Fiesta for hot hatch

Officially the fastest production Ford Fiesta ever built, the new and long-awaited ST has finally arrived to bloody its fists against Volkswagen's Polo GTI and Renault's soon-to-be-launched Renault Clio RS 200.

Engineered by Ford Team RS, this hot hatchling comes armed with a specially tuned version of the firm's acclaimed 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine plus a whole host of chassis tweaks to sharpen-up its already keen reflexes.

Riding 15mm lower to the pavement, you can expect the ST to dish-up some particularly stellar handling characteristics thanks to increased roll-stiffness, a revised front steering knuckle as well as a set of bespoke springs and dampers.

Retardation also gets a boost thanks to the fitment of disc brakes on all four corners and the sourcing of more fade-resistant pads.

Finally, and just like its bigger Focus ST brother, this fiery three-door comes fitted with Ford's Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) - a Fiesta first.

Designed to mimic a mechanical limited-slip differential by braking the inside wheel when cornering, this system improves road holding by reducing the frustrating effects of understeer.

How does it look?

In an attempt to make it stand out from the lesser Fiesta crowd, Ford has peppered their new ST with all sorts of go-faster tinsel. The front gets a trapezoidal grille while the rear scores twin exhaust tailpipes and an air-diffuser.

You will also notice a subtle set of side skirts, a stumpy roof spoiler as well as some rather dapper, five-spoke alloy wheels shod with sticky 205/40 R17 Hankook Ventus rubber. On paper this should do lots to sex-up the car's visual ante.

However, in the harsh light of a cold Delmas morning, I found that the ST still comes across a little too ordinary for my liking.

The previous version, what with its bold Shelby stripes and beefier rear arches, was unmistakably different. But this time around you almost always need a second glance to make sure you're not looking at a 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium. There's a similar story to be had on the inside.

Apart from a fantastically supportive pair of Recaro sports seats, a teeny leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals and Sony audio system, there's not much else that shouts about this car's newfound performance credentials.

Not a problem if you're a fan of automotive subtlety. But, and let's be honest, which ST devotee knows the meaning of the word?

What is it like to drive?

Wow, pretty damn impressive if you ask me. While the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine might not be all that powerful (the unit in the new Renault Clio RS sports an extra 13kW), it does deliver an almighty slug of torque.

Twisting out 290Nm worth of the stuff on overboost (when turbo boost pressure is momentarily increased under full-throttle acceleration), the Fiesta feels brow-raisingly responsive from tickover all the way up to the 6750rpm limiter.

Partnered to a good old-fashioned six-speed manual gearbox, the ST is consequently suited to a broad range of automotive activities. Anything from blasting around technical racetracks to taking an introspective cruise down some lonely highway.

But the real trump card lurking in this machine's performance hand has to be its sublime handling. Sure, the ride may be a little on the harsh side but throw it through a couple of curves and you'll quickly be rewarded with unshakable poise, a lively chassis and meaty, communicative steering. There's also plenty of predictable, mid-corner adjustment to be had by playing with the throttle. All of these enviable dynamic elements help fashion the ST into an extremely confidence-inspiring hot hatch, one that any enthusiast can hop in and manhandle with not much acclimatisation.

Any special features?

Scratch that slightly ordinary looking surface and you will discover that the Fiesta ST comes laden with equipment.

And the headlining act has to be the Ford Sync system that allows you, via Bluetooth, to pipe music stored on your mobile phone through the block-rocking, six-speaker Sony audio system.

Other choice electronic tidbits include an auxiliary-in and USB port, automatic climate control, Hill Launch Assist and cruise control.

Seriously, the only option boxes left to tick are rear parking sensors and a fancier-than stock Level 4 Thatcham alarm system.

Should you buy one?

Definitely. More fun than the comparatively austere and more expensive Volkswagen Polo GTI, the Fiesta ST bundles proper hot hatch thrills into an extremely competitive package - especially when you consider that it ships standard with both a four-year/120000km warranty and four-year/60000km service plan.

Though some might be disappointed by its questionably bland looks, this fast Ford remains an engaging and well-equipped all-rounder that will please 99% of performance enthusiasts shopping within this segment.

Yeah, the yet-to-be-unleashed Renault Clio RS and Peugeot 208 GTI now have their work cut out for them. Let the bloody battle commence.

The Specs:

FIESTA ST

Engine: 1596cc four-cylinder turbo

Power: 134kw at 5700rpm

Torque: 240Nm from 1600-5000rpm (290Nm on overboost)

0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 220km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 5.9l/100km (claimed combined)

CO2: 138g/km (claimed)

Price: from R254500

We like:

Torquey and characterful engine

Excellent handling and good brakes

High level of equipment

We don't like:

Ride is a bit harsh

Styling maybe a bit bland for some

Recaro seats are cloth only