Name: Ford Fiesta ST (2018 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Ford Fiesta ST
Rating: 70.0

Summary

The Ford Fiesta ST was a performance version of the regular Fiesta hatchback. This model was launched in summer 2018, and received a mid-life facelift in 2022. It ended production along with the regular Fiesta range in summer 2023.

Like previous generations, this Fiesta ST received outstanding reviews from the UK motoring media. In addition, it also received numerous awards from various automotive titles.

The Fiesta ST received unanimous commendation for its driving dynamics, and while its pricing increased with 2022 facelift, the hot hatch was regarded as unmatched by anything in its price range. It was also praised for increased levels of refinement over previous models.

The only mild criticisms were that it was a bit softer than the previous one, although that helped to make it a more practical and comfortable car for daily use.

As of February 2025, the Ford Fiesta ST holds a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 70%. Along with its outstanding media reviews, its running costs and CO₂ emissions are commendably low, while reliability seems to be pretty strong as well.

Fiesta ST highlights

Plenty of fun on the road
Punchy performance
Nimble driving dynamics
Plenty of kit included as standard
Surprisingly economical

Fiesta ST lowlights

Firm suspension can be uncomfortable
Value-for-money status hindered by rising prices
Only one five-door trim available
Rival brands are more reliable

Key specifications

Body style: Three- and five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £27,320

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Spring 2022
Ended production: Summer 2023

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“More accomplished it may be, but the latest Ford Fiesta ST is as fun as its brilliant predecessor. Prices have crept up but the driving experience alone will convince you it’s worth it, and the Fiesta ST is still one of the best small hot hatches on the market.”
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Model reviewed: Edition
Score: 9 / 10
“Itb sounds like a lot for some trick suspension and lightweight wheels, but the Fiesta ST Edition’s upgrades add a level of control beyond what the already brilliant standard ST-3 trim possesses, while the adjustable suspension allows owners to tailor the car’s settings to their exact requirements.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Ford’s Fiesta ST has grown up, but it’s still a vibrant, exhilarating hot hatch to drive.”
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Model reviewed: Performance Edition
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta ST is the best car in its class. But the firm wasn’t content with that, so it’s enhanced what its junior hot hatch offers with this very bright Fiesta ST Performance Edition.”
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Model reviewed: ST M225
Score: 8 / 10
“A sensible set of upgrades for the already excellent Ford Fiesta ST, Mountune’s latest range of options enhance the car’s dynamics without drastically altering its personality.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta ST is a truly fabulous hot hatch, not just by the standards of similarly priced rivals, but also by the standards of much more expensive machinery. The performance and handling make it a sensational car to drive, while the comfortable ride and generous spec make it easy to live with.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 10 / 10
“The interior is a huge upgrade, with a much more modern ambience, and the latest digital screen tech, albeit with materials not quite of the highest quality in places.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 10 / 10
“Though the prices for the Fiesta ST might have increased over the years, once you get in the driving seat you’ll quickly realise it’s worth every penny.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Fast and fun yet practical and economical, the latest Ford Fiesta ST is as great a hot hatch as ever.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Ford Fiesta ST is loads of fun to drive, faster than the old model and comes with more high-tech kit but alternatives are easier to live with every day.”
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Company Car Today+

“The Ford Fiesta ST has rightly been crowned as the current king of the hot hatch brigade, offering great performance, handling and looks. The top-spec ST-3 comes loaded with kit, including sat-nav, 18-inch alloy wheels, Recaro sports seats, rear privacy glass and keyless entry.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual three-door hatchback ST-2
“Despite its raging performance, the Ford Fiesta ST remains a practical hatchback with decent luggage space, particularly with the seats folded.”
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Model reviewed: ST-3
“The engineers at Ford have taken the new Fiesta – itself a winner in the everyman driving stakes – and turned the grin-ometer up to full for the ST version, adding to its attraction with a price that makes it look a bit of a bargain.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“The set-up is a little softer, but the new Fiesta ST is more rounded, more mature, and a much improved everyday car. And, if you want to be ‘enthusiastic’, it’s a belter.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 9 / 10
“A class stalwart, maybe, but the Ford Fiesta ST drives with real enthusiasm, engagement and sophistication.” (Jordan Katsianis)
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Model reviewed: Performance Edition
Score: 9 / 10
“The Performance Edition is effectively a Fiesta ST-3 with Ford’s performance pack as standard, and a few toys on top of that.”
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Fleetworld+

“The Ford Fiesta ST is astonishingly good, and we don’t say that lightly. It is slightly marred by an overly aggressive and skittish ride more suited to race than road, but is otherwise hard to fault. Compared to its closest competition, it’s also something of a bargain too.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“Ford could so have so easily misjudged the Fiesta ST but, fortunately, it hasn’t. It’s taken the already brilliant Fiesta hatchback and given it all you could ask for in a hot hatch. It’s an absolute joy to drive, but it isn’t a compromise in other areas. The interior’s pretty good, and the running costs won’t ruin you.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Ford could so have so easily misjudged the Fiesta ST but, fortunately, it hasn’t. It’s taken the already brilliant Fiesta hatchback and given it all you could ask for from a hot hatch costing less than £20,000.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 9 / 10
“As ever with the Fiesta ST, the suspension demands commitment and toleration much as the handling insists your passengers require a strong stomach. So although it is, in no uncertain terms, quite brilliant, it’s not the kind of car that will suit everyone.”
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The Sun+

“The Ford Fiesta is more or less the answer to every question. The hybrid means more miles from the tank and no faffing about with a plug.”
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“The Ford Fiesta ST is probably the greatest car pound-for-pound on the planet.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: ST
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford’s junior pocket rocket stays sharp but fails to grow up.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Ford’s tweaked the Fiesta ST’s recipe, but it hasn’t ruined it. This new car loses a fraction of the old car’s edge and verve, but it trades that for more usability without losing the charm, accessibility or outright excitement of the old model. And yes, it’s still the best car of its type.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 8 / 10
“The fast Fiesta is more grown up in all the ways you’d want, marginally less chuckable than before, but still hilarious.”
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Model reviewed: Performance Edition
Score: 9 / 10
“If anything, the orange paint’s a bit off-putting. The paintjob may be silly, but this is the Fiesta ST getting serious.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 64%
Safety assist: 60%

Notes on safety rating

The Ford Fiesta was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Fiesta ST to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Ford Fiesta ST was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 653
Average repair cost: £430.66
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Ford Fiesta family (including the ST) has an above-average reliability score of 76% as of October 2024 (our most recent data point). This applies to all Fiesta models in MotorEasy’s database, which includes both this model and older (pre-2017) generations.

The most common Fiesta warranty claims relate to suspension issues, but these are relatively inexpensive to fix on average, costing less than £200. Engine and gearbox repairs are generally the most expensive claim by a considerable margin, with an average repair bill of about £1,000.

The average repair cost for Ford Fiesta warranty claims is about £430, which is probably more than the cost of a used car warranty, so it’s certainly worth considering. If you’re looking at a used Fiesta ST, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas above.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	40 mpg	D	40 – 40 mpg	D – D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	153 g/km	B	145 – 158 g/km	B – C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	26	B	25 – 26	B – B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£203	B
Year 2	£511	B
Year 3	£828	B
Year 4	£1,031	B
Year 5	£1,434	B
Overall	£4,007	B

For a performance car, the Ford Fiesta ST is relatively affordable to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is poor, ranking in the bottom 40% of all new cars on sale. However, the rest of the Fiesta ST’s running costs are pretty good for a hot hatch. Servicing and maintenance, along with insurance, are ranked B, which puts them in the top 40% of all new cars on sale.