Ford Fiesta ST200 vs. its rivals

For reasons unknown, Ford is stubbornly refusing to reintroduce the Fiesta RS. So, for the current-generation model at least, there probably won't be anything quicker than the ST200.

This new limited edition – which was first unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March – is essentially a regular ST with various upgrades.

Engine improvements mean that power and torque are up by 10 per cent and 20 per cent respectively, for instance. Such increases are enough to secure membership of the hot supermini top echelon.

Other enhancements include a shorter final-drive ratio to boost mid-range acceleration, matt black 17” alloy wheels and red-painted brake calipers. Inside, Recaro front seats and unique part-leather upholstery are key elements of the standard specification.

However, since the ST200 costs £5,000 more than an entry-level Fiesta ST, most rivals appear to offer much better value for money.

Among those competitors are the Mini John Cooper Works Hatch, Peugeot 208 GTi, Renault Clio Renaultsport Nav 200, Vauxhall Corsa VXR and Volkswagen Polo GTI.

Here's how the Fiesta ST200 compares to them:

Model	Price
Fiesta ST200	£22,745
JCW Hatch	£23,050
208 GTi	£19,515 (GTi Prestige: £20,365)
Clio R.S. Nav 200	£20,445
Corsa VXR	£18,475
Polo GTI	£19,125
Powertrain	Engine	Transmission
Fiesta ST200	1.6 litre petrol turbo	6-speed manual
JCW Hatch	2.0 litre petrol turbo	6-speed manual
208 GTi	1.6 litre petrol turbo	6-speed manual
Clio R.S. Nav 200	1.6 litre petrol turbo	6-speed dual-clutch auto
Corsa VXR	1.6 litre petrol turbo	6-speed manual
Polo GTI	1.8 litre petrol turbo	6-speed manual
Output	Power	Torque
Fiesta ST200	197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS)	290 Nm (214 lb/ft)
	212 bhp (158 kW / 215 PS)*	320 Nm (236 lb/ft)*
JCW Hatch	227 bhp (170 kW / 231 PS)	320 Nm (236 lb/ft)
208 GTi	205 bhp (153 kW / 208 PS)	300 Nm (221 lb/ft)
Clio R.S. Nav 200	197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS)	260 Nm (191 lb/ft)
Corsa VXR	202 bhp (151 kW / 205 PS)	245 Nm (180 lb/ft)**
Polo GTI	189 bhp (141 kW / 192 PS)	320 Nm (236 lb/ft)
*Additional output available for up to twenty seconds using transient overboost.
**280 Nm (206 lb/ft) available for up to five seconds using overboost.
Performance	0-62 mph (100 km/h)	Top speed
Fiesta ST200	6.7 secs	143 mph (230 km/h)
JCW Hatch	6.3 secs	152 mph (245 km/h)
208 GTi	6.5 secs	143 mph (230 km/h)
Clio R.S. Nav 200	6.7 secs	146 mph (235 km/h)
Corsa VXR	6.8 secs	143 mph (230 km/h)
Polo GTI	6.7 secs	146 mph (235 km/h)
Efficiency	Combined fuel consumption	CO2
Fiesta ST200	46.3 mpg (6.1 l/100km)	140 g/km
JCW Hatch	42.2 mpg (6.7 l/100km)	125 g/km
208 GTi	52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km)	125 g/km
Clio R.S. Nav 200	44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km)	144 g/km
Corsa VXR	37.7 mpg (7.5 l/100km)	174 g/km
Polo GTI	47.1 mpg (6.0 l/100km)	139 g/km

Related posts:
An updated Corsa VXR takes on the Fiesta ST
Mountune launches ST upgrades
Ford Fiesta ST vs. its rivals