Britain's most popular small hatchback range now has even more going for it with the diesel-powered ST model.
The Fiesta has been in the top ten of UK car sales for longer than most other manufacturers might care to remember - and for good reason.
The sporty RS and Zetec-S versions gave Ford even more presence in the small hatchback market, with a vast range of cheaper models to back them up. And now the new TDCi ST finally addresses the issue of a derv hot hatch too.
While the 1.4-litre TDCi Duratorq engine is only lukewarm, the 1.6 version boosts power up to a more respectable 90bhp, while still managing to return a maximum of 62mpg - if you can drive it carefully!
This turbocharged unit features second generation, common rail fuel injection that serves up plenty of torque for overtaking and a comfortable cruise at motorway speeds. It's a very flexible engine and easily passes the strict Euro IV emissions regulations, with a low C02 rating as well.
ST will easily see off a Mini One D, keeps up with the zippy Citroen C3 HDi but will be left staring down the tailpipe of the only real diesel hot hatchback - the Skoda Fabia vRS.
As well as both three and five-door models, Ford offers three transmissions systems for the ST. Apart from 'standard' five-speed manual and Durashift automatic, there's also EST, a gearbox that switches from fully automatic to clutchless manual without increasing fuel consumption.
The Fiesta ST would benefit from a six-speed manual gearbox but it has just enough power to make the EST unit worthwhile in such a small car.
Ford has given the ST a special suspension tune to make handling more responsive, with MacPherson strut up front and torsion beam at the rear that manages to blend thrills and comfort adequately. It's a comfy little car around town, provided the potholes aren't too big. More impressive is the ride over a longer journey.
As you might expect from such a popular little car, the Fiesta has its share of big car features. These include dual-stage front airbags that inflate depending on the severity of an impact, plus five three-point safety belts and ABS. Side and curtain airbags are still an option.
The body-coloured rear spoiler and side skirts are there more for show than good reason - the same could be said of the firm sport seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. Of more use are the heated front windscreen and upgraded stereo.
It's almost 30 years since the first Fiesta appeared in 1976 and the ST is one of the best examples yet. Apart from being the first road car developed by Ford's own TeamRS, it shows how far diesel has come from those noisy, smokey models of the eighties and nineties.
