Verdict: Attractive, fiesty and warm alternative to its hot hatch big brother – the ST
What’s hot?
> 138bhp coming from a three-cylinder 999cc engine are impressive numbers, in fact this is a higher specific output per litre than you’d get from the Bugatti Veyron hypercar!
> More impressive, is that despite the extra power, this is the smoothest version of the 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine I’ve ever tried.
> This Fiesta might have giant-killing performance but should cost the business buyer buttons to run, with 104g/km CO2 and 62.8mpg combined consumption figures.
> The current Fiesta has always been the driver’s choice of supermini and although not as sharp as the hottest ST, the precise, meaty feel to the steering just adds to this Fiesta’s sporty drive.
> Well-judged ride from the lowered suspension, taut enough to be sporty, but supple enough to live with on a day to day basis -unlike its big brother, the ST.
> Squint and from a distance, you could almost convince yourself you’re driving the ST. The body kit is similar, with the Zetec’s smaller 16- inch wheels and the Black and Red edition coloured highlights only giving the game away.
> The interior is equally tasteful, with hugging sports seats and lots of shiny piano black plastic the order of the day.
> The engine comes alive from around 2,000rpm and is happy to rev right through to the red line. It is pleasingly refined and very torquey too, although the charismatic three-cylinder engine note and turbo whoosh are addictive!
What’s not?
> Ford reckoned that a six-speed gearbox wasn’t necessary and while the standard five-speeder is slick, I can’t help feeling that this Fiesta would be a more relaxed performer with an extra cog.
> Is the Fiesta Zetec-S too expensive when compared with rivals? I ask as, the equally entertaining Suzuki Swift Sport does pretty much the same job as the Ford, for almost two grand less.
> Confusingly, the 140bhp Zetec-S Ecoboost is only available in Black and Red Edition versions, which despite being editions aren’t actually limited at all! In my opinion, the Red Edition is the more tasteful of the two.
> Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you can live with body highlights finished in the opposite colour. For example, the Black Edition has a red roof and highlights, whereas the Red Edition has a black roof and highlights.
> The standard Fiesta problems remain, such as the confusing centre console, some of the plastics in the cabin feel a bit cheap and despite plenty of interior space, rivals offer more practicality.
