By Mxolisi Mhlongo
We recently test drove the limited edition ST200 and it is by far the hottest and most practical hatchback we have driven this year.
Its direct competitors are the Peugeot 208 GTi and Opel Corsa OPC, which are both no longer widely available in South Africa. The VW Polo GTI is also its competitor. This car is undoubtedly targeted at car fanatics and performance-oriented people. Everything is simple and straight to the point inside as it boasts Recaro bucket seats, no sunroof and 6-speed manual transmission gearbox.
The ST200 feels predictably punchier than the standard ST, the solid midrange mostly disguises that it’s not keen on revving to the 6500-rpm limiter. It still feels as if it has a big flywheel, hanging on to revs determinedly after the driver lifts off the accelerator to shift. Just like the standard ST, the ST200 has a 1,6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. However, in ST200 guise the peak power output has been raised from 134 kW to 147 kW and from 240 N.m to 290 N.m.
Ford claims that the ST200 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 6,7 seconds (two-tenths quicker than the standard ST. In South Africa, the ST200 is available in Storm Grey metallic only with a set of black 17-inch five-spoke alloys framing red brake calipers.
SO WHY WOULD AN AFROPOLITAN BUY THIS CAR?
Performance: Since its direct competitor is no longer available in SA this leaves the ST200 the most affordable when compared to the VW Polo GTI which has 147 kW and the ST200 also has 147kW. The difference, however, is that the GTI will cost you R387 500 and the ST200 limited edition is R339 900.
Practicality: It is a four-seater with two doors which makes it a bit difficult for a young family person to buy it for obvious reasons. But when it comes to the way it drives and handling, rest assured it’s the only thing you will look forward to each day.
Fiesta 1.4 Ambiente from R236,300 (Incl. VAT)
Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Trend from R266,400 (Incl. VAT)
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost PowerShift Trend from R263,400 (Incl. VAT)
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost PowerShift Titanium from R290,100 (Incl. VAT)
Fiesta ST from R329,200 (Incl. VAT)
Fiesta ST200 limited edition R339 900 (Incl. VAT)