Is it realistic to expect proper sporting credentials from a car powered by just a three-cylinder engine? Yes, it’s a small hot hatch, but even there the norm has always been four cylinders.
Still, Ford decided to take the risk. The latest Fiesta ST comes with exactly that, a three-cylinder engine. Let’s see how it works out and whether Ford made a mistake or once again delivered something that enthusiasts will love.
Design
When the sixth-generation Fiesta arrived about ten years ago, I really liked its design. It felt impressive for its class. Compared to it, the new one looks more grown-up and more mature, which I like. Maybe because in the last ten years I’ve also grown a bit wiser… hopefully.
The new design is clearly a continuation of the previous generation, with a similar silhouette and window line. The bigger visual differences come from the more restrained front end, thanks to the styling of the headlights and taillights.
But if we focus on the ST version, things become a bit more playful. Sporty bumpers and side skirts, a diffuser, twin exhaust tips, 18-inch wheels and, of course, large red ST badges. If it’s a hot hatch, it should look like one.
Overall, I really like how the Fiesta looks. It made a positive impression on me from the very first moment, and the ST elements only strengthen that.
Interior
While the exterior still reminds me of the previous generation, inside there is absolutely no resemblance, thankfully.
The car has clearly become much more mature and refined. The number of buttons has been significantly reduced, mainly thanks to the modern infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.
The positioning of the screen “on top” of the dashboard is something many people dislike, but I support it. It sits perfectly in the driver’s line of sight and allows for a slimmer, more elegant dashboard.
Another thing I really liked is the instrument cluster. It’s analogue, but designed in a way that resembles modern digital clusters. There’s also a 4.2-inch display, which is more than enough for the information you actually need.
Now to the ST-specific details.
The seats are, quite frankly, brutal. Recaro seats with leather and Alcantara, offering incredible support. They are so deep that getting in and out becomes a bit of a challenge. Personally, I like that, because every time I get in, it feels like I’m stepping into something truly special.
In proper hot hatch fashion, we also get large ST logos and Recaro branding.
The sporty elements continue with a thick steering wheel with an ST badge, although I don’t particularly like the buttons on it, they feel a bit too plastic and not very convenient.
There’s also a metal gear lever, Ford Performance door sills and carbon-look trim. In short, there’s no way to forget you’re not in a regular Fiesta.
As for quality, the interior feels solidly put together. It might be slightly behind a VW Polo, but only slightly. The bigger issue is the materials, there’s simply too much hard plastic. That’s expected in this class, but less acceptable given the ST’s price.
In terms of practicality, I’m not a fan of the small door pockets, but there’s extra storage in the centre console and plenty of space under the armrest. I was also able to sit comfortably in the back without my knees touching the front seat, which is a pleasant surprise. As long as you ignore the abundance of cheap plastic, rear passengers can travel reasonably well over shorter distances.
On the Road
Now we get to the interesting part.
Ford boldly fitted a three-cylinder engine in the Fiesta ST. It has a displacement of 1.5 litres and produces 200 hp and 290 Nm. That translates to 0–100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h. Thanks to EcoBoost, fuel consumption should be between 5.1 and 7.6 l/100 km.
On what seemed like a completely unsuitable day for testing a hot hatch, I opened the door and immediately struggled a bit with the high side bolsters of the seats. Getting in was not exactly graceful. Once inside, however, everything fell into place, good ergonomics and comfortable seats, although they might feel too narrow for someone with a broader build.
The day was far from ideal. Minus 5 degrees and fresh snow don’t exactly suggest perfect conditions for a hot hatch. But that’s what I had.
I started the engine and set off.
The first strong impression came while still driving through Sofia. The sound. The car is quite loud even in normal mode, and what you hear is mostly the exhaust rather than the engine. At times, it feels like the engine is behind you, not in front.
The sound itself, however, is great. I’ve always liked three-cylinder engines because of their характер, and here it’s enhanced. In Sport mode it becomes deeper and adds those characteristic pops.
Interestingly, at times the sound changes into something even more специфично, almost like a two-cylinder engine. That’s not случайно. The Fiesta ST can deactivate one cylinder when you don’t need the power.
So yes, you might be wondering, three cylinders, sometimes even two… is there anything sporty about this car?
Oh yes, absolutely.
Half an hour later, I found myself on the twisty road between Vakarel and Panagyurishte, completely covered in snow. Full throttle, throwing snow 20 metres behind me, taking corners at strange angles and feeling like Hannu Mikkola at Rally Finland. And smiling like an idiot.
The Fiesta ST is simply brilliant when it comes to driving enjoyment. The engine has strong pull at low revs, although it runs a bit out of breath at higher ones. That just means more gear changes, which is not a problem because the manual gearbox is excellent, short throws and very easy to use.
The steering is also outstanding. Very quick and precise. According to Ford, this is the fastest steering rack in any of their Performance models, and I believe it.
My only criticism is the brakes. They are not very progressive, making it harder to modulate braking force.
As a fun car, the Fiesta ST is exceptional.
In everyday use, however, there are some compromises. The suspension is firm, which affects comfort, although not excessively. The exhaust noise can also become tiring on long motorway journeys.
On the positive side, aerodynamic and road noise are well controlled.
Fuel consumption is also reasonable. I managed 5.0–5.3 l/100 km when driving economically, in line with official figures. My overall average was 8.6 l/100 km, but that included plenty of spirited driving, idling and so on. In real-world long-term use, I believe the official numbers are achievable.
Conclusion
I think the Fiesta ST is a fantastic small car for people whose priority is driving enjoyment.
It can work perfectly well as your only car, as long as you’re willing to accept some compromises in comfort.
The bold choice of a three-cylinder engine is not a downside. On the contrary, it adds a specific character that I personally really like.
The downside might be the price. In Bulgaria, the car costs around €26,000. That’s about €5,000 more than a Polo GTI and noticeably higher than its starting price in Germany. The reason, however, is not greed, but equipment policy, since base versions are not offered on our market.
So for that money, you do get a well-equipped car.
Whether it’s worth it is up to you. One thing is certain, the Fiesta ST is a very capable and very fun car for people who love driving.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
Не казват, че на 100х двигателя е за смянат
Едва ли. Моделът се предлага с петгодишна гаранция без ограничение в пробега. Отделно, че никой двигател (като изключим Project One на Mercedes) не се проектира с ресурс под 200к км.