Ford Fiesta ST (2018-2023) review

The Fiesta's cabin aged rather well, and probably still is as a used car given VW is busy flushing its reputation for interior common sense down the loo.

The digi-dials look the part, though their animations as you change modes seem a bit creaky and might grate on you after a while. Can't fault the amount of info on offer, though. There's also a crisp, clear, fast-reacting touchscreen that’s front ’n’ centre atop the air vents. You might get cold nipples, but at least the nav, Apple CarPlay and radio are legible…

What's bespoke to the ST?

STs gain a comfortable, chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel, part-alloy gearknob, bright-finish pedals and hugely bolstered bucket seats. They're no longer Recaros like you used to get: Ford reckoned its in-house seats were even more supportive and comfortable than the designer label chairs. They certainly hold you just as tightly, to the extent they make the car actually feel a bit more cramped than a standard Fiesta.

It’s all the tweaks you’d want for a hot hatch, but little in the way of needless garnish. We like the miles of red stitching that trace all over the fabrics. The imitation carbon trim is an acquired taste, but less offensive than in quite a few other hot hatchbacks.

Is it practical?

For a supermini, the Fiesta is respectably useful. As a five-door only, adults can fit in the back, but the ST's chunky seats eat into kneeroom for back-row passengers a touch. The boot offers 292 litres or 1,093 with the rear backrests folded down not-quite-flat. If you need more space back here, there's always the Puma ST.

You can check out even more Fiesta interior facts by reading our overall Fiesta review here…