Faults:

Nothing yet (touch wood).

General Comments:

I've been a hot-match man all my driving life. After owning: a Vauxhall Nova SLE, Peugeot 205 Gti, Fiat Punta Sporting, Fiat Punto HGT and Seat Ibiza Gti, I've just picked up a 55 plate Zetec-S in Magnum Grey, 4k miles on the clock for £8,995. We needed something 'sensible' as we have a baby on the way, but there was no way on earth I was having a boring diesel Focus!!

All I can say is that the Zetec is the best car I've ever owned. It is as fun to drive as my old 1.6 GTi (handling, grip, power etc), it's as comfy, roomy and well built inside as the Volkswagen derived Ibiza, and hopefully it will be a damn sight more reliable than the 2 Fiat's I've owned, which were appalling! And in the dark grey paint, it looks stunning!

I'd call the performance 'nippy' compared to my previous cars (HGT being the fastest at 6.3 0-60!), but coupled with the superb handling, I can keep snot-nosed Lexus-lighted VTR's out of sight on twisty stuff! VTS would be closer, but he'd beat me on the straights, no doubt! And there is a certain exclusivity to the S that you don't get with the more common VTRs or 182s etc.

If you are after a nippy, fun, well handling and well built warm-hatch, then I could not recommend anything better at this price!

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

After owning numerous hot hatches, the bar was set high for the ST when I took delivery earlier this year. To be honest, I'm probably over-picky with my cars; always looking for a level of all-round performance / finish that doesn't really exist within the price range.

I owned a Clio 172, which I cursed for it's tinny build quality, despite it's storming engine and undeniably fun set-up. A Civic Type-R followed, which I found to be the opposite. A very well engineered product, but a strangely detached driving experience. My last car was an MG ZR 160, which I picked up very cheap when Rover went bust. What a mistake! Believe me, it wasn't cheap enough! Rattles, rattles, rattles! And a drive a so harsh any journey more than a few miles would become very tiresome.

I've always liked the fast Ford branding, having owned many RS's in the past. And with the recent ST line-up looking so smart (new Focus anyone?), I thought I'd have a look.

I liked the idea that the Fiesta, on paper, is not too "hot". More about a compromise of performance and comfort than out-and-out go karting. With a 0-60 sprint of 7.9 seconds, it's quick enough, but'll never keep up the likes of a Clio 182 in a straight line. But that's not the point.

Ownership of the ST has proven to be a pleasure. It's a firm, yet smooth ride with exceptional build quality. The handling is awesome, very grippy indeed. And it's nice to know that Ford haven't achieved this by using a suspension set-up so hard that you jar your spine every time you run over a pebble.

The power delivery is smooth and predicable, 3rd gear being especially able. There's no real "kick", like when the VVT roars up in a Civic Type-R, but I think that adds to the composed nature of the car. It's a hot hatch for grown-ups.

I see the FST as an almost Golf GTi-like experience. But a new Golf would cost you 20 grand. I love the ST's spec (the in-dash 6-disc changer is particularly nice), understated* (but beautiful) looks and all-round capability. I'm growing the love the ST badge and think I may stick with it for a few years. That Focus does look lovely!

*Unless you opt for the Viper stripes!