2016 Ford Fiesta ST200 first drive review

Auto Trader verdict:

Ford Fiesta ST200 is a version of the fastest, most expensive and most exclusive of junior hot hatch. Upgrade light has slightly increased urgency and engagement packages that have been very entertaining, but perhaps not enough to justify a significant increase in prices. It is, however, a timely reminder of just how good the standard Fiesta ST is, remaining on top of the game for entertainment, equipment and value. Ford is the current king of hot hatches - regardless of their size, or power.

Need to know:

• Most powerful production Fiesta develops 197bhp
• Storm gray paint and black alloy mark this special edition
• UK allocation is limited to only 1000 units, on sale now

The most powerful version of the hot hatch Ford junior, and a final farewell to the best-selling car in the UK, which is scheduled to be replaced by all-new Fiesta in early 2017. To justify the moniker, turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine receives an ECU remap, a new airbox and filter to develop new 197bhp (or 200PS), 17bhp more than the standard Fiesta ST.

Just like the standard ST, there also remains an overboost function, which to a maximum of 15 seconds at full throttle, the engine capable of developing 212bhp and 236lb ft of torque. Unfortunately, Ford was not allowed to advertise this temporary output as the main character, then why are we not talking about the ST215.

Anti-roll bars front and rear torsion beam has been made stiffer to further improve body control, while the shorter final drive ratio for the highest speed trading slightly punchier acceleration. Storm gray paint, matt black 17-inch alloys and scattered ST200 badges cover cosmetic upgrades to complete the look - and it is also quite an audience.

Like the Fiesta ST with more chili, even though we are talking jalapeño than habanero on the Scoville heat scale. We were able to test the ST200 are back to back with the regular Fiesta ST, perfectly highlighting the nuances between the two cars. Both behave the same with very little lag from the turbo engine, fast but direct steering, and when matched with excellent body control, it DARTY without ever nervous.

Additional output from the ST200 would encourage you to keep the right pedal pinned. When you flex engine to 6500rpm rev limit on the range of his voice bouncing off the stone walls around our test location in Goodwood so husky and textured, you soon end up dizzy with vim and vigor of it.

Sprint may 0-62mph of 0.2 seconds faster than the standard ST, but it was an extra in-gear urgency more visible, accelerating gently pulling your elbow back to the Recaro seats are sculpted like a curved arc. In fact, in these narrow streets that ST200 may be evidence that less really is more. While we still loved the sister Focus RS, the ST200 is every bit as dynamic and exciting - but at the speed of a lot more healthy, and with a smaller body, more margin for error.

There were improvements oh-so-smooth in compliance journey, too, rigid set-up that allows Ford to recall the efforts of the damping, which makes traveling on the road and damaged uncertain. It was still strong, but slightly less jiggly, and when you speed, you can push the ST hard without ever worrying about being thrown off line through the corners of your choice particularly bumpy.

This is subjective, but we loved the cosmetic upgrades as well, free of chintz jarring that normally preserve boy racer specials like this. The on-trend black wheels fill the arches appear to be impressive, while the gray paint gives off a modern, dull shine reflectionless. It's actually look cribbed from the Audi RS3, still not exactly a poor source to borrow inspiration from.

However, the criticism that befell this time, the aging Fiesta ST also plague this one. The sitting position is still too high, infotainment system which is decorated with small, button impossible-to-hit rather than using the touch screen is clear, there is no cruise control and, at highway speeds on a steady throttle, the engine drones on like a bad bartender.

But the date of the cabins may feel, though, remains the core Fiesta small car that is safe, solid and strong, without ever feeling dark. It's also practical enough to do the school run or supermarket stores, although chances are you will be so distracted by the drive, you'll completely forget what you're heading out for in the first place.

Should I buy one?

If you're a diehard, 'cut me and I bleed blue' type of fan Ford, then yes. Tweaks over the standard ST visible, while an estimated 1,000 units coming to the UK will make certain Fiesta stands out like a bird of paradise in the field of Herdwick sheep.

However, at nearly £ 23k, the ST200 has a lot of credible competition. Mountune, a tuning company that is closely affiliated with Ford, has produced Fiesta crazy with 227bhp, while the magnificent RenaultSport Megane 275 Cup-S is a full-fat hot hatch that price is getting closer. This is why, for the majority of the hot hatch fans, we would recommend a standard and much cheaper Fiesta ST as buying wisely, because it offers a driving experience that is equally valuable for the price more palatable.

Key facts:

• Model: Ford Fiesta ST200
• Price: £ 22 745
• Engine: 1596cc, turbocharged, gasoline four-cylinder, six-speed manual
• Power / torque: 197bhp / 213lb ft
• 0-62mph: 6.7secs
• Top speed: 143mph
• Economy: 46.3mpg
• CO2 / BIK tax liability: 140g / km / 25%
• Boot space: 290 liters

Also consider:

Ford Fiesta ST-2

For us, the sweet spot is currently ranges Fiesta ST in terms of price, performance and equipment

Suzuki Swift Sport

It may only have 136bhp, but this is a cheap junior hot hatch that is very beneficial to drive at a speed street-legal

RenaultSport Megane 275 Cup-S

Big league to £ 23k. Showing its age in some areas, but still the best-handling front-wheel push hot hatch for sale

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