Tiny Terrors

Ford’s Fiesta ST200 is good, then, but is it capable and engaging enough to see off the superb 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport? Or should you save yourself £4000 and go for the SEAT Ibiza Cupra instead?

- Richard Meaden

SMALL, QUICK HATCHBACKS are one of the enduring joys of driving. Good ones never fail to entertain, great ones stand tall amongst the best driving experiences you can have. That they’re attainable – or at least a realistic aspiration – when new, and genuinely affordable second-hand, only adds to their appeal.

The big news in recent months has been the impending arrival of the Fiesta ST200. coming hot on the heels of the Focus rS and building on a class-leading reputation forged by its closest sibling, the ever-excellent Fiesta ST, the 200 is one of those cars that takes an already honed machine and adds that final bit of polish. it’s typical of a car approaching the end of its lifecycle, yet far from feeling long in the tooth. Our first taste of the ST200 (starting on page 116) suggested it is still a car at the top of its game. That’s a theory we’ve decided to put to the test with a face-off between the Ford, Peugeot Sport’s 208 GTi and SeaT’s ibiza cupra.

Peugeot lost its grip on the hot hatch crown many years ago, but recent efforts have shown great promise. The 208GTi by peugeot Sport is its best effort yet. it looks the part, thanks to both a raft of styling changes (mirrors, wheels, wheel arch extensions, exhaust tips, grille and brake calipers, to list but a few of the changes) and the stance-enhancing effects of a 6mm track increase front and rear and a 10mm drop in ride height. coupled with revised Peugeot Sport springs, dampers and geometry settings and a Torsen limited-slip differential taken from the rcZr, this 208 GTi is serious.