2022 Ford Fiesta ST Mk8.5

[retrological]

Here is my new Fiesta ST. It’s a December 2022 Mk8.5 ST3 model with all the options. I previously had a Mk7 for 8 years which I loved. I was a little unsure about making the change but I am very happy with the new model. I did consider buying an orange Mk8 performance edition or the blue “edition” but decided I wanted the final Fiesta ST Ford will make.

Good things: Feels as fast as my Stage 1 Mountune MP215 Mk7. I guess unsurprisingly as they have the same torque figure of 320Nm (The Mk8 was only 290Nm but Ford gave the Mk8.5 an uplift). 3 cylinder engine sounds fruitier than the old 4 cylinder. I know part of this is pumped in sound but it sounds good to me. Stock exhaust definitely sounds much better. Handling wise feels as fun as my Mk7 but has a more compliant ride.

Build quality is better, feels more solid, but it’s probably unfair comparing a car with 4k miles to one with 78k on the clock. I like the new Ford Performance seats, very comfy and nearly as snug as the Mk7’s Recaros. Mk8/8.5 interior is big step up from the Mk7. B&O stereo is decent enough. Apple CarPlay works well and still have proper buttons for heating and climate control. I like the new wheels and tinted rear lights the Mk8.5 gained. Personally I like the more aggressive new front bumper.

I was going to buy a white car but decided to be bold and go for the new Mean Green colour. I love it so far. Looks good in the shade and sun.

Finally the automatic matrix LED headlights are amazing. Very impressed.

Bad things: Mirrors are no longer folding or heated. Folding is not a problem as they are pretty tiny - not as wide as the Mk7. However I’m sure I’ll miss the heating element when winter comes. Also they ditched the foot rest for your left foot!

If anyone has any questions I’m happy to answer them. Looking forward to putting some miles on it!

[sc0tt]

Looks great. I also had an ST some time ago. How is the ride compared to the previous iteration?

[retrological]

Thanks. Ride is definitely improved. Less crashy at low speed. Quite a difference. Mine was an early Mk7 though before they tweaked the rear suspension for the ST200.