Ford Fiesta ST 2020 review

Is this the greatest hot hatch on sale? Does the new Fiesta ST have what takes? Arriving with huge shoes to fill after the last generation of fast Fiesta, a cult classic, the 2020 Ford Fiesta ST substitutes in a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, mechanical LSD and a super-adjustable chassis for maximum shenanigans. Should you buy a Fiesta ST over a Polo GTI? In this video, a review of the 2020 Ford Fiesta ST five door, Tom drives this Ford hot hatch, looking into its dynamics, comfort, practicality and value for money.
Watch our other new Ford content:
Focus vs Golf vs Mazda 3: • VW Golf vs Mazda 3 vs ...
What do you think of the Ford Fiesta? Should they have brought the rest of the range out? Is the Fiesta ST the best fast hatch? Would you consider one?
Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments.
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Covers the exterior, interior, engine and handling of the Ford Fiesta ST 2020 / 2019 Fiesta ST.
READ our detailed Australian coverage of the 2020 Ford range here: chasingcars.com.au

[@dungareesareforfools]

Genuinely the best car I've driven, I was grinning as soon as I pulled away! If the ST is the only model to be sold in Australia, it seems a strange decision to make that just the 5-door though. Although depressingly in line with how other marques are going.

[@person.X.]

It is a crying shame they no longer sell these in Oz as they were good value back in 2020. If I had known that all the good, cheap manual cars were going to disappear I would have bought one. I thought I could wait another couple of years.

[@mikeykeyes]

In Australia where tyre speed ratings are the lowest in any developed country, speed limits are more limit than speed, from average Joe to the authorities all they do is demonise anyone driving over 40km/hr just WHERE will you drive this car and use its 147kw? Just because a hoon does thrice the speed limit and crashes does not mean every road good or bad gets the same speed limit based on bureaucrats not real engineers. How badly brain washed people have become I give you an example: a local cycle loving doctor went down a steep hill on his pushbike losing control and ended up hitting a tree and killing himself after a prolonged battle. A resident (who did not wish to be named) said he has been campaigning with the local Council to reduce the speed limit for months!!!!

[@kelvpoon]

Na absolutely 5 doors all the way! Thank you Ford! Not everyone can just buy a fun car that is complexity impractical lol

[@bakersmileyface]

Nah. It's a sporty car, not a family car. It's something for the kids to show off to their friends and do the whole "my dick is bigger than yours" thing. Or in my case it's to take down the track since I go to grassroots and rally events. Or other people just like cars in general and will buy one to do it up or for the sake of buying one. That's what the car is clearly marketed to do with it's performance packages and redirected engine noises along with the small back seats. So 3 doors would make more sense to me. 5 doors seems rather impractical for it's intended use since it just adds weight and would reduce it's performance.

[@kelvpoon]

bakersmileyface opened it up to many more buyers than kids

[@resnonverba137]

@@kelvpoon It also looks better as a 5-door. Win, win.

[@kelvpoon]

@@resnonverba137 I got an eV instead in the end lol

[@JB47000]

Got one of these when they first came out over a year ago. Absolutely love it. It’s a fantastic car. So fun to drive and it’s brilliant as a daily driver.

[@chasingcars]

Well summed up!

[@te5350]

I wanna buy one, do you think its also good for road trips? Austria Switzerland Germany

[@rxs87]

Did the seat loosen up a bit over time, my only complaint was the seats are a bit tight but I have heard it loosens up over time

[@MLife1972]

5 doors - brilliant. I thought it was only coming in a 3 door. Thanks for the review.

[@chasingcars]

No worries!

[@dscecil]

I agree with it being better with 5 doors. It was a significant factor in our purchase of ours. Very, very happy with the car.

[@metsot]

The 5 door suits the St well.

[@Kskdoru]

In my opinion, 5 door looks better. 3 door looks very loaded in the back and unfinished 😬

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough - there are two camps on this question, for sure.

[@msjp81]

Looking forward to driving one of these. Have had a Golf GTI or Polo GTI in my garage for the last 15 years, my wife had a WP Fiesta when we were dating (sold for a combined purchase of a Mk5 Golf GTI when we moved in together) and i always enjoyed throwing it around a round-a-bout. Never failed to lift the inside rear wheel.

[@club1fan552]

Interior (mainly dials) still look a bit cheap but way better than previously. I have no problem with a 5 door. Not everyone is 6 foot so for shorter folks it's fine. Looks like the climate controls are not touch screen thank god. A manual! Brilliant! Now, just give me one with rear wheel drive please...

[@sanjay.sinclair]

Most people will settle for a 5 door if the couldn’t get a 3, but no one will settle for a 3 door over a 5.

[@chasingcars]

That is a very good way of looking at it.

[@Jacobscottturnbull]

I’m getting this for my first car

[@bryangrose5490]

Loving your work at the moment. Another great review.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Bryan. We're having a great time of it at the moment.

[@alientje97]

meh i'll stick with my mk 7.5 3 doors ST. when stock everyone is always saying ow but the new 1 has 15 more hp... wel yes but actually no.... the mk 7 has a overboost pumping the HP up to 200 and +40 nm torque for 12 seconds. get a little chip and ur rocking 212 hp and 80-90 extra torque over stock, ready to invest some money? 1.600 euros and i'm on 249 hp 380 nm torque. and it's all so easy to do. and almost 200 kg lighter than the new 5 doors. and the completely weird part is the car can easily handle it, yeah get some REAL premium tires because duh, mucho HP, but is still drives like a normal car until you get past 50% gasspedal travel, after that it is a true rocket pocket! if you can get a secondhand fiesta st mk7, get it! PS: rearseating space between mk7 and mk8 isnt that much different.

[@chirpywiggins5796]

Most folk will wait for their Ford warranty to expire on their new mk8 before modifying it, otherwise you’re just asking for trouble. The mk 8 in stock form is plenty quick enough for most folk anyway.

[@danielleroux6490]

Anyone watching in North America, please call or write Ford Customer Service. Tell them we want the new Fiesta ST and/or Focus ST in the U.S./Canadian market. If all their customers are telling them, they'll listen and bring us these hot hatches. Thank you for your support in this petition effort!

[@weemankai]

HOLY SHIT WHERE DID YOU GET THAT???? I'm talking about the hand sanitizer :D

[@chasingcars]

Secret stash!

[@sarahquinn2537]

I have the titanium ..beautiful drive put her into sports mode and I am a happy bunny such an easy enjoyable drive ..

[@nathanforrest3945]

The Titanium doesn't have a sports mode?

[@AlanBeardEfviUK]

Great review, I am from the UK, owning one of these ST and am really envious watching you drive. We are in lockdown with essential journeys only currently permitted. I have owned an 'ordinary' new ST and for UK only a performance edition, the only major difference in said 'performance edition' is the use of adjustable suspension and lightweight wheels - they once again transform what is an already excellent car into something else beyond. These additions could be opted for separately on Ford UK options, but they produced this P.E. £26K . I won't link the vid here but CAR magazine did a vid test here on youtube about 2 weeks ago featuring the Performance Edition. Whatever, ignore my waffle, the ST is a fun car to drive in whatever guise with a super engine and a great chassis

[@chasingcars]

The Performance Edition sounds like another great refinement of this vehicle. I’ll check out CAR’s video. Hang in there. Many great drives to plan for the future!

[@k47010]

Great review Tom!! Really appreciated you highlighting the short shifting and exhaust note.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@dennischeng4391]

Great review Tom, one of the best hot hatches i reckon. I also saw sanitizer😂😂

[@chasingcars]

Dennis Cheng Thanks, Dennis! Yep, liquid gold...

[@justin3131ify]

"6 speed manual is the only choice in this car" bit of an oxymoron right there. If it is the only transmission available, then there is no choice.

[@Kuze2501]

Took too damn long to get here. Definitely should have been a 3-door. Still, I'll test drive one :p

[@chasingcars]

Definitely worthy of that test drive.

[@peterwhitten4555]

Really enjoyed your review Tom. I'm "this" close to buying one ;-)

[@chasingcars]

It's a good car!

[@meganjay30]

the polo looks absolutly crap.. like any vw..

[@Clove_Parma]

Stop flexing with your Dettol, damnit Tom! Don't wanna get rolled

[@chasingcars]

Like leaving $100 on the front seat these days...

[@michaelliu4773]

You do really need to check if that Dettol is able to kill virus. It definitely can kill germs though

[@BomberFletch31]

I'm not a hot hatch fan, I just want something that's at most, mildly warmed up. I would love the Focus ST-Line if it had a manual gearbox.

[@chasingcars]

That would be lovely.

[@green_comet83]

Great review Tom! The new FiST looks pretty awesome, it's just a shame Ford didn't fit the cool looking LED headlights they can get in Europe. I'd choose better lighting any day over a heated steering wheel and windshield that comes as standard in Aus for some silly reason. Hopefully Ford Aus will wake up and at least offer them as an option.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, it’s interesting. We appear to get the headlight assembly of the low-spec car in Europe but with LED components here (for low beam - high beam is halogen). Confirming though that it does indeed have LED headlights.

[@CherryGS]

@@chasingcars They changed this some weeks ago back here in Europe for the normal Fiesta and Focus as well. What was the standard "halogen only"-option now gets LEDs for low beam, high beam remains haolgen. It's a shame you don't get full options to choose from. I just checked the brochure, only thing you get to decide is the color and whether you want the panoramic roof or not, is this right?

[@meganjay30]

@@CherryGS it's a really dumb population here in Australia.. these cars were never advertised on the TV so nobody really knows about them.. people still refer to my mk7 fiesta ST as a focus lol. People here only buy what the TV tells them to buy. These cars get major abuse on the road tho, always getting cut off and tailgated, retards always staring and trying to race us, flashing their lights and beeping at us when I take off fast.. I hate Australia.

[@Michael_Mears]

Tom, you're obviously keen on this hot hatch...and it certainly shows in the driving.

[@chasingcars]

Love a hot hatch, and this one is very, very communicative.

[@Xellyish]

The sound is Epic! Most fun car I had!! With lighter wheels it will be crazy 🙂

[@kieranhendy]

Polo killer? What, a 1.5 with pretty much no safety features? Add to that, in the 5 door the space in the back is an absolute joke. Potentially catch on with the younger buyers but that happens with pretty much every fiesta.

[@rynomuncher]

How cool are three pots! I know they're mostly used as part of a "downsizing" scheme but they just sound so cool!

[@chasingcars]

In this case I think it's a real benefit over a turbo four. It suits the car and the gearbox very well.

[@Rabsallawah]

“The ergonomics are not the best” 😅 Ok, Mr Sweeping Statement with ZERO justification. Almost as good as the “at high speeds” complaint about road noise. Almost a like, but not.

[@chasingcars]

Take it or leave it - we drive everything in the small car segment extensively, so we are quite well-placed to make judgments. Thanks

[@NA-mm5nb]

I have drove both and 100% prefer the FIESTA. For polo gti and fiesta st money tho I would prefer a 1 series m sport or a amg line a class. At the end of the day on these cars you are paying for performance. Better off in a slightly less powered premium hatchback because after a month you will be driving the car normal

[@chasingcars]

In Australia you're talking double the money for a serious 1 Series or A-Class (M135i or A250/A35).

[@NA-mm5nb]

Chasing Cars but I would rather have a normal a class or one series over a polo or fiesta? It’s a polo or a fiesta at the end of the day lool

[@NA-mm5nb]

Chasing Cars it’s like 30 hp gains and the interior is disgusting and cheap. Just get an AMG LINE or MSPORT for the same price as what is a polo or fiesta

[@kenwarren8693]

Humm..... how many people had posters of a FORD on their walls as kids. I’d take the same money and buy a used Boxster S. Pedigree,history, and all four wheels will usually stay planted on the ground. .....and the wail at 5000 rpm is worth it all.

[@cassis1018]

Reminds me of the suzuki swift sport (before the hybrid came). No need to go near the red line. Still, a swift with extra boost could be a better comparison. That said the ST is great for my 50+ year old ass to sit on during weekend. And I like the mid range torque. Quiet and fast. Good for where I live, switzerland.

[@fordyford]

Hell no it isnt. 1.5 3 cyl vs 2.0L 4 cyl The Polo is cheaper drive away and quicker. The polo is nicer inside and better equipped. Ford missed the mark pricing this so high.

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough! Sounds like good grounds for a comparison.

[@Chema7657]

I love the Fiesta ST

[@PaulYoudell]

I love the way that this car can change colour: more cars should have this chameleon feature.

[@chasingcars]

Lol. We had the red one, and Ford provided some launch assets in the blue. I think it’s helpful giving you a view of different colour choices.

[@PaulYoudell]

@@chasingcars :) So is the stock footage also in Australia: I noticed the yellow road markings? I am in the UK. I saw a uk car review where the reviewer interlaced uk left hand drive drive shots with right hand drive German shots: that was pretty surreal. Hope you and your family are keeping well at this difficult time.

[@chasingcars]

Yep - some Australian high altitude roads have yellow markings. All good here - wishing you all the best too.

[@garethevens]

My 2013 still rocks and looks way better... three door and will be the classic model in my opinion

[@paulcfyeung]

Great review and agree on the 3 door comments, it's actually the only thing that stopped me from buying one as that looks far better IMO. It's such a shame!

[@chasingcars]

Seems like opinions on 3 vs 5 door are very polarised - I never knew.

[@paulcfyeung]

@@chasingcars sorry what I meant was I agree that they should've brought in the 3dr instead of the 5dr and the relatively plain proportion of the 5 is the only reason it stopped me from getting it. I would've been happy to jump from my MegRS265 to a 3dr ST, but a 5 door is a step too far haha

[@chasingcars]

Paul Yeung Yep, you and I are on the same page! Just saying there are some very strong 5 door defenders in the comments too. A choice between both would have been ideal but understand they could only select one shape for Australia.

[@brianiswrong]

I would imagine fords examination of the class and Australian buyers trends,showed for every potential customer who walks away because of 5 doors,3 or 4 customers try it out because it has 5 doors.

[@694069406940]

don't like it just don't look as sporty as the mk6 the mk6 is the best looking one

[@shaheenevans]

Thanks Tom for the great content - Would be a great first car!

[@chasingcars]

No worries, Shaheen - this vid was a lot of fun to make.

[@goran2009]

My brother had 2016 Fiesta St, stage 1 tuning, it was a true pocket 🚀. I wish that new one had some sort of rally themed virtual cockpit...

[@chasingcars]

That would be cool - but honestly, I am fine with these clean analogue dials. Better than accidentally ruining it with something more intense.

[@enfantterrible4868]

The question would be, is the Polo gti a fiesta st killer?

[@bmwm333e92]

not top spec in aus and nz, no sunroof, no full led headlights, no 3 door.....but first 35 of those are all sold in NZ, waiting for next shipment in August

[@chasingcars]

Ours is pretty specced up, and you can option a sunroof if you want to wait for a factory order, not sure if there are any in the country here in Australia - but it is an official option

[@jshbtly5416]

3 door. Cheaper, lighter and like you said, the majority of people buying it aren’t cramming kids or passengers in the back.

[@chasingcars]

That’s my view but there have certainly been some strong defences of the 5 door in these comments.

[@leightaylor806]

I know what you are saying mate, and sure, having five doors adds a little extra weight, but with five doors, there is better weight distribution for a front wheel drive pocket rocket (surely?). Totally enjoy it! (even if it's a little slower, you will never notice)

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough and that is a good point - for me it’s really just an aesthetic thing with the Fiesta. I prefer the looks of the three door.

[@garydavis1528]

It always beats with relative consummate ease it’s competitors, the Polo has never matched let alone beat the Fiesta for driving dynamics and engineering.

[@chasingcars]

Polo’s still a great car but it achieves highly in different areas.

[@arifazar786]

Do Australia get the option of performance pack and that all important quafe diff.. ?

[@chasingcars]

Yep, the Performance Pack is standard. Australia’s version of the car is a very high specification. We don’t get the special edition with adaptive dampers, however.

[@foxmix8519]

Is the 20.75 model?

[@w00t777]

It makes a great first car, affordable and fun to drive. Shame we dont see alot of them around., I bet its because they only come in manual.

[@chasingcars]

I think you're probably right about that.

[@stukkak1976]

For me, Ford ruined this car with that stupid stick on tablet. I just can't look past it. I will break it off. Polo Gti is so much better.

[@chasingcars]

The chassis more than makes up for a few unfortunate choices - at least they included the button to turn off the display.

[@stukkak1976]

@@chasingcars it's very unfortunate, because it is a great car, like you pointed out. I am one of those OCD types and the tablet trend is just the worst these days. I just can't live with it.

[@MrRez808]

This has made my day. I love this car. Never owned one but driven a few 😁

[@chasingcars]

Glad you liked it. Can recommend this one…

[@litnin3755]

i wish we got the 3 door fiesta st

[@oioi873]

learn manual...wtf? lol

[@beefcake9339]

If cost wasn't a factor, would you buy the Fiesta ST or the i30N?

[@chasingcars]

Definitely the Fiesta. The Hyundai is a treat for the ears but I don’t think a hot hatch should weigh 1500kg. It blunts the fun considerably at road speeds.

[@beefcake9339]

@@chasingcars Awesome, thanks for the reply.

[@loyalbear3954]

Great drivers car but the VW Polo has it licked for Interior space, quality, and technology. Overall the Polo has a more mature and premium feel plus a DSG gearbox. VW for me as a daily driver, ST for weekend blasts. :)

[@chasingcars]

That's all correct, though I do wish the Polo GTI was still available with a manual here in Australia (in fact, I don't think the manual is available on the Polo GTI anywhere in the world). The DSG works well in it, though. That said, the Fiesta amps up the fun by 20% or so.

[@loyalbear3954]

@@chasingcars Agree, i have 2 children and sat them both in the back of both vehicles. The space in the back of the Polo was amazing, felt like a golf in fact. The Fiesta was cramped AF. Polo boot is also 350L again nearly Golf size. More pluses for the Polo IMO

[@danielleroux6490]

BUT you'd still choose the Polo with the 6-speed Manual Gearbox, right???? #savethemanuals

[@billybilly633]

love mine great review as normal

[@samiam5326]

Think I'll stick with my 3 door 1.6L 4 cylinder.

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough but if you get the opportunity to have a steer of the new one I’d recommend it

[@StanLibuda23]

Best Hot Hatch ever!

[@jjrosaria]

I’m guessing all the Australian Reviews come out today? I had the last generation. In race red too! I loved it to bits. I have test driven the new one and it’s definitely much improved. The diff was a great improvement and it feel faster and more polished than the old one.

[@chasingcars]

Yep, embargo came down today hence the flood of content. Good to hear you’ve taken it for a drive. It’s a great vehicle.

[@jjrosaria]

Chasing Cars if that’s you Tom relying, I know you love your MX5 and that’s what I traded my old mk7 in for. I couldn’t trade my ND for the mk8 fiesta ST. Definitely still a much more special car for me! Unless the wife forces me to get a 4 door haha

[@limpunsing224]

I have driven the previous gen but not this one Is it more fun to drive or just better fuel economy ? Good review

[@chasingcars]

The turbo triple is really great. The fuel economy (about 6.5L/100km in real world country touring) is very good, but not the main point.

[@JB47000]

Mines gets about 37 mpg city driving and about 45 mpg on the motorway. Obviously if you drive it fast the figures plummet.

[@lukelawrence6007]

Hey Tom will u reviewing the yaris gr soon

[@chasingcars]

As soon as it comes out in Australia, you bet.

[@angusbutton2284]

The hand sanitiser... haha

[@chasingcars]

Gotta laugh or you’ll cry at this point

[@jmartinsearch]

Is it better and happier to drive this vs the BMW 2020 135m?

[@chasingcars]

Yes, 100%

[@jmartinsearch]

@@chasingcars wow! You can buy two fiesta ST for the Price of the 135m

[@x12flare73]

It’s not really new, it’s been out for 2 years - I really want one 😆

[@chasingcars]

X Flare Australia got this one really late. Still, glad it’s now here.

[@RAGINGXBULL2]

Im stuck on my Green P's for a few more years, so this is what im planning on buying until I can drive something like a type r or RS

[@cameronm4201]

RAGING BULL you can get the LZ old gen Focus ST on P’s in Vic, very good car.

[@chasingcars]

Would be a very fun first fast car

[@weitham2676]

Old vs new, which is more fun?

[@thorstenwillms6423]

Definitly the new one. I drove the old one about five years and now the new one about one year. Believe me, the new one is better in everything

[@michaelliu4773]

Another great review Tom! How is fuel economy? Does those Recaro seats have lumbar support btw?

[@chasingcars]

They have decent adjustable lumbar for back support but note the bulky side bolsters are fixed and not adjustable. Fuel economy on my spirited cross country run was 6.5L/100km and a bit higher in town. All in all, cheap to run!

[@michaelliu4773]

Chasing Cars thanks Tom. One last question, how is steering for normal and sport. I worried about steering wheel might be too heavy in normal mode for daily.

[@chasingcars]

In Normal the steering is really good, well weighted, not too heavy. Sadly in sport mode it’s too artificially beach for my tastes - but thankfully I found it fine to drive in Normal all the time, with or without ESC in sport mode (which is a separate control).

[@mjyumping]

Hi, when are you going to to review the new Focus ST?

[@chasingcars]

As soon as it comes out in Australia, I hope.

[@samurai8079]

I will not buy this car... this is a waste of money... better you save some extra coins to buy something better

[@chasingcars]

Flame comment is flame comment

[@MrBenHaynes]

Such as? A Mazda MX-5? They cost more!

[@azadr9231]

When are you reviewing the Focus ST?

[@chasingcars]

As soon as it's released in Australia, I hope!

[@Neon8787]

"Sorry, my bad" Hahahaha

[@chasingcars]

Oooop

[@zaamuro8408]

9.32 "Sorry my bad"

[@chasingcars]

Caught that!

[@schunkelperser1794]

The gear stick is placed too low. The recaro seats are far too narrow in the bum area...evil fail.

[@chasingcars]

Depends on your body shape of course. Test driving the car gets you an answer pretty quickly.

[@schunkelperser1794]

Chasing Cars Sorry Tom. I've test driven it here in germany. It's buttocks anesthesia with every kind of body shape. Ford and Recaro know it from hundreds of customer responses. The gear stick is placed too low (please compare it e.g. to the Mazda MX-5). The steering wheel is too big. I would have bought this car, because i love the optics and the concept. But these points are there.

[@chasingcars]

Jan Stephan Yeah, I meant that as guidance for other people. We drove it over 1,000km and didn’t find the seat a problem. Tight sports seats have these issues but it will not be an issue for everybody, fortunately.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed on the gear shift ergonomics though as I mentioned in the video

[@schunkelperser1794]

Chasing Cars Well, tight sport seats aren't a problem. I even love the Type R ones. It's the construction of the lower part. Have a look e.g. at the Focus STs Recaros. Everything is fine there (and the shifter is placed in a better way there as well). Or go for a drive with the KIA Proceed GT...lovely seats, absolutely perfect.

[@benjaminrogez4266]

pilote au lieu de parler!!

[@chasingcars]

Get you a man who can do both

[@shaheenevans]

Bring the 3 door !

[@chasingcars]

Agreed - given this is one for the fans, the three-door probably would have made more sense, to me at least.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Loving it great review Tom

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Malcolm. Lots of fun!

[@aadi8568]

Wait for the GR yaris...

[@chasingcars]

Hard to imagine they’ll get it in as cheaply as this, which is AUD 32k, but I’d like to be surprised!

[@aadi8568]

@@chasingcars Good point

[@MrBenHaynes]

Wait for the i20N (and wait, and wait....)

[@chasingcars]

And wait.......

[@davothegreat9990]

If you have the mk7 st, keep it! Not worth the upgrade.

[@chirpywiggins5796]

Better interior, handles better and more performance over the mk 7, it’s a significant step up if you’ve driven both.

[@davothegreat9990]

@@chirpywiggins5796 performance is marginal. Mk7 is better for mods. Handling won't take much in mods either. Interior, yeah ok. If you already have a mk7 st in your garage, not worth the upgrade. Yes, I've seen and driven the new one!!

[@LincolnRobinson]

Love the sanny!

[@chasingcars]

Gotta beat the ‘Rona

[@LincolnRobinson]

@@chasingcars bloody magpies

[@Mexxx65]

Fiesta is too small for a 5Dr layout The new 3 cylinder donk, is breathless, anemic, and sounds uninspiring, for a Hot Hatch 1217kgs, is getting way to heavy for its class The VW Polo does have ride comfort and firmness when required.

[@chasingcars]

Yep, it is. The legroom situation’s pretty compact. Compare to a Polo which is better packaged and works well as a five door. As for the rest - don’t agree and a drive will confirm that isn’t accurate. The three cylinder is more than muscular enough, and 1217kg is very light for this class...

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@chasingcars Swift Sport is a featherweight at 970kg then.

[@chasingcars]

Indeed it is. No LSD, though, and a lot less content inside.

[@mattsamuels3607]

SSS isn’t on the same level as a Fiesta ST performance wise 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@marvinmaro1633]

Nice review.. Is it just as much fun to drive as a bmw 330i new series?

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, but in a very different way. This and a 330i would make an awesome two car garage...

[@selldivision]

It's not Bang and Olufsen. It's B&o.

[@chasingcars]

Wait, it’s the same thing, right?

[@JB47000]

B&O play is a sub-brand of Bang and Olufsen

[@chasingcars]

Interesting. I guess Bang and Olufsen are responsible for the quality though. Certainly the ordinary consumer makes that association. Appreciate the clarity however.

[@bonnybabu6443]

Didn't know that either!

[@selldivision]

@@chasingcars Not really. Bang and Olufsen are responsible for the association and branding. It's why many Bang and Olufsen faithful prefer the old stuff over the new. But it's all now owned by the same company. Harmon Kardon, B&o, JBL, Beck, Mark Levinson, Lexicon, Infinity etc All Samsung.

[@CrackingGate]

Good review, informative and unbiased which is great to see. I might have missed it but did you discuss about the drive modes available on the Fiesta ST? The more dynamic drive modes help perk the car up with regards to exhaust note change, throttle, steering response and the launch control function. Perhaps some things to consider for next time which might help sway someone considering the car is in the performance category so discussing those features would be beneficial. Otherwise a great video and review.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks a lot! No, I didn't, because apart from the Sport mode giving the steering much heavier (and more artificial) weighting, honestly I found the differences in the modes pretty subtle. The exhaust was still too soft in Sport, and while the throttle response was perhaps slightly quicker, this change will always be much more subtle with a manual gearbox than an auto where it can also influence the shift mapping. I actually drove it in Normal almost all the time because the steering was much, much more natural - and for me, good steering is absolutely critical in a hot hatch.

[@CrackingGate]

@@chasingcars Fair enough. I had pre-ordered one late last year, however was not informed of the delays in delivery (in my preferred specification) and limited availability really was a deal-breaker so now waiting for what else is going to be released over the next year.

[@danielleroux6490]

It's worth the wait for the Fiesta ST

[@MixoMushwana]

Wait yall didn't get the last gen fiesta ST? that is sad dude. Have you driven a last gen ST?

[@chasingcars]

We did and I have

[@zzz-pe3mp]

I agree with a manual only 3 door makes sense - looks way better than the 5 doors as well - what a shame.

[@chasingcars]

I just think that if you're going to import an awesome, niche car for the fans … just go all the way. Go the 3 door. Still, the 5 door is absolutely better than nothing.

[@mattsamuels3607]

Absolutely love Fiesta STs always look good & the mk8 sounds amazing. Saying that I would have a Polo GTI in this case as the EA888 chassis is one of the best and I’m a brand snob 🙂

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for watching, Matt!

[@robcorrente6065]

Lol. This is the first manual car test that I have watch in this channel.

[@chasingcars]

There’s plenty if you have a look through the archives, but of course the fact is that over 95% of sales in Australia are for automatic vehicles.

[@gavsmurf7681]

Hairdressers car for girls

[@anthonykelmann3640]

Fun to drive for one afternoon and that's it.

[@sugarnads]

Anthony Kelmann looks like a one trick pony ey. What i liked about my skoda fabia rs was its schizo nature. If you want to potter about you could. My 75yo mum could drive it to the shops. But get up it and woooooo....

[@letlhogonolosekoto]

Polo gti all the way

[@chasingcars]

Still one of our favourite hot hatches - the good thing is it's quite different in many ways, so that makes it easy to decide between the Polo and the Fiesta.

[@nickvernon3074]

Agreed I love my polo GTI AW

[@MrBenHaynes]

would love to drive, but not own a Polo Gti

[@drwhotardis]

So, is it a Polo GTI killer?

[@chasingcars]

Yes, for me, but they do such different things. The Polo is the better all rounder but the Fiesta is ultimately more fun to drive

[@drwhotardis]

@@chasingcars Once test driving cars is considered an acceptable reason to leave home I'll have to put myself behind the wheel and check it out.