New Ford Fiesta ST200 vs Mini Cooper S

Our verdict

The Fiesta ST is a truly brilliant hot hatch, but it does look rather pricey in new ST200 guise. Nevertheless, hot hatches are fundamentally about putting a smile on your face and the ST200 does that far better than the Cooper S.

Yes, the Mini has a classier interior and stronger outright performance, but you’ll never wake up at 6am on a Sunday just to go for a blast. In fact, the only reason not to buy the ST200 is that the equally brilliant Fiesta ST-2 is thousands of pounds cheaper.

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1st – Ford Fiesta ST200

For Engaging handling; slick gearbox; rev-happy engine; more practical

Against Interior quality; slightly disappointing performance; high price

Verdict A brilliant hot hatch, if a little on the pricey side

Rated 4 out of 5

Read our full Ford Fiesta ST review

Find a great Ford Fiesta deal

2nd – Mini Cooper S

For Plush interior; excellent infotainment; slightly stronger performance

Against Stodgier handling; rubbery gearshift; smaller boot; dull engine

Verdict Not that sparkling to drive by hot hatch standards

Rated 3 out of 5

Read the full Mini 3dr review

Find a great Mini deal

Also consider:

Specifications: Ford Fiesta ST200

Engine size 1.6-litre, petrol, turbo

List price £22,745

Target Price £19,568

Power 1897bhp

Torque 213lb ft

0-62mph 7.2sec

Top speed 142mph

Official fuel economy 46.3mpg

True MPG 39.6mpg

CO2 emissions 140g/km

Specifications: Mini Cooper S Chilli Media XL

Engine size 2.0-litre, petrol, turbo

List price £22,780

Target Price £21,511

Power 189bhp

Torque 207lb ft

0-62mph 6.8sec

Top speed 146mph

Official fuel economy 49.6mpg

True MPG 37.2mpg

CO2 emissions 133g/km

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