Ford Fiesta ST (Mk6) | Spotted

Ford never got around to giving us a Fiesta RS. In 2004, the manufacturer introduced a trio of high-performance models, led by a souped-up Fiesta RS concept that closely resembled the company’s eventual JWRC challenger. A high-revving 180 hp naturally aspirated engine was touted (although rumors of a 200 hp turbo later circulated), as well as larger brakes and even a ceramic sports exhaust. It’s easily one of the coolest Fords that didn’t make it past the concept stage, but then-TeamRS boss Jost Capito claimed the rally-inspired hatchback had become too expensive to produce and the project was canceled two years later.

On the bright side, we got a Fiesta ST, which served as the starting point for one of the great hot hatches of the 21st century. And while Ford certainly improved the formula for the following two iterations, the Mk6 was still a good pocket rocket. Up front was an atmospheric 2.0-liter Duratec engine that revved to 7,000 rpm, while a close-ratio five-speed gearbox ensured you were always within touching distance of the redline. Admittedly, 150 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque seemed a bit disappointing, especially considering the Renaultsport Clio 182 had already been around for a year when the Fiesta ST came out, but it still hits all the marks a speed-hungry hot hatch should have. And I should know. I own one.

There are a few reasons why my Performance Blue Fiesta ST isn’t on the front page of PH yet, mainly because it has a few (well, a lot) of blemishes and scuffs from its previous owner. I promise. But it’s easy to overlook a few cosmetic issues when the rest of the car is as stock as mine. So many of these STs have been tuned to the nines and given questionable body kits, all because they’re so tough and affordable for young mechanics to hone their craft. True, they respond well to a handful of mods, and although they are rare, the Mountune cars are considered phenomenal. But even in completely standard format, the Mk6 Fiesta ST is a real cracker.

Driving the old ST is a breath of fresh air compared to the twitchy, turbocharged hot hatches of today. Well, what’s left of them? The engine sounds fairly industrial at lower revs, but sings from around 4,000rpm, while the steering is surprisingly quick considering the ST is knocking on the 20 threshold. The main criticism at launch was a lack of grunt, but there’s more than enough to keep momentum going as you hurtle down a twisty B-road. After seven years of ownership and as many years of testing cars, it always serves as a reminder of what the basics of a fun hot hatch should be about.

The example you see here is clearly not mine as it has no paint peeling off the rims or dull spots on the hood. It also comes with a sticker set that increases the level of badassness and helps it stand out from the likes of the Suzuki Swift Sport, Peugeot 206 GTI and Honda Civic Type. The interior also looks incredibly tidy. Being one of the rarer pre-facelift cars, the 2006 update gets you a six-disc CD changer instead of the single system, while the headlights and taillights were also a little less ‘cute’ on the original cars.

Ford has sold thousands of Mk6 Fiesta STs, but examples in as good a condition as this are almost unheard of these days. The mileage is just 18,500 km and the seller states that the car is equipped with a new set of rubber and all original documents. Of course, all of this comes at a price, and it’s high at £12,995. For reference, this high-miler engine with what appears to be an aftermarket exhaust is available for just £2,495. So a proper example will cost you a lot of money like anything else. But there’s a lot of nonsense, no matter which one you choose. Just ignore the naysayers – and the Clio 182 if you can…

Engine: Four-cylinder with 1,999 cm³ displacement
Transmission: Five-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower): 150 at 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb ft): 140 at 4,500 rpm
MPG: 38.2
CO2: 177g/km
Year registered: 2005
Mileage recorded: 18,500
Price new: £13,795
Kind regards for: £12,995