Ford Fiesta ST200 vs Fiesta ST

Ford has released details on a new version of its excellent Fiesta ST hot hatch – the ST200. With extensive chassis upgrades and a more powerful engine, the ST200 is one of the hottest Fiestas ever made. We take a look at how it compares to the standard car.

The regular Fiesta ST is one of our favourite cars, so why not build your perfect car with our Ford Fiesta ST configurator to see the deals carwow could help you get. Alternatively, check out its rivals in our list of the best hot hatches on sale.

Ford Fiesta ST200 vs Fiesta ST – styling

The standard Ford Fiesta is an undeniably attractive little car, despite having been on sale since 2008, and the ST’s sporting bodykit adds a little extra appeal to the design. The ST200 is marked out from the lesser ST with the addition of ‘ST200’ badging on the bootlid.

Up front, the gaping grille and front air intakes draw the eye and, out back, there’s a rear diffuser and twin exhaust pipes. The ST200 adds a new set of 17-inch matt black alloy wheels and a new paint option of ‘Storm Grey’, to go along with the standard ST’s other paint choices. These help give the ST200 a slightly sportier look than other STs.

Ford Fiesta ST200 vs Fiesta ST – interior

The standard Fiesta ST shares pretty much all its interior with the standard Fiesta and, similarly, the ST200 doesn’t bring much to the party in terms of individual design or features. That means that both cars have a solid and reasonably spacious cabin although some fiddly controls and cheap looking plastics mean it still doesn’t feel as premium as a Volkswagen Polo GTI.

All ST models get Recaro sports seats but, in the ST200, these are part-leather trimmed. Regular equipment levels should mirror the standard version, so check out our Ford Fiesta ST trim guide to find out what each trim grade gets.

Ford Fiesta ST200 vs Fiesta ST – engine and driving

This is probably the main area where the two cars differ – the ST200 has been tweaked to deliver more horsepower and more torque. That means the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine now produces 197hp and can sprint from 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds – compared to the standard ST with 182hp and a 6.9-second 0-62mph time.

While the greater power accounts for some of this benefit, the ST200’s shorter gearing also helps acceleration and in-gear performance. Like the regular ST, the overboost function remains, offering a 15hp boost for 15 seconds when you floor it. The handling has also been sharpened thanks to revised suspension settings, a lower centre of gravity, a faster steering rack and beefier rear brakes.

Ford Fiesta ST200 vs Fiesta ST – value for money and price

The Fiesta ST200 will cost from £22,745 – a whopping £5,000 more than a basic ST and £3,600 more than a top-of-the-range Fiesta ST3 with sat nav. Interestingly, the ST200 is almost exactly the same price as an entry-level Ford Focus ST – a much larger and slightly more powerful car, albeit without the ST200’s exclusivity. The ST200 is expected to be limited to less than 1,000 units.

If you’re not sold on the ST200, some Ford dealerships offer an official Mountune tuning kit for the regular ST that gives 212hp and retains the car’s warranty. This upgrade costs just £495 but doesn’t get the chassis upgrades or exclusive kit found on the ST200. Those who want the exclusivity of the ST200 will be able to get their hands on one from summer 2016.

Save money on your Ford Fiesta ST

If you’d rather not wait for the Fiesta ST200, our Ford Fiesta ST car configurator can help you get a great deal. If you’re not sure which car to buy, check out our handy car chooser to narrow down your search.