Ford Fiesta ST

Subjected to 850,000 kilometres of durability testing to ensure high levels of reliability, the hot-hatch was then pushed harder on 7,500km of race track... and then underwent 5,000km of high speed testing.

The ‘torture test’ came at the Nardo Technical Centre proving grounds in Italy, during which the Fiesta ST was driven flat-out in temperatures in excess of 40C.

And only after coming through all that testing was the Ford Team RS ready to stick on the ST badging.

Such rigorous testing is a necessity because some hot-hatch fans will want to take the Fiesta ST on the track and its engine, transmission, chassis and body must be able to handle the extreme use that its performance invites.

For most drivers, though, the Fiesta ST will be a road car that won’t shake your fillings out.

Indeed, that’s what makes the Fiesta ST such a fine little car. It bridges the gap between performance car and everyday hatchback – something for which its big brother Focus ST is also renowned.

Key to the car’s driving qualities is the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that takes it from standstill to 62mph in a mere 6.9 seconds. It’s a beauty.

Previous versions were armed with a 2.0-litre unit, but this new turbocharged unit delivers 20 per cent more power and an equally better fuel economy figure than the previous version.

The powertrain, suspension, steering and brakes have been tuned for better driving dynamics while Ford has introduced Torque Vectoring Control and three-mode Electronic Stability Control to complete the handling package.

Another clever piece of technology, eTVC, applies brake force to the inside front wheel of the Fiesta ST when cornering to improve road holding and reduce understeer without affecting speed.

Elsewhere, new software controls the Fiesta ST’s balance in response to steering inputs under acceleration and braking, so that even when pushing the car to extremes you feel in control at all times.

The result is the best-handling small car I have driven this year.

With a slick six-speed gearbox and rear disc brakes to boot, it provides both thrills and a comfortable ride.

I doubt whether there is another car out there with a price tage of around £17,000 that is so enjoyable.

To be honest, the previous Fiesta ST was no great shakes, and a poor shadow of the Focus version. But that’s all changed now.

I attended the European press launch in Nice, where French mountain roads provided the ideal playground for this little terrier. With small piles of snow still at the roadside, the twisty route over 100 miles tested the Fiesta ST again and again, and not once was it found to be lacking. Corner after corner came into view and the ST dealt with them all with aplomb.

Such is this engine’s breadth that it was possible to simply select third gear and let the huge power band do its stuff. This is the fastest production Fiesta ever built and unlike its comparatively weedy predecessor it is destined to be the stuff of legend in this price bracket.

Accompanying its performance is a new Sound Symposer that channels the engine note to the cabin to ensure the distinctive engine roar is integral to the driving experience. Oh, bliss.

A hot-hatch like the Fiesta ST must look the part, too, and on the outside, it features a unique honeycomb grille, sharper headlight design and dramatic rear diffuser element. Inside, key elements are the grippy but comfortable Recaro seats, carbon fibre dashboard inserts, alloy-metal pedals and a spattering of ST detailing.

The three-door Fiesta ST comes in Race Red or Spirit Blue metallic colours or a pearlescent Molten Orange and Spirit Blue, and it is the latter that shows off the car’s sharp styling and badging to best effect.

The only other choice to make is whether to opt for the ST or ST2.

The ST(£16,995) comes with the aforementioned kit, plus DAB radio, daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. ST2, which costs £1,000 more, adds LED daytime running lights, partial leather seats, privacy glass, Ford start button and an enhanced audio set-up.

Further option packs are available to add satellite navigation, illuminated scuff plates and red brake callipers.

UK buyers placed 600 advance orders and are destined to snap up more than half of the 10,000 cars being produced for the European market this year.

We’ve had a long-running love affair with hot-hatches in this country, and this one is simply sensational for the money.

FORD FIESTA ST

PRICE: £16,995
ENGINE: 1.6-litre Ecoboost petrol producing 182PS
TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual
PERFORMANCE: 0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds; top speed 137mph
ECONOMY: 47.9mpg combined
CO2 RATING: 138g/km