The ST Line is Ford’s “warm” brand of hatchback – sporty looks and sharper handling but with cheaper running costs than a full blooded hot hatch.
They’ve been a great success for Ford, particularly among its younger customers. Last week I took custody of a three-door ST Line version of the new Fiesta.
It certainly looks the part. There’s a slightly more aggressive looking grille, smart 17in alloy wheels, side skirts and a small rear spoiler.
Inside, you get a flat-bottomed steering wheel, natty red stitching, sports seats, drilled metal pedals and some ST Line badging.
The Fiesta ST Line can be had in three or five-door body shapes and with three different variants of Ford’s 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine or a 1.5 litre diesel.
My test car was the three door model – which looks a little sharper in profile but sacrifices some practicality – paired with the 140bhp petrol engine.
It’s a great little unit, combining power with low running costs. Put your foot down and it hurls you forward much more rapidly than its 9.0 second 0-62mph time suggests.
More importantly, it handles beautifully. The previous generation Fiesta was a revelation when it came to driving dynamics and this all-new version is, if anything, even better.
It grips beautifully through bends. The steering is responsive. Pedals and gear change are smooth and perfectly weighted. Considering it’s a small family hatchback, it does a remarkable impersonation of a sports car.
A long drive on some Fife country roads followed by a stretch of motorway driving shows just how far the Fiesta has come.
It has the ride quality and refinement that just a decade ago could only be found in an executive saloon. The excellent optional £350 B&O sound system on my test car added to the luxurious feel.
On the three-door model access to the rear seats is tight so if you’re going to use them often I’d recommend paying the £600 it costs for the extra doors.
Prices start at a little over £16,000 for the 100bhp 1.0 ST Line. My higher spec ST Line X model cost a little over £19,000 and was topped up to £21,000 with extras.
There’s very little not to like about the Fiesta ST Line. It combines much of the fun of a hot hatch with the refinement and comfort of the standard Fiesta.
Price:
£19,315
0-62mph:
9.0 seconds
Top speed:
125mph
Economy:
56.5mpg
CO2 emissions:
114g/km