GTI v. Fiesta ST Mountune

[Bill_the_Bear]

Did you test the new ST bear when considering a new car?? I also think its a big contender, the Mountune upgrade gives it 212bhp for £600, bargain!

That is a bargain, what does it do to the 0-60 out of interest?  I didn't try it because at the time I just went for the GTI and didn't look at alternatives.  I really rate the Fiesta though.  I don't see it as a direct competitor to cars like the GTI or Megane, let alone an M135i or A45, but I think to look at direct comparisons does miss an interesting argument about what performance/fun can you pick up on a budget.

These other cars are built on bigger platforms with more features (like dual zone climate control for one example) but depending on what you are looking for how much of the near £30k you spend is going on things you don't need like a slightly bigger boot, a slightly chunkier button, 0.5 seconds faster to 60 etc etc... a lot of people might find the Fiesta gets them what they really want probably with more fun and leaves £10-15k in your bank.

I'm not saying its for everyone but I do think the market between a Fiesta ST and an M135i is being pushed to be more and more competitive and that has to be good for all of us right?

[Mr Savage]

Wouldn't the new Focus Montune be a better comparison to the Golf?

With all badge snobbery to the side it's a fast car, but it's a very harsh ride and it's nowhere near VW's interior build quality. The Golf GTI is a fast car, with fantastic running costs and loads of practicality, it's the best all rounder currently on the market.

[RobS23GTI]

0-60 is 6.7 I think so only 0.2 off the GTI, but mid-range acceleration is supposed to have increased by a considerable amount as well.

I excluded the Focus only because it has 5 doors so I wouldn't buy one, think their Mountune upgrade is getting on for £1500.

Not sure on the GTI's running costs based on owners thoughts on here though...mid 30's mpg not anything to write home about.

[matchboy]

0-60 is 6.7 I think so only 0.2 off the GTI

0.3 with the PP 

[Bill_the_Bear]

Wouldn't the new Focus Montune be a better comparison to the Golf?

With all badge snobbery to the side it's a fast car, but it's a very harsh ride and it's nowhere near VW's interior build quality. The Golf GTI is a fast car, with fantastic running costs and loads of practicality, it's the best all rounder currently on the market.

You are right, the Fiesta is a class lower than the GTI, which is a much much better all rounder.  But it is also massively cheaper which is what makes it very compelling in some cases.  For example if you want a GTI performance but don't have £25k, or if you want a second car and your first car already covers the large boot/5 door need, or if your only interest is "fun" driving and you don't care about quality or features.

I think the main thing is it is good for the market to have this kind of choice and competition on price.

[wigit]

Fifth Gear tonight tested the Fiesta ST v Peugeot 208GTI v Clio RS, always a joy to watch Tiff and Plato hooning around, Fiesta ST came out top as chassis blew the others away

[Poached]

Unfortunately the Fiesta ST will probably feature in many a Retail Park/Cinema complex/Fast food drive thru gathering.

Hard to distinguish the Fiesta and Focus, naff looking wheels...seats look good though.

Ford and Vauxhall probably have to put more powerful models out as a selling point over VAG?

Mapped v Mapped is surely the only valid comparison.

[CraigW]

There shouldn't even be a comparison. I didn't buy a Golf GTI only for it then to be compared to a Fiesta ffs. Two entirely different leagues

[mark@vorny.co.uk]

Badge snobbery and experience counts it out for me.

You go to our local Ford dealers and the salesman are all hair gel and cheap suits and the service desk won't even consider giving you a loaner.

I turned up to look at a Focus RS and they wouldn't open it up for me as no one was available to chaperone whilst sitting in it in the showroom. That would just grate with me, sorry.

Abarth 595 all the way for me in that price bracket 

[RobS23GTI]

Unfortunately the Fiesta ST will probably feature in many a Retail Park/Cinema complex/Fast food drive thru gathering.

Hard to distinguish the Fiesta and Focus, naff looking wheels...seats look good though.

Ford and Vauxhall probably have to put more powerful models out as a selling point over VAG?

Mapped v Mapped is surely the only valid comparison.

That is what would put me off, the stigma that goes with ST's (same as TT being a girls/hairdressers car...which they are).
.
I compared stock v. Mountune only because that puts it more in the GTI's performance bracket for say £8k less.

Not saying it's better than the GTI at all, but for some it would be in the conversation I would imagine, and all the car magazines are pretty much unanimous that its great.