FORD FIESTA ST

BRILLIANT THINGS COME IN THREE-POTS

- TRENT GIUNCO

Model Ford Fiesta ST

Engine 1497cc 3cyl, dohc, 12v, turbo

Max power 147kW @ 6000rpm

Max torque 290Nm @ 1600-4000rpm

Transmission 6-speed manual

Weight 1208kg

0-100km/h 6.7sec (tested)

Economy 10.9L/100km (tested) $32,290

Price On sale Now

IN THE DORMANT early hours, the sound of an alarm is piercing. Mornings are tough enough, but rising at 5am on a chilly Sunday morning seems especially cruel. Unless, of course, there is motivation to avoid pressing the snooze button. Inspiration comes via the key to the long-awaited Ford Fiesta ST. My plan is simple – punch out of the city and head for some of Victoria’s best driving roads.

Slinking into the heavily bolstered Recaro bucket-style seats (now wider and heated) it’s hard not to immediately pick up on the intent. The steering wheel is on the larger side, as is the thickness of the heated rim, but thankfully you now sit lower than before. Depressing the nicely weighted clutch and hitting the starter button brings the 147kW/290Nm three-cylinder turbo to life, its almost grumpy idle alluding to a serious side that’s aching to be uncovered. It sounds purposeful.