Ford’s Sporty New Fiesta ST-Line

The Ford Fiesta has been a motoring icon for over four decades and, last year, Ford launched its new Fiesta to much acclaim. This seventh generation Fiesta has not only moved upmarket but has introduced a very appealing 3-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine (available with 100bhp or 125bhp), which first premiered in the Ford Focus.

Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has been voted ‘International Engine of the Year -Best Engine Under 1.0-litre’ for the sixth year in a row – meaning the compact and powerful three-cylinder petrol engine remains undefeated in its category since launch in 2012. Judges praised the engine’s combination of performance, fuel-efficiency and technology. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost has now won 10 International Engine of the Year awards including ’Overall Winner’ a record three times, and ‘Best Newcomer’. The new Fiesta is comfortable, refined, practical and comes with plenty of standard kit. The improvements made in terms of cabin quality, technology, infotainment systems and space, allows the new Ford Fiesta to be the best it’s ever been.

Competition within the ‘super-mini’ class is fierce, with the all-new Ford Fiesta up against the likes of the SEAT Ibiza, VW Polo, Citroen C3, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Opel Corsa, Skoda Fabia and Peugeot 208. However, unlike some of its rivals, the Fiesta still comes with optional 3-door or 5-door bodystyles.

Having driven, reviewed and loved Ford’s highly-acclaimed new Fiesta in Titanium trim 3 months ago, I was really looking forward to driving the new Fiesta in sporty and dynamic ST-Line specification. The wait was certainly worth it, as the wonderful Fiesta ST-Line is everything I expected from Ford, and more.

My test car was the all-new Ford Fiesta ST-Line 5-door, 1.0-litre EcoBoost 100PS 6-speed manual finished in stunning Frozen White paint (which looked amazing with the contrasting black front grille and trims). Standard ST-Line specification includes 17” Rock Metallic 5×2-spoke alloy wheels, unique ST-Line upper grille and full body styling kit with wing-mounted ST-Line badges, large body-coloured rear spoiler, sports-tuned suspension, sports-style front seats, ST-Line flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, sports pedals, black head-lining cloth, halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps with cornering lights, Ford SYNC 3 DAB radio (with 6.5” touchscreen, emergency assistance, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto), quick-clear heated windscreen, keyless start and a Thatcham alarm. Optional extras fitted on my test car consisted of an ‘Easy Driver Pack’ (power-folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors – priced at €200), a ‘Comfort Pack’ (heated front seats and steering wheel – priced at €400) and a ‘Driver Assistance Pack’ (pre-collision assist, distance indicator/alert and adaptive cruise control – priced at €700).

The ex-works price of my test car (without the optional extras fitted) is €21,550. Prices for the all-new Ford Fiesta start at €16,650 for the 3-door Zetec model and €17,250 for the 5-door edition. ST-Line specification models starts at a very reasonable €19,850 (ex-works).

The Fiesta ST-Line is very agile and composed, which makes it great for both town and motorway driving. The sports tuned suspension provides the car with excellent driving dynamics and delivers a sure-footed driving experience. The lighter steering in this new model means it’s easier and sharper to drive, there’s enough weight that you can feel the resistance coming through as you turn into a corner, and the feedback through the wheel means you can place the car on the road with ease. Body control is very good, and mid-corner bumps don’t upset the balance – making the car impressively comfortable. The Fiesta’s driving position is also excellent, with ample adjustment of the steering wheel and driver’s seat available.

Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine consumes as little as 3.6-litres of petrol for every 100km driven on an extra-urban driving cycle. The 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 10.5-seconds on the way to a top speed of 180km/h (where permitted). An impressive CO2 emission figure of 97g/km leads to annual road tax of just €180. Insurance premiums and maintenance costs have been kept low by Ford’s intelligent approach to manufacturing. Bake-hardened steel on the front wings, for example, offers better resistance to low speed bumps and scrapes. Headlamps and tail lamps are positioned high, away from potential impacts, while specially shaped ‘crash cans’ are designed as sacrificial parts, collapsing predictably in an impact to prevent more extensive damage and higher repair bills.

A valuable feature included on all Fiesta models is Ford’s ‘MyKey’ system. This provides a second key, which can be programmed with parameters, such as limited top speed, limiting the maximum volume of the radio and setting off warning sounds if seatbelts are not fastened, among other things. This is a great feature for parents of learner drivers.

There are very few supermini’s on the market that come close to matching the new Ford Fiesta’s ability, efficiency and comfort. The Fiesta is driver-friendly, spacious and great fun on the road. With the all-new Fiesta, Ford have ensured that the ‘best has just got even better’. The addition of the stunning ST-Line specification to the all-new Fiesta range will, undoubtedly, bring a whole new generation of buyers to the brand. In every way, the new Fiesta ST-Line is Simply Terrific.

Check out www.ford.ie for more information on the stunning Ford Fiesta range