Some things in life are definitely worth waiting for. The new Ford Fiesta ST is unquestionably one of them. It hits the hot-hatch scene just in time to take the fight to the new Peugeot 208 GTi and Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo.

Developed by Ford Team RS, the European arm of Ford Motor Company’s Global Performance Vehicle group, the new Fiesta ST is equipped with a 182 PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, enabling it to sprint from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 137mph. Advances in technology have allowed greater performance to be coupled with increased efficiency. Ford claim 47.9mpg (combined) and 138 g/km CO2.

Like any performance model, it has to look the part, too. Along with a full ST body kit, there’s a large trapezoidal grille with a unique honeycomb construction and dramatic rear diffuser element. The Fiesta ST’s headlight design incorporates LED day-time running lamp technology and new paint options include Race Red, Molten Orange and Spirit Blue.

Inside, the sporty highlights include: high winged Recaro seats, alloy gearknob and pedals and ST badged steering wheel. Otherwise the cabin is usual Fiesta fare, the ST benefiting from the supermini’s recent makeover.

The driving position is comfortable and well-aligned, even for taller drivers, with somewhere to rest your left foot, although it’s quite a reach back to grasp the seat belt. Some may also find the heavily bolstered bucket seats a rather tight fit.

Not only has the new ST benefited from specialist tuning by Ford Team RS, gaining revised suspension settings and steering, but it also gets advanced features to optimise driving dynamics, including: torque vectoring (which emulates a limited-slip differential) and a three-stage electronic traction control system.

From the off, a low-speed fidgety ride is apparent as is the slightly lumpy transmission uptake. But you’ll quickly forgive both once you hit a twisty B-road and relish in the ST’s dynamic prowess. It not only sticks to the road like glue, but communicates far more clearly than its rivals are able to. The steering is quick and has a satisfyingly weighty feel once under way, yet lightens at parking speeds. Other controls, such as the clutch, are as fuss free to operate as in any other Fiesta.

The turbo-charged engine really howls under hard acceleration, thanks in part to a new Sound Symposer, which channels the intoxicatingly distinctive engine note directly into the cabin: the only caveat being whether you’ll find the sound tiring on longer journeys.

Performance from the engine is strong, delivering a smooth thrust devoid of any noticeable turbo lag and the six-speed manual gearbox is a real joy to use, being precise and wonderfully fluid.

Verdict:
Ford’s new Fiesta ST is the most engaging and full-on supermini hot-hatch currently on the market. Although it can’t match the refinement and comfort of the 208 GTi or Renault Clio Renaultsport, it’s a small price to pay for a car that’s this much fun to drive.

Tech spec:
Ford Fiesta ST-2  1.6 litre EcoBoost 6 Speed Manual 
OTR Price: £17,995.00
Max Power: 182 PS
Max Speed:139 mph
0-62 MPH 6.9 seconds
Torque (Nm): 290
CO2 g/km 138
Combined Economy 47.9mpg: (claimed)