FORD FIESTA

Most commentators agree that the Fiesta ST is the hot hatch to have in the junior shopping rocket segment. If you've decided that too, but concluded that the costs involved are just that little bit beyond you, then these ST-Line models offer a very tempting alternative. Yes, there's less power, but the handling promises to be very nearly as good - and possibly in some circumstances even better - than Ford's established class leader. Go on. You know you want to. Not everyone needs an ultimately powerful little hot hatch. High insurance premiums and even higher asking prices can often put paid to shopping rocket dreams. Which is why some makers will sell you a supermini with all the look and feel of a real GTi but none of the drawbacks. Here's Ford's solution, the Fiesta ST-Line. We've had plenty of really great sporting Ford Fiestas. In fact, the Blue Oval brand's hot hatch legacy around this model goes all the way back to the XR2 of 1981, with a history subsequently embellished by the more powerful RS1800 and RS Turbo models that followed it. At first glance to the unitiated, this ST-Line Fiesta looks just like the potent top ST model. ST-Line styling specifics include a unique 'ST-Line' upper grille, 'ST-Line' wing badges, a full bodystyling kit, 'Rock Metallic' 17-inch 5x2-spoke alloy wheels and a large body-coloured rear spoiler. Inside, there's sports seats, sports pedals and a flat-bottomed 'ST-Line' steering wheel. As for the changes made to this updated model, well the bonnet's been revised, the nose of the car raised and the brand badge moved into the grille, which is flanked by restyled LED headlamps.
Inside, Ford has added a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument display screen (only with plusher 'ST-Line Vignale' trim though), which complements the usual 8-inch SYNC 3 centre infotainment screen. It incorporates 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. Storage for personal belongings is delivered with a 20% larger glovebox and a 1-litre media bin in the centre console.