, which the tester neglects to mention, and secondly which Datsun had a blue dash..? (no one in the office can recall one, so we’d appreciate knowing) 
Agree with Podie... not sure why you would now be reviewing a car that has been about since 2004. Don't really see the merit of this.
As for the Fiesta ST, it is actually not a bad car but in standard form really shouldn't be compared to VXR, Clio 182 & Cooper S etc as it's not ultimately what I would class as 'hot'. Someone got grief earlier for daring to suggest that the flexi-pipe is restricted purposely for insurance reasons. I'm not sure of the reasons myself, but I do know that it is restricted which makes the ST feel flat after 4500/rpm. If you swap just the flexi section (£80).. you don't need to changed anything else in the exhaust (cherry-bomb or de-cat) to notice how much more pull there is after 4500.
I was looking to downsize our family car as I don't do as many miles as I used to. I bought an ST back in June (got it for £11750 with full leather/heated seats and the full exterior pack BTW.. so take the book price with a pinch of salt). I did look at the Corsa VXR, Cooper S & Clio 182 (& 197). I'm tall & I've got 2 kids (plus a boxer) and the Mini was undriveable with the seat in position to cater for the kids. My left shin took a beating & this was the new bigger model. Clio 182 was also too small and the interior was really dull... I didn't bother test driving it but have read enough to realise that it's a little belter and didn't want to upset myself with the fact any more that it was too small.
That left the 197 & the VXR... if you squint your eyes, they look the same. Both of these had good interiors & had plenty space for the kids. But I couldn't justify 4 grand extra over the ST for what was essentially going to be a 'fun family car'. We've got an Elise for weekends & track days... I'm sure someone posted earlier in this thread who also had the same combination. And this is where I believe the ST shines... it's a sturdy little thing that can be used as a daily driver but still be fun. You can save a few thousand over some 'hotter' alternatives.. which, if you wanted, you could put towards getting a proper toy for your kicks.
Now... if that Auto Express article is genuine, and you can have 185 ponies for just £950... then yes, you probably can start comparing it to clio/coopers etc (and I might just have to buy that upgrade)
As for the Fiesta ST, it is actually not a bad car but in standard form really shouldn't be compared to VXR, Clio 182 & Cooper S etc as it's not ultimately what I would class as 'hot'. Someone got grief earlier for daring to suggest that the flexi-pipe is restricted purposely for insurance reasons. I'm not sure of the reasons myself, but I do know that it is restricted which makes the ST feel flat after 4500/rpm. If you swap just the flexi section (£80).. you don't need to changed anything else in the exhaust (cherry-bomb or de-cat) to notice how much more pull there is after 4500.
I was looking to downsize our family car as I don't do as many miles as I used to. I bought an ST back in June (got it for £11750 with full leather/heated seats and the full exterior pack BTW.. so take the book price with a pinch of salt). I did look at the Corsa VXR, Cooper S & Clio 182 (& 197). I'm tall & I've got 2 kids (plus a boxer) and the Mini was undriveable with the seat in position to cater for the kids. My left shin took a beating & this was the new bigger model. Clio 182 was also too small and the interior was really dull... I didn't bother test driving it but have read enough to realise that it's a little belter and didn't want to upset myself with the fact any more that it was too small.
That left the 197 & the VXR... if you squint your eyes, they look the same. Both of these had good interiors & had plenty space for the kids. But I couldn't justify 4 grand extra over the ST for what was essentially going to be a 'fun family car'. We've got an Elise for weekends & track days... I'm sure someone posted earlier in this thread who also had the same combination. And this is where I believe the ST shines... it's a sturdy little thing that can be used as a daily driver but still be fun. You can save a few thousand over some 'hotter' alternatives.. which, if you wanted, you could put towards getting a proper toy for your kicks.
Now... if that Auto Express article is genuine, and you can have 185 ponies for just £950... then yes, you probably can start comparing it to clio/coopers etc (and I might just have to buy that upgrade)
gorrieman said:
Agree with Podie... not sure why you would now be reviewing a car that has been about since 2004. Don't really see the merit of this.
As for the Fiesta ST, it is actually not a bad car but in standard form really shouldn't be compared to VXR, Clio 182 & Cooper S etc as it's not ultimately what I would class as 'hot'. Someone got grief earlier for daring to suggest that the flexi-pipe is restricted purposely for insurance reasons. I'm not sure of the reasons myself, but I do know that it is restricted which makes the ST feel flat after 4500/rpm. If you swap just the flexi section (£80).. you don't need to changed anything else in the exhaust (cherry-bomb or de-cat) to notice how much more pull there is after 4500.
I was looking to downsize our family car as I don't do as many miles as I used to. I bought an ST back in June (got it for £11750 with full leather/heated seats and the full exterior pack BTW.. so take the book price with a pinch of salt). I did look at the Corsa VXR, Cooper S & Clio 182 (& 197). I'm tall & I've got 2 kids (plus a boxer) and the Mini was undriveable with the seat in position to cater for the kids. My left shin took a beating & this was the new bigger model. Clio 182 was also too small and the interior was really dull... I didn't bother test driving it but have read enough to realise that it's a little belter and didn't want to upset myself with the fact any more that it was too small.
That left the 197 & the VXR... if you squint your eyes, they look the same. Both of these had good interiors & had plenty space for the kids. But I couldn't justify 4 grand extra over the ST for what was essentially going to be a 'fun family car'. We've got an Elise for weekends & track days... I'm sure someone posted earlier in this thread who also had the same combination. And this is where I believe the ST shines... it's a sturdy little thing that can be used as a daily driver but still be fun. You can save a few thousand over some 'hotter' alternatives.. which, if you wanted, you could put towards getting a proper toy for your kicks.
Now... if that Auto Express article is genuine, and you can have 185 ponies for just £950... then yes, you probably can start comparing it to clio/coopers etc (and I might just have to buy that upgrade)
But if you change the pipe £80 your emmissions may be higher CO2 and your VED banding may have to change + added insurance costs.As for the Fiesta ST, it is actually not a bad car but in standard form really shouldn't be compared to VXR, Clio 182 & Cooper S etc as it's not ultimately what I would class as 'hot'. Someone got grief earlier for daring to suggest that the flexi-pipe is restricted purposely for insurance reasons. I'm not sure of the reasons myself, but I do know that it is restricted which makes the ST feel flat after 4500/rpm. If you swap just the flexi section (£80).. you don't need to changed anything else in the exhaust (cherry-bomb or de-cat) to notice how much more pull there is after 4500.
I was looking to downsize our family car as I don't do as many miles as I used to. I bought an ST back in June (got it for £11750 with full leather/heated seats and the full exterior pack BTW.. so take the book price with a pinch of salt). I did look at the Corsa VXR, Cooper S & Clio 182 (& 197). I'm tall & I've got 2 kids (plus a boxer) and the Mini was undriveable with the seat in position to cater for the kids. My left shin took a beating & this was the new bigger model. Clio 182 was also too small and the interior was really dull... I didn't bother test driving it but have read enough to realise that it's a little belter and didn't want to upset myself with the fact any more that it was too small.
That left the 197 & the VXR... if you squint your eyes, they look the same. Both of these had good interiors & had plenty space for the kids. But I couldn't justify 4 grand extra over the ST for what was essentially going to be a 'fun family car'. We've got an Elise for weekends & track days... I'm sure someone posted earlier in this thread who also had the same combination. And this is where I believe the ST shines... it's a sturdy little thing that can be used as a daily driver but still be fun. You can save a few thousand over some 'hotter' alternatives.. which, if you wanted, you could put towards getting a proper toy for your kicks.
Now... if that Auto Express article is genuine, and you can have 185 ponies for just £950... then yes, you probably can start comparing it to clio/coopers etc (and I might just have to buy that upgrade)
Gotta say, I'm very tempted with one of these. Have driven the clio's and know what great little tools they are, but I cover 20k a year and know that they would become tiresome and frustrating doing that kind of mileage. Their interiors are outdated and brittle too, where as the fiesta seems a far better proposition for the mileage and is also a good chunk bigger (outside and inside)
As a compromise (with potential for tuning) I think they look pretty good TBH
As a compromise (with potential for tuning) I think they look pretty good TBH
Fiesta ST doesnt really cut it for me as a small 'hot' hatch when you look at the alternatives:
Corsa VXR - boasts 0-60 in 6.5s, its better looking, more agreesive, better made and more attractive interior
Renault Clio Sport 197 / F1 / 197 cup - you have 3 versions depending on driver preference. You can pick up a 197 cup (with better suspension setup etc) for £14k brand new now with delivery mileage. Again, the 197 is much better looking, more agressive and will out handle an ST all day long
i just think the ST is a boring car... having said that, whenever i have seen one on the road, its usuually being driven by a tidy 'essex' type blonde with her chav mates in the back
Corsa VXR - boasts 0-60 in 6.5s, its better looking, more agreesive, better made and more attractive interior
Renault Clio Sport 197 / F1 / 197 cup - you have 3 versions depending on driver preference. You can pick up a 197 cup (with better suspension setup etc) for £14k brand new now with delivery mileage. Again, the 197 is much better looking, more agressive and will out handle an ST all day long
i just think the ST is a boring car... having said that, whenever i have seen one on the road, its usuually being driven by a tidy 'essex' type blonde with her chav mates in the back
makaveliuk82 said:
Fiesta ST doesnt really cut it for me as a small 'hot' hatch when you look at the alternatives:
Corsa VXR - boasts 0-60 in 6.5s, its better looking, more agreesive, better made and more attractive interior
Renault Clio Sport 197 / F1 / 197 cup - you have 3 versions depending on driver preference. You can pick up a 197 cup (with better suspension setup etc) for £14k brand new now with delivery mileage. Again, the 197 is much better looking, more agressive and will out handle an ST all day long
i just think the ST is a boring car... having said that, whenever i have seen one on the road, its usuually being driven by a tidy 'essex' type blonde with her chav mates in the back
Did you bother to read the thread at all..?Corsa VXR - boasts 0-60 in 6.5s, its better looking, more agreesive, better made and more attractive interior
Renault Clio Sport 197 / F1 / 197 cup - you have 3 versions depending on driver preference. You can pick up a 197 cup (with better suspension setup etc) for £14k brand new now with delivery mileage. Again, the 197 is much better looking, more agressive and will out handle an ST all day long
i just think the ST is a boring car... having said that, whenever i have seen one on the road, its usuually being driven by a tidy 'essex' type blonde with her chav mates in the back
PulseTurbo said:
Yes, the above two are more interesting, but that's because they're more expensive. I'm not trying to defend the Fiesta (Hell, it's not as if I'd ever own one), but they're completely different markets.
Fiesta is 11k, so 3k cheaper than the others.
And a sub 30k mileage, sub 3 year old car, can be found for 7k ish. If (like me) that's your ball park budget, the new shape Corsa and Clio's are out of the question, and the cars of similar value will be the old shape .... Pile of shite for the Corsa, bombastic legendard hatch for the clio with the minor problem of being noisy, brittle, less than reliable (perception) and less suited to higher annual mileages.Fiesta is 11k, so 3k cheaper than the others.
In this 3 year old market is where I think the fiesta scores well, and for my mileage and budget is why I am considering one, but have dismissed a clio 182 (regrettably) already.
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