Ford Fiesta ST: What's behind the success?
The inaugural UK Car of the Year awards recently named the Ford Fiesta ST the 'Best Performance Car' of 2014.
It's not the first accolade the model has picked up since its release, taking TopGear magazine's 'Car of the Year' gong and claiming two titles from What Car? magazine, including 'Best Hot Hatch' and 'Best Small Car'.
This is just a selection of the plaudits the model has received since its 2013 release, proving the Fiesta ST is at the top of its class.
But what makes it so popular among consumers and experts alike?
The latest version of the Fiesta ST offers a range of benefits over its predecessor. This includes 20 per cent more power and fuel economy as well as a range of new features and technologies.
Under the bonnet, the 1.6-litre EcoBoost 182PS engine not only allows the car to sprint from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, it can also achieve a top speed of 137mph.
All this is possible while delivering fuel economy of 47.9mpg (combined) and emitting just 138g/km of CO2.
The powertrain, suspension, steering and brakes have also undergone treatment from the Ford Team RS to create truly optimised driving dynamics.
Additional features such as enhanced torque vectoring control, three-mode electronic stability control, six-speed manual transmission and rear disc brakes also deliver the kind of performance expected in some of Ford's larger performance cars.
Of course, it wouldn't be a new Ford without offering the latest connectivity systems and practical technologies.
This includes the Ford SYNC in-car infotainment feature, allowing drivers to use their mobile phone, access the car's music system and take advantage of the satellite navigation by using just their voice.
In the event of an accident, the car also automatically contacts local emergency assistance to allow drivers and passengers to access necessary help as soon as possible.
MyKey technology enables parents to set specific limits for when their older children decide they want to borrow the car. This includes control over maximum speed, audio volume limits and the use of safety features - such as seatbelts.
It looks great too, offering practicality but with a sporty image, making it perfect for adventurous families.
Alisdair Suttie, motoring editor of the Sunday Post, said: “The Fiesta ST is a riot to drive, has all of the everyday versatility of any other Fiesta and it still manages to cost less than the competition. This is hot hatch perfection.”
It's really no surprise this fantastic little car has picked up so many plaudits.