Ford Fiesta ST-Line X 2017 first drive

ST-Line models are expected to represent a fifth of UK sales for the new Ford Fiesta. To hit that target, this halfway house between the regular car and full-blown ST will have to make a real impression.

Things looked good when we drove an ST-Line X for the first time on its European launch in June, but that was on smooth, sun-baked Spanish Tarmac. Now, we’re treading onto the undulating paths and carriageways around Wales’ Snowdonia National Park to more accurately gauge the model’s chances in Britain.

The ST-Line X, as you may have guessed, combines luxury features of the Titanium X with ST-Line design. It cherry-picks desirable features from both trims, including a dash-top-mounted 8.0in touchscreen (non-X models get 6.5in) featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, part-leather sports seats and an ST-Line flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Outside, the car rolls on 17in wheels as standard, with 18in ones an option (and are fitted to this car). The bumpers are more aggressive in their design, while side skirts have been added to make the car look as though it’s sitting closer to the ground.

These changes, of course, come with the improvements added to the new Fiesta range. Compared with its predecessor, it has a vastly improved interior complete with a less cluttered dashboard and a higher-quality finish overall. The car itself is 71mm longer and 13mm wider, aiding interior space, and knee room in the back has grown by a modest 16mm.

Ford has pushed hard to boost the safety of the new Fiesta, so its B-pillars and doors have been bolstered for better side-impact protection, while a new Pedestrian Detection system that can work in the dark is offered. The ST-Line X gets additional driver assistance features such as a 4.2in TFT instrument cluster screen that displays traffic signs, as well as driver fatigue alert technology and rain-sensing wipers.

Ford has nailed the placement of the ST-Line within the Fiesta range, giving the model just enough sporting prowess to justify its badge but not to the detriment of its overall usability. Such is its flexibility that if you were to only glide about at urban pace, you’d be forgiven for thinking the ST-Line’s changes are only skin-deep.

Truth is, Ford has adjusted the damping to offer a slightly firmer ride than the regular car, but the impact is only really noticeable on cracked surfaces, when the wheels patter along with more enthusiasm. The car still soaks up bumps and ruts well, but it’s slightly more composed during quick direction changes with fewer degrees of lean through corners.