Ford's little one with the turbo boost is a real hit - whether with four or three cylinders. Today we clarify what the 200 hp fun gun can do when it gets old.
Foggy, but not cold and wet. Muddy light, but no rain. One Fiesta ST in white, one in black - none in red or blue. So-so. But it could have been worse. Buying advice for used sports cars works like this: pick out the car, call the dealer or private seller. Confirmation and appointment blocked. Or rejection, and continued search. It can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. In the case of the two Ford Fiesta things went quickly. Two calls, two friendly dealers, done. Great, that's easy on the nerves. For this we have to put up with a foggy November day and two camouflage colors.
Twice the Fiesta ST - once the current three-cylinder Mk 8 with 200 hp, released in 2018, and then the predecessor, an ST 200, whose four-cylinder has increased from 182 to 200 hp. This special model was released in spring 2016, a year before the end of the Mk 7 series. Salesman Roman Maier from Autohaus Löffler in Würzburg clipped the red numbers to the white three-door car and sent us off. A look at the papers: First registration July 2017, i.e. when the model was no longer built.
Before we start, let's take a look at the car: minimal signs of wear on the outside, two small quirks on the aluminum and 205/40 R 17 tires from the end of 2019 with a decent profile. But unfortunately low-performance tires from the no-name manufacturer Landsail. Clear case: saved at the wrong end. Inside, the worn floor mat, the long handbrake distance and two error messages are noticeable: key battery is empty and the SD card for the navigation system is missing. The engine room? Except for a gnawed insulation protection on the hood, no abnormalities. The experts at Ford Löffler would certainly straighten all that out.
First curve, rear swing
Ten minutes later: When merging into an expressway, the rear is already coming. At the end of the 270-degree curve, a short load change is enough for the white ST 200 to say to you: "You want fun? Of course, me too!" Okay, but the tires are still cold and they're Landsail - that puts the statement into perspective a bit. Anyway, the thing is agile as hell. The steering gives you wonderful feedback on what's going on between the tires and the asphalt. Torque vectoring portions the 290 Newton meters exactly so that you don't slip into nasty understeer when exiting the corner. The bottom line is that an ST 200 drives even more precisely and decisively than the 182 hp model. The more direct steering, stiffer rear axle springs, adapted rebound and compression levels on the dampers and thicker stabilizers are having an effect. Only the hot rally fiestas from M-Sport are even busier.
The lively turbo engine flanks the authentic driving impression. It puts a lot of effort into it over the entire speed range.Accompanied by the sound symposer, the charged poser sends pithy to annoying tones into the cockpit. matter of taste. Like the roar when you take your foot off the gas at high revs. The precision of the six-speed circuit with a shorter translation pleases. That the switching paths are a tad too long - given. Ford never offered a dual clutch for the Fiesta ST, so used-car buyers should be mindful of the clutch. Is the pedal too late? A bad sign.
Replacement costs a whopping 914 euros for the Mk 7. Without installation. Changing the timing belt is similarly expensive, albeit including wages. Due: only every ten years or 200,000 kilometers. What else do interested parties have to consider? The Eco Boost four-cylinder reacts allergically to heat. Too little cooling water can cause major engine damage. That affected early models. They have been retrofitted with a sensor that sounds an alarm when the expansion tank is empty. Otherwise, the MK 7 impresses with good reliability.
One more thought about the seats. Premium Recaros are installed in the ST 200. They look good and support perfectly, but are mounted too high, which should bother the long lollipop. And they pinch on the thighs. Even if your name isn't Adi Positas.
Nothing with last price
Another side glance at the direct competition. Although the Ford Fiesta ST 200 could only outperform the DS 3 THP 208 and the VW Polo GTI in a few disciplines, the man from Cologne puts a smile on your face. It simply offers more emotions per kilometer than many others. And it's a real deal: the normal ST starts at around 8,000 euros, the ST 200 at around 12,000 euros.
Our white 2017 will cost 16,409 euros. Mr. Maier? room for negotiation? "Very little," grins the salesman, "because the semiconductor crisis is currently causing an imbalance in supply and demand. In addition, the strong ST models are never in our yard for long - whether it's a Fiesta or a Focus."
The effects of the lack of chips are unbelievable. There is time to think about it on the 30-minute drive from Würzburg to Kitzingen. At Auto Stier, the direct successor is waiting for us, a gray Mk 8 from 2018 with 34,200 kilometers on the clock. Seller Samir Habbal immediately placed the three-door vehicle on the lifting platform.
17,990 euros, right? "Yes, but the ST is as good as sold," says the sympathetic Ford man. "Our trainee will probably take him." The leasing return from the first owner cost 24,655 euros new. Due to a lack of supplies, the prices when purchasing also rose: "I took over the ST from the Schwabengarage. Instead of the planned 12,900 euros, I had to pay 15,600 euros," says Samir Habbal. "Fresh inspection, TÜV, new rear brakes, preparation and used car guarantee cost us around 1,000 euros. The rest is our margin. Not exactly generous." Correct, because as is well known, business is done when you go shopping.
In return, the trainee can look forward to a great condition. Signs of wear, dents, abrasions? Virtually undetectable. Good Michelin 18-inch wheels from the beginning of 2018 are fitted. The first-class impression continues while driving. Especially when curves are in the way. Like a hare on the run, the ST swerves. Especially here on the Franconian country roads that meander through the area like streamers. Steering? Even more agile. The rear: as usual open to load changes. The ST is great for throwing around corners.
Berserker with three cylinders
What is also noticeable between Hintertupfingen and Kleinkleckersdorf: The 1.5 packs like a berserker and throws its 290 Newtons around, which are at 1,600 instead of 2,500 rpm. It is also more revving, easily going up to 6,500 rpm. Holla, the forest fairy! The three-cylinder roars, babbles and sputters with joie de vivre. And it sounds suspiciously like inline six. Splendid! With its sheer power but the front axle is sometimes overwhelmed. Either the ASR light flickers or the 215s graze wildly across the asphalt. Namely only if you press the button and activate the "Racetrack" mode. Now the electronic helpers are completely gone. Our advice: It is definitely worth looking for a car with a performance package and mechanical front axle lock.
Compared to its predecessor, Ford has made the right investments on the chassis side, which also has an effect on the circuit. The new ST took almost three seconds off the old one on the small circuit in Hockenheim. He is also really fast on the Nordschleife in the Supertest. Only the brakes are overwhelmed on the racetrack, keyword fading.
There is no dual-clutch transmission for the ST Mk 8 either. Doesn't matter, the manual six-speed gearbox switches fine. If the clutch is worn out, you only have to pay 357 euros without installation instead of 914 euros. Someone should understand that. Other spare parts prices are also cheaper than those of the predecessor. Other abnormalities? "The radio/navigation unit sync often fails completely," says salesman Habbal. "And we've often had sweaty head gaskets."
We won't sweat today. The November day is cool and foggy. Both Fiesta ST provide brightening - and a warm heart.
Conclusion
Almost nothing except expenses: It is not surprising that the Fiesta ST models are so popular with the fans. Hardly any other hot small car offers so much fun at really low prices. The fuel consumption is also moderate, but the ST are among the most expensive candidates for insurance. Apart from a few teething problems, both generations are technically reliable. A used car guarantee can be worthwhile, but not everyone offers the same benefits. So when in doubt, compare carefully.
