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Ford Fiesta ST200 review: Hot hatch to beat gets even better

Fiesta ST200 front
The new Ford Fiesta ST200 - with 212bhp on overboost

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27 June 2016

Ford Fiesta ST200 

What is it?

The Ford Fiesta ST200 is the first update for the fastest Fiesta – the ST, which came along in 2013 and quickly established itself as a hot hatch legend.

The ST200 has been released as a final flourish for current ST and Fiesta production. So does more power equal more fun for business buyers? We took the ST200 for a drive to find out…

 What’s hot

  • The ST200’s 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which via intake mods and electronic upgades now boasts 197bhp. Although if you mash the Fiesta’s throttle heavily, the clever, overboost function kicks in and 212bhp is yours. It definitely seems more alert and growly than the original ST (which is still available).
  • Top speed is now 143mph, with 0-62 acceleration taken care of in just 6.7 seconds. Plus, the 140g/km emissions and a 46.3 mpg fuel consumption could still make it cost-effective for business buyers – well if you squint!
The new Ford Fiesta ST200
Smart cabin
  • Outside, apart from the unique Storm Grey paint, black alloys with polished edges and obviously the ST200 badging, it looks exactly the same as the standard Fiesta ST – which we think is a good thing. Why? Well the original Fiesta ST is still a tasteful-looking hot hatch.
  • Again, inside you have to look hard for the ST200 changes over the standard car. That’s good again as the fundamentals were right in the first place. Our favourite part of the interior has to be those now ‘Charcoal’ covered Recaro seats, which help the excellent driving position, are really comfortable and add welcome support when the going gets twisty!
  • One of the main reasons why the current Fiesta ST has been such a success is down to its keen chassis dynamics – it’s really amazing how much power you can carry through corners! With more power, Ford have taken the opportunity to implement a less aggressive suspension set up, which sounds wrong, as yes, there’s a tad more body roll. However on the plus side, the ST200 adds welcome comfort and there’s even more feel transmitted through this Fiesta’s revised but still pin-sharp steering. Together you can make the most of the extra revs from the shorter final drive.

What’s not 

  • An extra £5,000 for what is mostly a paint job, badging and special alloys is a lot. Could the factory-approved Mountune be the better value option at £599, when fitted to the standard car?
  • We like the partly manufactured engine sound of the ST200, but reckon its boominess might make long drives a bit of a chore.
  • Some of the ST200 detailing is a bit naff considering the price, in particular, we didn’t like the ‘ST200’ badge on the centre console.
  • The Fiesta’s small central infotainment screen makes reading directions from the optional sat-nav hard.

Verdict on the Ford Fiesta ST200

And the ordinary ST?

The ST200 proves there’s still life in the current Fiesta yet!

It’s as good to drive as it has ever been and even with the 140g/km emissions, we reckon it would give a 20% tax rate business buyer a lot of fun for under £100 a month benefit-in-kind.

The lowdown on: Ford Fiesta ST200

Doors and body style 3-door hatch
Engine/gearbox: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbo/6-speed manual transmission
CO2 Emissions: 140g/km
Economy: 46.3mpg
Power/torque: 197bhp/289Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 6.7secs/143mph
Insurance group: 30

…..and what it costs

 

P11D Value £22,560
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) £369.99
Road tax (VED) Band F
Company Car Tax Bands 2016/17 to 2018/19 25%, 27%, 29%
Benefit in kind 2016/17 to 2018/19 £5,640, £6.091, £6,542
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) £1,110/£92.50
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) £2,220/£185
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) £1,128/£94
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) £2,256/£188
Figures correct at time of posting June 2016
For latest figures Use our company car tax calculator
The new Ford Fiesta ST200
Looking good – the new Ford Fiesta ST200

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