This is hands down the best review of this car on UA-cam. I watched a hell of a lot of reviews before buying mine over here in the UK in March and this popped up on my suggested today so thought I’d have a watch. Shocked to see you have 15k subs as I’ve only just stumbled across your page - you deserve far more if all of your reviews are as in-depth, professional and at the same time so very human as this one is. A great car, have loved every single moment in it so far.
Hi, So I live in switzerland. some of the best mountain passes in the world, I want a two seater but unfortunatly I have kids and a sensible wife, so I am restricted to 4 seats and "realistic". Today I test drove the fully kitted out ST on the Fridaustrasse pass in Hagendorf. not a mountain pass but enough hair pins to keep you smiling for a month. It is beyond belief how you can get from slow moving to fast moving on a steep up hill with this car. It it literally a rocket on four wheels. I am dissapointed that with all of the tech there is no adaptive cruise control as there is a sports intercooler in the place where the ACC sensor would go. The car also has wireless charging which I dont recall you mentioning but its not worth mentioning as no phone fits the area where the charger is. That said in the arm rest there is a second USB so that solves that problem if you can get your samsung s21 Ultra to fit. But lets be honest, nobody cares about stuff like that when you have a 200PS on a car that weights 1.5KG. I would be more interested to know about the varients, such as the "ST Edition" 600 only limited edition aztec blue versions. and the one that has the ST button on the steering wheel. where as on our modles we just have a "Back Button". the launch control is very much dependent on the tyres, person weight and road material. for exmple on a hot day with Pilot P4 tyres that are warmed up, with an average weighted person, on a rubber induced tarmac road, the 6.8s launch control very possible. would have been nice to see android auto on the infotainment section. In a nutshell, out of the golf GTI, the yaris GR, the civic type r, swift sport, cooper gt, i30 N concept C. this ST is the one i found to be the most fun, and hence I am ordering one. another note which you will all hate me for but will never notice, is that the steering wheel is off center due to air bag space legal reqirements, but nobody ever notices and i certainly did not today. the steering is nothing short of, ive never experianced sterring quite as good, and i have tested the ND RF MK4 MX5, the car i want but cant have, "dont have kids! or have a sensible german as a partner"
Best review on this car by far. Thank you for going into such detail. I bought one of these 6 weeks ago don't think I've stopped smiling while driving it. Best value hot hatch ever!
Thicc review!! We have a Ford Performance Blue FiST on order, skipped the sunroof, not really required in Darwin. Ordered personalised plates (FIST), almost didn't get those across the line, even in the NT, what is the world coming to?! First car we have ever ordered without a test drive! Have driven the FoST ST auto, nice to be sure, but didn't hit the spot. Made the decision soo easy. I'd read that the FoST (auto at least) feels caught between a muscle car and a hot hatch, after driving it, I actually agree with that. Fiesta ST it is. Delivery is scheduled for late Nov, but in all seriousness, just can't wait to have our faces light up like yours did Paul! This was the best review of this little weapon yet! Well, except the bit where you were just getting into the torque characteristics, but that steering rack slammed you again! Keep up the good work.
Lol, same. Ordered mine in Melb, around Sept 2020, without a test drive (couldn't with covid lockdowns etc). Felt like a risky thing to do - but no probs. Love mine to bits..
2 thumbs up for your FiST review! Don’t watch much TV but loved Car Advice with you & Trent. Both of you have awesome presentation & research skills & were so engaging. In the UK, they call the Fiesta ST & Focus ST the FiST & FoST. Bought the FiST new in 2014. Now has a Stage 2+ tune (amazing mix of power & traction). Still can’t wait to drive it EVERY day. Will probably get Mk8 FiST soon but struggling with the thought of getting rid of my Mk7...one of the most awarded & critically acclaimed cars of the past decade.
Just saw this review. My wife have a ST3 in the UK (almost the same spec as your test car). She loves it. The wheels are a magnet for kerbs! I take the key and just drives it at weekends with no where to go.
Hi there, well done good review, i bought one in England 9 months ago ,i have jus 3000 miles on the clock courtesy of COVID ,i must say it is the best car i have ever bought,it is cheap on fuel,you ommitted to say the 3cyl engine does have cyl deactivation so i believe at 2,000 rpm approx it only runs on 2 cyls, it is so comfy and goes like shit off a shovel, in England st3 cost me £24,000 which is worth every penny, well done keep up good work bud.
Very interesting ,comprehensive and well done review! ..Here in Norway I bought a 2018 ST (3) with all the options 3 weeks ago..it is the most fun car to drive on the relatively twisty Norwegian west coast roads around here I could imagine...I have had quite a few fast cars but this is certainly the fastest point to point car I have owned and a superb compromise for anyone needing a small all rounder for daily tasks that can make you grin ear to ear out of town..best from Norway mate!
Hi Paul, congratulations on the review, great, concise presentation that ticks all the boxes in terms of the attributes of this car. We bought one of the first cars in Australia in April 2020, having owned a standard Fiesta for the last 8 years. The astounding feature of this Fiesta is the torque which is seamless and in gears 2,3 and 4 seems to go on forever and really, you wonder how Ford have been able to extract so much power and torque from a 3 cylinder engine of 1500cc. We have just returned from a week driving around Tasmania on clear, uncongested roads which were ideally suited to the Fiesta's character - even though road surfaces were not exactly smooth. The car's handling was superb and you really look forward to driving in hilly country with twisty roads. The day to day liveability is also fine and the Recaro seats are firm but comfortable and really hold you in place - unless you are , shall we say, on the beefy size. Having read other reviews which complained about seat comfort after 2 hours or so , I would have to disagree, as we spent a few 5 hour+ drives and no complaints, other than getting out over the side bolsters. In fact I found the seats more comfortable than my Lexus LX 450D over long journeys. So after 10 months ownership everything is working fine with no faults and I certainly endorse your review. This such a fun and practical car and for the on roads price of around $35k is a bargain. I also understand that it is the only Ford built in Germany, so perhaps that explains the quality.
Just bought one . This is by far the best review of the many I've watched. People bang on about polo,vw and yaris but as far as fun to drive the st3 beats all of em
G'day Paul . I was waiting for Suzuki swift sport 2 but the Fiesta ST looks light years ahead for the same money . It's test drive time. Thanks for the in-depth review..Very good..
I’m looking at buying one of these currently so I’ve been looking at loads of videos trying to find out everything I can about this car and I have to say this review is so so up there. The only thing I would say is it would be nice to get a run through on the instrument cluster but aside from that fantastic video!
I test drove a 2020 model today and bought it. It is an amazing car but getting harder to find for sale. So much fun, even when you aren't driving it hard. It's the Performance Blue. BTW, I must've watched this video 5 times. Thank you for your comprehensive reviews.
This is a really good (thorough and enthusiastic (not nerdy)) review. As an owner of both a MK7 FiST and a MK3.5 FoST I am most interested to see how both this MK8 FiST (and MK4 FoST) compare for future purchases and all that! BTW I think an LSD offers improved traction but not grip - that is the job of the tyres I believe .......... Now I am off to delve into more of your reviews ........
They're great to drive.. I've had mine for 3 months..in the UK we have the limited performance edition which is orange. Has adjustable coilovers. Led lights... It puts a smile on my face everytime drive it .
@@CarExpertAus no not at all. I've driven both and the suspension is much better actually. It doesn't tend to skip about as much when gunning it if there is any unevenness in the road surface. Take look at the reviews for the performance edition. Great review by the way keep up the good work and stay safe
Just ordered ST3 in performance blue but I wanted the burnt orange one. Was told by salesman that they are rarer than rocking horse poo! Hopefully pick mine at end of June and cannot wait.
@@wrathchild68 you will love it. I was so lucky to get mine and discounted heavily as had been a cancelled order .. puts such a big smile on your face every time you drive it .
Australias best reviewer. Well done mate, liking the new channel. Loved the old car but the seat bolsters were so uncomfortable so couldn't buy it, is this one much better or only slightly better to sit in for a long drive?
Thanks, mate! Really appreciate it. In terms of long distance drives, I had no issues with them. Our A45 AMG review will drop on Thursday and I spent a stack of time in that car and found the seats to be more uncomfortable in that, than they were in the Fiesta ST.
Great comprehensive review. I have been watching these in reviews from Europe. Can't wait to see one in the flesh. Love that it's "old school" 3 pedal manual, analogue, quick steering and with a proper LSD. Will look at purchasing one of these once lock down is over. So keen for a drive.
@@CarExpertAus So after a year of COVID and lockdowns and general uncertainty, I have placed a deposit on the only red FiST left in Sydney. Can't wait to pick it up via click and collect next week...there's a smile on my dial.
From UK and have my mk8 ST in this colour since August last year. Put triple R lower body kit on it and Maxton Design rear top lip spoiler transforms the look even better . I love this car but have just one gripe. The tyres lose grip in the UK winter months as I can spin the wheels in third gear in the wet in a straight line but it holds on quite well around bends in the wet. When I need new tyres I will get the sport 4’s which I have been told are much better. Looking at getting a Revo tune to take it to around 250-260 bhp.As standard it’s a car you push and it gives with a grin. Enjoyed the video 👍
Thanks for that info, Darren! I think the Pilot Sport 4 will be a much better tyre. They handle the wet a little better and they have loads of grip when the weather hears up. Enjoy the car!
Hey Guys, liked your review. Driving my FiST now for two years and love it every day. But for the 0-100 is something important: Flat Shift. You need to stand on the gas while shifting the gears, only need to push the clutch. There are some videos on UA-cam showing that the FiST can do the 0-100 in up to 6.3 Seconds when this feature is used right. Have fun ;-)
🤣🤣🤣 hahaha awesome intro Paul. Made me choke on my coffee 🤣🤣🤣 I had the previous gen ST and am looking forward to getting behind the wheel of this new model.
More 'grown up' looking than the previous (MK7) generation for sure but as a young 52 year old I prefer the looks of the MK7 (and the MK3.5 Focus ST vs the MK4 also) Maybe I will grow up one day and get to like this generation of FiST and FoST more ........ maybe?
cracking review Paul, and good luck with the new channel, you have some great content so far, Magnetic is the best colour. I had door protectors on several Focus's over the years, std on top trims and £80 option on others. SYNC4 is coming soon, latest Ford cars will start to have them by end of year. Just don't like the 'stuck on tablet design/fitting' look. Also miss the custom wallpaper option from SYNC2, used to get some really cool wallpaper backgrounds😎 Mountune upgrades for the Fiesta ST also very good and warranty friendly, a proper remap will make all the difference to both ST's.
With the WiFi connected, will it download all the latest updates when the car is off? Wouldnt want to leave the car running for 45 mins in the drive whilst everything is updating
Can you do a comparison of the Fiesta ST against the BRZ/ GR86? Both affordable by proper fun cars, with very different approaches! I’m interested to see your thought because I’d love to buy the new Fiesta ST, but am currently weighting up against the GR86!
Great review Paul! Glad that you have your own channel with your friends. I loved your reviews on caradvice. This is a blast of a car and it is one of the best hot hatches on market but I have one question, are the seats really that tight that after a while you're feet will go numb? Also, the steering rack really poses a problem do to how fast it will come back? Lots of other reviewers complained about those 2 "issues" and I want to know your opinion also as in my area there is now ST available to test drive. 😁 Good luck with your new endeavor and keep it up as I love your style of reviews! Take care and stay safe! 👍
Thanks for joining us on the channel! We really appreciate it 😁 we spent a fair bit of time behind the wheel of this thing (Scott, who did the written review, is taller than I am) and I didn’t have any dramas with the seats. Mind you - I’d be keen to see what it’s like in peak hour traffic. That could be the deal breaker.
Anyone watching in North America, please call or write Ford Customer Service. Tell them we want the new Fiesta ST and/or Focus ST in the U.S./Canadian market. If all their customers are telling them, they'll listen and bring us BACK these hot hatches. Thank you for your support in this petition effort!
Hey Paul, absolutely love your work! Just wanted to know if you'll be doing a Mustang R-Spec daily drive review for the channel? It'd be much appreciated if you can. Keep killing it!
I bought the first Aussie edition released .... back in November 2013 ... Since I have a work vehicle, it was purely a recreation/shopping trolley and only did 26400Km's in the 6 years I owned it before trading it in for a 2015 Holden VF 6.0L manual ute ... I bought the ute for 2 reasons - The primary reason was that the ute was something that I had wanted for a while (although it was my auto technician that suggested the V8 over the 6 - for reliability reasons). The secondary reason I picked the ute was because of the ST's pricing point. I bought the original with a full matching spare alloy and tyre, window tint and 12 months licensing for $28500 ... As far as I'm concerned as soon as you push the purchase price beyond that $30K mark ... you head firmly OUT of the "Hot Hatch" segment ... and into either the "Performance Hatch" segment or the "Luxury Hatch" segment ... The mantra for a hot hatch should always be fun at en extremely low price point. If I could pick one of these up for $30K drive away, with the same spec as the last one - I'd bite the bullet ... but they were talking figures of $34-$35K ... and at that pricing point - I probably go with a 2YO used VW Golf Gti. Is it good bang for buck? - Probably - It's certainly more refined ... But I believe that with all of that refinement, the trade off is what makes a hot hatch ... a hot hatch - Rawness!
@@CarExpertAus ... Thanks! ... I probably should have said this FIRST ... But: Great review!! Honestly- I like that an Aussie is giving honest, no BS, reviews on Aussie cars.
Like many have said in the comments, this is possibly one of the best review I've seen in a long time ! You got a new sub, and I think Ford will get a new client soon ^^' (my choice is between an ST and the new Hyundai i20N but after this review I think the ST is gonna be mine...)
Great review. I got an Race Red ST2 here in UK with performance pack. Such a hoot to drive and actually quicker than the mk7 ST. Many folk here feel the need to tune it further but I want to protect my warranty and I feels it’s got plenty of poke in stock anyway !
I plan on getting a blue one in about a year, hoping for a 2nd hand one with less than 30k on clock. I have an xr5 2.5 I can't justify upgrading at the moment as it still goes so well.
I wonder whether they figured out the windshield heating thing. Those wires tend to die as years go by and you get less and less area of the screen heated.
Love it lads! Tell me does the sync 3 customize its brightness and colour settings? My prev gen polo gti had a black background which was easy on the eyes at night and while diving. Im thinking the bright white infotainment would do my head in
Hey, had the same dilema few weeks ago, could buy this brand new, or 2years old, with 20000 km i30N ať the same price... Decided to go with Ford, cause i already have another family car so dont need more practical car, and most important i can imagine how people treat these performance cars and didnt realy want to risk buy something crashed, and also with these cars you will be changing brakes and tires after 20000km so thats 2k extra
Good review! My recommended feed is full of ST reviews recently while I wait to pick up my Racing red ST. 2 years after EU release so managed to get one 2nd hand for a decent price. The wait is killing me, covid 19 is making everything take extra long. Roads here are full of VW's so this little pocket rocket is an eyecatcher imo.
@@CarExpertAus apparently it took quite a while for Ford Europe to build it in the spec they wanted for Australia, hence the delay. It's worth it though. Puts a smile on my face every time I drive my race red one.
Paul, I'm liking how thorough you are with the reviews. Im looking into a new car for the Mrs (or me) if you were to choose between a 2-3 year old focus st vs the new fiesta st for daily usage which would you go and why?
Better looking car both internally and externally. The Recaros in the last gen were really narrow across the shoulders, has this improved? Does the seat comfort help the car for use as a daily? Is there a Mountune upgrade yet?
Very nice review! A question: what about the noise level inside the cabin compared to e.g. a Golf GTI ? I'm sensitive to wind and tire noise, and wonder how this Fiesta ST compares to other cars on the highway, driving at 120 kilometers an hour.
I'd be going silver or the Ford Performance Blue. Would have to see in person to decide. Maybe that weird matte grey white they have at a stretch... but again, would have to see it. Sync 3 is good. Very simple. Just works. Apple Car Play is a must for me in a new car. I want one and will probably get one before the year is through.
That's great to hear. Yeah the blue is an awesome colour - it works really well on the FiST! And the new Sync3 software update is fantastic. They've done a ripper job with it.
That's one on the best reviews of the fiesta I've seen and I watched a lot before I bought one
Thanks, Keith! We seriously appreciate it.
And are you Happy with It?
This is hands down the best review of this car on UA-cam. I watched a hell of a lot of reviews before buying mine over here in the UK in March and this popped up on my suggested today so thought I’d have a watch. Shocked to see you have 15k subs as I’ve only just stumbled across your page - you deserve far more if all of your reviews are as in-depth, professional and at the same time so very human as this one is. A great car, have loved every single moment in it so far.
Holy crap, what a well researched, detailed review. Seriously impressed.
Cheers, mate!
@@CarExpertAus hey Paul… any chance you can review the mk8.5?? Different seats and plenty of deletions… but still worthy of a look?
Skip Ahead:
Fiesta Exterior: 00:54
Fiesta Interior: 02:50
Fiesta Infotainment: 04:58
Fiesta Features: 10:03
Fiesta Practicality: 12:33
Fiesta on the Road: 17:10
Fiesta Exhaust Sound: 22:07
Verdict: 25:03
Hi, So I live in switzerland. some of the best mountain passes in the world, I want a two seater but unfortunatly I have kids and a sensible wife, so I am restricted to 4 seats and "realistic".
Today I test drove the fully kitted out ST on the Fridaustrasse pass in Hagendorf. not a mountain pass but enough hair pins to keep you smiling for a month. It is beyond belief how you can get from slow moving to fast moving on a steep up hill with this car. It it literally a rocket on four wheels. I am dissapointed that with all of the tech there is no adaptive cruise control as there is a sports intercooler in the place where the ACC sensor would go. The car also has wireless charging which I dont recall you mentioning but its not worth mentioning as no phone fits the area where the charger is. That said in the arm rest there is a second USB so that solves that problem if you can get your samsung s21 Ultra to fit.
But lets be honest, nobody cares about stuff like that when you have a 200PS on a car that weights 1.5KG. I would be more interested to know about the varients, such as the "ST Edition" 600 only limited edition aztec blue versions. and the one that has the ST button on the steering wheel. where as on our modles we just have a "Back Button". the launch control is very much dependent on the tyres, person weight and road material. for exmple on a hot day with Pilot P4 tyres that are warmed up, with an average weighted person, on a rubber induced tarmac road, the 6.8s launch control very possible. would have been nice to see android auto on the infotainment section. In a nutshell, out of the golf GTI, the yaris GR, the civic type r, swift sport, cooper gt, i30 N concept C. this ST is the one i found to be the most fun, and hence I am ordering one. another note which you will all hate me for but will never notice, is that the steering wheel is off center due to air bag space legal reqirements, but nobody ever notices and i certainly did not today. the steering is nothing short of, ive never experianced sterring quite as good, and i have tested the ND RF MK4 MX5, the car i want but cant have, "dont have kids! or have a sensible german as a partner"
Releasing this in lockdown was needed, I'm missing driving mine and watched the Chris Harris review too many times!
We're jealous of your ride! What do you like most about it?
CarExpert Tripodding it
:-D
Ill be trading my 19 plate st-3 in for an a35 in September, im pretty sour about it :/
I live in the UK and have had mine for 3 months and love it, every time i get in it i don't stop smiling
Great feedback, John! Glad you're enjoying it - which colour did you go for?
@@CarExpertAus Black
Awesome review, you guys are killing it! Been waiting for immersive Australian car reviews for years - this is perfect. Thanks guys and keep it up!
Thanks so much, we really appreciate it!
Great video review guys, having driven and reviewed the European-spec Fiesta ST we can not help it but agree 100% with your verdict.
Thank you!
A car that finally really deserves a rating of 8.4. I can’t wait to drive it
We're glad you agree :-D
Best review on this car by far. Thank you for going into such detail.
I bought one of these 6 weeks ago don't think I've stopped smiling while driving it.
Best value hot hatch ever!
This is so much better than Car Advice. I just subbed.
Thanks, JFomo, glad to have you along! Hit the bell icon too to be notified when we post new videos :-D
Great job Paul! Keen to see you boys do well! Looking forward to the review of the Focus ST!
We can’t wait to have a spin of it. We actually have a great story we are working on - hopefully it’ll all come to fruition later in the year.
Thicc review!! We have a Ford Performance Blue FiST on order, skipped the sunroof, not really required in Darwin. Ordered personalised plates (FIST), almost didn't get those across the line, even in the NT, what is the world coming to?!
First car we have ever ordered without a test drive!
Have driven the FoST ST auto, nice to be sure, but didn't hit the spot. Made the decision soo easy. I'd read that the FoST (auto at least) feels caught between a muscle car and a hot hatch, after driving it, I actually agree with that.
Fiesta ST it is.
Delivery is scheduled for late Nov, but in all seriousness, just can't wait to have our faces light up like yours did Paul! This was the best review of this little weapon yet!
Well, except the bit where you were just getting into the torque characteristics, but that steering rack slammed you again! Keep up the good work.
Lol, same. Ordered mine in Melb, around Sept 2020, without a test drive (couldn't with covid lockdowns etc). Felt like a risky thing to do - but no probs. Love mine to bits..
Looks a whole lot better than the previous model
2 thumbs up for your FiST review! Don’t watch much TV but loved Car Advice with you & Trent. Both of you have awesome presentation & research skills & were so engaging. In the UK, they call the Fiesta ST & Focus ST the FiST & FoST. Bought the FiST new in 2014. Now has a Stage 2+ tune (amazing mix of power & traction). Still can’t wait to drive it EVERY day. Will probably get Mk8 FiST soon but struggling with the thought of getting rid of my Mk7...one of the most awarded & critically acclaimed cars of the past decade.
Thanks for the comments Terry! Appreciate it :-D
Love the new channel, talk about all cons and pros in details. Also the talk it is very objective, really helps before go into a dealership.
Thanks, Aaron! And yes, it's best to be armed with all the information you need before heading in to the dealership :-D
Just saw this review. My wife have a ST3 in the UK (almost the same spec as your test car). She loves it. The wheels are a magnet for kerbs! I take the key and just drives it at weekends with no where to go.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi there, well done good review, i bought one in England 9 months ago ,i have jus 3000 miles on the clock courtesy of COVID ,i must say it is the best car i have ever bought,it is cheap on fuel,you ommitted to say the 3cyl engine does have cyl deactivation so i believe at 2,000 rpm approx it only runs on 2 cyls, it is so comfy and goes like shit off a shovel, in England st3 cost me £24,000 which is worth every penny, well done keep up good work bud.
Great review, you killed it! great points as well.legit looks like a 100k channel and saw its 98 like what.
Thanks, mate! We appreciate it 😁
Well he was from Car Advice!
@@Philbyyyy except CarAdvice is much more shit🤣
Very interesting ,comprehensive and well done review! ..Here in Norway I bought a 2018 ST (3) with all the options 3 weeks ago..it is the most fun car to drive on the relatively twisty Norwegian west coast roads around here I could imagine...I have had quite a few fast cars but this is certainly the fastest point to point car I have owned and a superb compromise for anyone needing a small all rounder for daily tasks that can make you grin ear to ear out of town..best from Norway mate!
Hi Paul, congratulations on the review, great, concise presentation that ticks all the boxes in terms of the attributes of this car. We bought one of the first cars in Australia in April 2020, having owned a standard Fiesta for the last 8 years. The astounding feature of this Fiesta is the torque which is seamless and in gears 2,3 and 4 seems to go on forever and really, you wonder how Ford have been able to extract so much power and torque from a 3 cylinder engine of 1500cc. We have just returned from a week driving around Tasmania on clear, uncongested roads which were ideally suited to the Fiesta's character - even though road surfaces were not exactly smooth. The car's handling was superb and you really look forward to driving in hilly country with twisty roads. The day to day liveability is also fine and the Recaro seats are firm but comfortable and really hold you in place - unless you are , shall we say, on the beefy size. Having read other reviews which complained about seat comfort after 2 hours or so , I would have to disagree, as we spent a few 5 hour+ drives and no complaints, other than getting out over the side bolsters. In fact I found the seats more comfortable than my Lexus LX 450D over long journeys. So after 10 months ownership everything is working fine with no faults and I certainly endorse your review. This such a fun and practical car and for the on roads price of around $35k is a bargain. I also understand that it is the only Ford built in Germany, so perhaps that explains the quality.
1 year later but best review I've ever seen on this car I've seen a lot
I've just ordered the ST3 to replace my 17 model and can't wait. Great fun to drive and it never fails to put a smile on your face.
That's great to hear! Which colour did you go with?
@@CarExpertAus performance blue. I wanted the burnt orange colour but apparently they are rarer than rocking horse poo.
Very nice! The blue looks awesome in person 😁
Subs without hesitation when I saw Paul.. Great vids by the way mate.
Ha ha, thanks Archi!
Just bought one . This is by far the best review of the many I've watched. People bang on about polo,vw and yaris but as far as fun to drive the st3 beats all of em
G'day Paul . I was waiting for Suzuki swift sport 2 but the Fiesta ST looks light years ahead for the same money . It's test drive time. Thanks for the in-depth review..Very good..
Have been waiting for the channel! Love the car and the review! Looking forward to seeing all the great content again 🙌
Thank you, mate! We appreciate it.
Sensational review Paul ...at last a proper comprehensive review..no BS with real world info..love it
Thanks, Steven! Greatly appreciated. There was genuinely virtually nothing to call out as a negative, it's one ripper car!
Just bought one and love it! Love it love it! Had the previous Mk7 and this is an awesome upgrade.
This review is fantastic. The amount of detail covered is impressive. Touches on things have seen in no other video on this car...superb!
Cool video Paul! Subscribed! Can't wait to see one of these when they arrive at my work!
Thanks, Paul!
Thankyou for a more in depth review than the others I have seen, especially with the infotainment as like yourself I am a tech nerd.
No worries, Paul! I can never have enough technology in a car :-D
I’m looking at buying one of these currently so I’ve been looking at loads of videos trying to find out everything I can about this car and I have to say this review is so so up there. The only thing I would say is it would be nice to get a run through on the instrument cluster but aside from that fantastic video!
I test drove a 2020 model today and bought it. It is an amazing car but getting harder to find for sale.
So much fun, even when you aren't driving it hard.
It's the Performance Blue.
BTW, I must've watched this video 5 times. Thank you for your comprehensive reviews.
So glad you guys are back!
Thanks, Daniel!
This is a really good (thorough and enthusiastic (not nerdy)) review. As an owner of both a MK7 FiST and a MK3.5 FoST I am most interested to see how both this MK8 FiST (and MK4 FoST) compare for future purchases and all that! BTW I think an LSD offers improved traction but not grip - that is the job of the tyres I believe .......... Now I am off to delve into more of your reviews ........
Always enjoy your reviews. Such a shame they are stopping the little Fiesta
Well presented. I have just ordered a new (2022) one as a result of your review.
Hey @CarExpert, I have collected it and it is incredible 😂
My god you started with a FiST pun! 😂😂 Love the new channel and review style/content!
Ha ha, thank you! We've got to keep everybody on their toes ;-)
Amazingly detailed and entertaining review!
Crisp quality with good information make this channel stand out! Keep it up 👍
Thanks mate, appreciate it!
They're great to drive.. I've had mine for 3 months..in the UK we have the limited performance edition which is orange. Has adjustable coilovers. Led lights... It puts a smile on my face everytime drive it .
😁 is the suspension mega firm on the performance edition?
@@CarExpertAus no not at all. I've driven both and the suspension is much better actually. It doesn't tend to skip about as much when gunning it if there is any unevenness in the road surface. Take look at the reviews for the performance edition. Great review by the way keep up the good work and stay safe
Thank you! And definitely will check out reviews of the PE.
Just ordered ST3 in performance blue but I wanted the burnt orange one. Was told by salesman that they are rarer than rocking horse poo! Hopefully pick mine at end of June and cannot wait.
@@wrathchild68 you will love it. I was so lucky to get mine and discounted heavily as had been a cancelled order .. puts such a big smile on your face every time you drive it .
Australias best reviewer. Well done mate, liking the new channel.
Loved the old car but the seat bolsters were so uncomfortable so couldn't buy it, is this one much better or only slightly better to sit in for a long drive?
Thanks, mate! Really appreciate it. In terms of long distance drives, I had no issues with them. Our A45 AMG review will drop on Thursday and I spent a stack of time in that car and found the seats to be more uncomfortable in that, than they were in the Fiesta ST.
Excellent review, a lot more depth than other reviews.
Think I'm sold on this car and definitely sold on your channel 👍👍
Great comprehensive review. I have been watching these in reviews from Europe. Can't wait to see one in the flesh. Love that it's "old school" 3 pedal manual, analogue, quick steering and with a proper LSD. Will look at purchasing one of these once lock down is over. So keen for a drive.
Let us know how you, Benjamin! Especially if you buy one, it's a cracking thing :-D
@@CarExpertAus So after a year of COVID and lockdowns and general uncertainty, I have placed a deposit on the only red FiST left in Sydney. Can't wait to pick it up via click and collect next week...there's a smile on my dial.
Great review, makes me want to go for a drive in my Focus!
Thanks, Tomas!
Whoa a new video already!? Keep them coming.
Three a week is our promise :-D
Previously had a 2016 in red, this red looks even better....maybe the blue too. Cheers for the review, didn't need anymore convincing!
Another great review. Sounds like its a real hoot to drive.
It’s heaps of fun! 😁
From UK and have my mk8 ST in this colour since August last year. Put triple R lower body kit on it and Maxton Design rear top lip spoiler transforms the look even better . I love this car but have just one gripe. The tyres lose grip in the UK winter months as I can spin the wheels in third gear in the wet in a straight line but it holds on quite well around bends in the wet. When I need new tyres I will get the sport 4’s which I have been told are much better. Looking at getting a Revo tune to take it to around 250-260 bhp.As standard it’s a car you push and it gives with a grin. Enjoyed the video 👍
Thanks for that info, Darren! I think the Pilot Sport 4 will be a much better tyre. They handle the wet a little better and they have loads of grip when the weather hears up. Enjoy the car!
Excellent review. Deserves far more views and likes.
Thanks, Daddy Cool! Feel free to share it around :-D
Hey Guys, liked your review. Driving my FiST now for two years and love it every day. But for the 0-100 is something important: Flat Shift. You need to stand on the gas while shifting the gears, only need to push the clutch. There are some videos on UA-cam showing that the FiST can do the 0-100 in up to 6.3 Seconds when this feature is used right. Have fun ;-)
Thank you for this! We will give it a shot next time 😄
🤣🤣🤣 hahaha awesome intro Paul. Made me choke on my coffee 🤣🤣🤣 I had the previous gen ST and am looking forward to getting behind the wheel of this new model.
😅 I’m glad you weren’t offended! Last gen was a stack of fun to drive 😁
@@CarExpertAus Will be interesting to put this up next to the Yaris GR later in the year 😍
Ohhh yeah! Sign us up for that 😁
Better looking than previous generation - blue please ✊👍 great review
More 'grown up' looking than the previous (MK7) generation for sure but as a young 52 year old I prefer the looks of the MK7 (and the MK3.5 Focus ST vs the MK4 also) Maybe I will grow up one day and get to like this generation of FiST and FoST more ........ maybe?
Also i'm really enjoying the full in depth reviews! keep up the great videos Paul and the team!
Thank you! Glad you’re liking the format. As always if there is any constructive criticism, feel free to shoot it our way!
cracking review Paul, and good luck with the new channel, you have some great content so far, Magnetic is the best colour. I had door protectors on several Focus's over the years, std on top trims and £80 option on others. SYNC4 is coming soon, latest Ford cars will start to have them by end of year. Just don't like the 'stuck on tablet design/fitting' look. Also miss the custom wallpaper option from SYNC2, used to get some really cool wallpaper backgrounds😎
Mountune upgrades for the Fiesta ST also very good and warranty friendly, a proper remap will make all the difference to both ST's.
Great review Paul once again yr knowledge on the tech is awesome
Thanks 👍
Great car review! I won't ever give up my 2008 XR4 but this would make for a good companion on my driveway.
Great review Paul, I love this car so much!
Thanks, Thanos!
With the WiFi connected, will it download all the latest updates when the car is off? Wouldnt want to leave the car running for 45 mins in the drive whilst everything is updating
Very comprehensive review, very impressed
Thank you! We appreciate it.
Is the heated windscreen distracting at all?
I had a look at one last weekend and you don't even notice it unless you look for it.
Great Car and super performance.
I love this engine👏
Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪👍
Thanks for watching, especially all the way from Germany!
@@CarExpertAus 😇👍
Congrats for your very interesting review!!!
Thank you!
Can you do a comparison of the Fiesta ST against the BRZ/ GR86?
Both affordable by proper fun cars, with very different approaches!
I’m interested to see your thought because I’d love to buy the new Fiesta ST, but am currently weighting up against the GR86!
Great review, I’ve now subscribed. I currently own a fiesta st200 Best wishes from Ireland. 😄
Thanks, John! And greetings from Oz 😁
Great review Paul! Glad that you have your own channel with your friends. I loved your reviews on caradvice.
This is a blast of a car and it is one of the best hot hatches on market but I have one question, are the seats really that tight that after a while you're feet will go numb? Also, the steering rack really poses a problem do to how fast it will come back? Lots of other reviewers complained about those 2 "issues" and I want to know your opinion also as in my area there is now ST available to test drive. 😁
Good luck with your new endeavor and keep it up as I love your style of reviews! Take care and stay safe! 👍
Thanks for joining us on the channel! We really appreciate it 😁 we spent a fair bit of time behind the wheel of this thing (Scott, who did the written review, is taller than I am) and I didn’t have any dramas with the seats. Mind you - I’d be keen to see what it’s like in peak hour traffic. That could be the deal breaker.
Anyone watching in North America, please call or write Ford Customer Service. Tell them we want the new Fiesta ST and/or Focus ST in the U.S./Canadian market. If all their customers are telling them, they'll listen and bring us BACK these hot hatches. Thank you for your support in this petition effort!
Hey Paul, absolutely love your work! Just wanted to know if you'll be doing a Mustang R-Spec daily drive review for the channel? It'd be much appreciated if you can. Keep killing it!
I bought the first Aussie edition released .... back in November 2013 ... Since I have a work vehicle, it was purely a recreation/shopping trolley and only did 26400Km's in the 6 years I owned it before trading it in for a 2015 Holden VF 6.0L manual ute ... I bought the ute for 2 reasons - The primary reason was that the ute was something that I had wanted for a while (although it was my auto technician that suggested the V8 over the 6 - for reliability reasons). The secondary reason I picked the ute was because of the ST's pricing point. I bought the original with a full matching spare alloy and tyre, window tint and 12 months licensing for $28500 ... As far as I'm concerned as soon as you push the purchase price beyond that $30K mark ... you head firmly OUT of the "Hot Hatch" segment ... and into either the "Performance Hatch" segment or the "Luxury Hatch" segment ... The mantra for a hot hatch should always be fun at en extremely low price point. If I could pick one of these up for $30K drive away, with the same spec as the last one - I'd bite the bullet ... but they were talking figures of $34-$35K ... and at that pricing point - I probably go with a 2YO used VW Golf Gti. Is it good bang for buck? - Probably - It's certainly more refined ... But I believe that with all of that refinement, the trade off is what makes a hot hatch ... a hot hatch - Rawness!
Very true! And enjoy the ute - what a beast 😁
@@CarExpertAus ... Thanks! ... I probably should have said this FIRST ... But: Great review!! Honestly- I like that an Aussie is giving honest, no BS, reviews on Aussie cars.
Like many have said in the comments, this is possibly one of the best review I've seen in a long time ! You got a new sub, and I think Ford will get a new client soon ^^' (my choice is between an ST and the new Hyundai i20N but after this review I think the ST is gonna be mine...)
wrong choice
Good job 👍 Paul 🏁👏👏👏
Great review. I got an Race Red ST2 here in UK with performance pack. Such a hoot to drive and actually quicker than the mk7 ST. Many folk here feel the need to tune it further but I want to protect my warranty and I feels it’s got plenty of poke in stock anyway !
that keyfob has been with us for over 12 years (not complaining, just point out :)
Great review guys, i've currently got the Mk7 and love it! I'm looking at upgrading and cannot wait to test drive it here in Australia!
Excellent! Let us know how your eventual test drive goes 😁
Do it! I had the MK7 myself and I've got the MK7 since December and it's fantastic! Go for it you won't regret it!
GREAT review.
10/10.
Thank You.
Nice review, makes me wanna jump in and drive it 👍😉👍
You definitely should 😁
Bought one in Performance Blue, in part based on your review. I love it. Thanks.
Looking forward to blue for me from Cologne.
I plan on getting a blue one in about a year, hoping for a 2nd hand one with less than 30k on clock. I have an xr5 2.5 I can't justify upgrading at the moment as it still goes so well.
The XR5 was a fun little car! I think you'd like this - it's a different noise to the 2.5-litre, but still sounds awesome.
I wonder whether they figured out the windshield heating thing. Those wires tend to die as years go by and you get less and less area of the screen heated.
Really good video and this car is very exciting. Thanks
Thanks, mate!
Hi where does the Fist made at? Would there be future parts n labour high costs??
Love it lads! Tell me does the sync 3 customize its brightness and colour settings? My prev gen polo gti had a black background which was easy on the eyes at night and while diving. Im thinking the bright white infotainment would do my head in
Great question, Nick! It definitely adjusts brightness, but I don't know that it'll change colour temperature. It can switch between day/night.
Great review and I am going to order one 👍
Does the screen have a dark mode, or is it just this eye popping bright white?
Nice review! Happy for the aussies that now can enjoy the mk8 ST 🙃
Us too 😁
i am strongly considering buying one ex-demo in metallic 0km really like the car really good review on it it will be my very first brand new car
Great review Paul
Thank you, KeyMan!
Hey Paul, would you get this brand new or a year or two old i30N at similar prices?
Tough call! I really like both - i30N feels a little more raw, but this is super darty and looks really cool in person.
Hey, had the same dilema few weeks ago, could buy this brand new, or 2years old, with 20000 km i30N ať the same price... Decided to go with Ford, cause i already have another family car so dont need more practical car, and most important i can imagine how people treat these performance cars and didnt realy want to risk buy something crashed, and also with these cars you will be changing brakes and tires after 20000km so thats 2k extra
great car
ford build
puts a smile on your face
Good review! My recommended feed is full of ST reviews recently while I wait to pick up my Racing red ST. 2 years after EU release so managed to get one 2nd hand for a decent price. The wait is killing me, covid 19 is making everything take extra long. Roads here are full of VW's so this little pocket rocket is an eyecatcher imo.
Congrats on the purchase, you’ll love it! Have solace knowing that we only just got this as a new model despite it being out for ages 😭
@@CarExpertAus apparently it took quite a while for Ford Europe to build it in the spec they wanted for Australia, hence the delay. It's worth it though. Puts a smile on my face every time I drive my race red one.
Cool Review, but U have the B&O Sound System and also a Tire in back, isnt there the Subwoofer normal?
Paul, I'm liking how thorough you are with the reviews.
Im looking into a new car for the Mrs (or me) if you were to choose between a 2-3 year old focus st vs the new fiesta st for daily usage which would you go and why?
The Fiesta ST is very popular in the UK and the most stolen car. Great video 🖒
Better looking car both internally and externally. The Recaros in the last gen were really narrow across the shoulders, has this improved? Does the seat comfort help the car for use as a daily? Is there a Mountune upgrade yet?
Awesome review 👌👌
Best value hot hatch out there.
Very nice review! A question: what about the noise level inside the cabin compared to e.g. a Golf GTI ? I'm sensitive to wind and tire noise, and wonder how this Fiesta ST compares to other cars on the highway, driving at 120 kilometers an hour.
I'd be going silver or the Ford Performance Blue. Would have to see in person to decide. Maybe that weird matte grey white they have at a stretch... but again, would have to see it.
Sync 3 is good. Very simple. Just works. Apple Car Play is a must for me in a new car.
I want one and will probably get one before the year is through.
That's great to hear. Yeah the blue is an awesome colour - it works really well on the FiST! And the new Sync3 software update is fantastic. They've done a ripper job with it.
I’m looking at a white one or maybe the flat grey. I’d love a red one but I don’t like how the ST badge blends in unless you change the colour of it