New Ford Fiesta ST200 vs Mini Cooper S
Ford has produced its hottest Fiesta yet, the fiery ST200, but will it get burnt by Mini's Cooper S?...
Our verdict
The Fiesta ST is a truly brilliant hot hatch, but it does look rather pricey in new ST200 guise. Nevertheless, hot hatches are fundamentally about putting a smile on your face and the ST200 does that far better than the Cooper S.
Yes, the Mini has a classier interior and stronger outright performance, but you’ll never wake up at 6am on a Sunday just to go for a blast. In fact, the only reason not to buy the ST200 is that the equally brilliant Fiesta ST-2 is thousands of pounds cheaper.
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1st – Ford Fiesta ST200
For Engaging handling; slick gearbox; rev-happy engine; more practical
Against Interior quality; slightly disappointing performance; high price
Verdict A brilliant hot hatch, if a little on the pricey side
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Ford Fiesta ST review
Find a great Ford Fiesta deal
2nd – Mini Cooper S
For Plush interior; excellent infotainment; slightly stronger performance
Against Stodgier handling; rubbery gearshift; smaller boot; dull engine
Verdict Not that sparkling to drive by hot hatch standards
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full Mini 3dr review
Find a great Mini deal
Also consider:
Specifications: Ford Fiesta ST200
Engine size 1.6-litre, petrol, turbo
List price £22,745
Target Price £19,568
Power 1897bhp
Torque 213lb ft
0-62mph 7.2sec
Top speed 142mph
Official fuel economy 46.3mpg
True MPG 39.6mpg
CO2 emissions 140g/km
Specifications: Mini Cooper S Chilli Media XL
Engine size 2.0-litre, petrol, turbo
List price £22,780
Target Price £21,511
Power 189bhp
Torque 207lb ft
0-62mph 6.8sec
Top speed 146mph
Official fuel economy 49.6mpg
True MPG 37.2mpg
CO2 emissions 133g/km
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