My New Car...

I took delivery of my new Ford Fiesta ST-2 in January, having driven Mercedes, Volvo, Volkswagen to name a few I was a little worried. Not just because of the refinements of driving high-end vehicles, but the comfort and reliability on long journeys. I live on the south coast of England and have family in Inverness, who we visit two to three times annually, we normally drive up as I don’t like the idea of being in the middle of no-where without transport. The Mercedes and Volvo in the past have been amazing cars for this trip, gliding the near 700 miles in comfort and luxury.

As I am still young enough (just), I though this time I would go for a more youthful and fun car. Having read all the reviews and seen the Top Gear write up I decided on the Ford Fiesta ST. I got the train up to Northampton to take delivery of the car, arriving at the Allen Ford dealer I saw the car sitting on the forecourt. Actually seeing the car and being shown around it by the very helpful staff I was confident I had made the right decision. I must say the fleet sales person at Allen Ford Northampton was excellent, very helpful and took almost an hour to run through the many functions on the car, which I am very grateful for.

Once I had the keys it was now time to make the 250 mile trip home with my new car. Instantly I could tell this car was poised, responsive and quick! Not only that but I found the heated, half leather Recaro seats to be quite comfortable, something the reviews were quite harsh about. The drive back down the motorway in the sun was amazing, the car was an absolute dream. It really does make you feel like a child, the sound from the exhaust and the way the seats hug you, it truly is a fun car to drive.

Last month we really put the car through its paces with one of our trips to Inverness, this would be the biggest test of all. The journey consists of almost 11 hours of motorways, A roads and country lanes. We left Portsmouth at 09.00 and we reached the hotel in Inverness at 20.00pm having stopped for food and fuel. The drive was incredible, the car didn’t miss a beat and managed the whole 700 miles on ￡65 fuel! Something my old Merc could only dream of.

I really do have to say a huge well done to Ford for building this car, it is a masterpiece. Even pottering around town it feels like an ordinary car with the ability to really make you smile when you put your foot down. The fuel economy, comfort and handling are fantastic, if you are looking for a hot hatch you must test drive one before buying anything else. I am not for a minute saying that this is the only car in its class that can manage these things, please do let me know if you have the same results with another car? I have 20 months left before looking for a newer model, the next car has big shoes to fill.

Anyone else own one of these, or disagree with me? I would be interested to know what people have to say about the Focus ST/RS as well?