The hot hatch sector of the market is getting more competitive than ever especially with the launch of the third edition of the Mini Cooper S and the award winning Ford Fiesta ST. Jennings Motor Group takes a look at two of the leading contenders. 

Hot Hatch Power

With 189bhp the Mini Cooper S has less power than the Ford Fiesta ST-3 with a bigger 212bhp helped by the factory Mountune upgrade proving performance, even with a smaller Fiesta ST 1596cc engine – the Mini Cooper S uses a 1998cc. The 0-60 speed is also quicker in the Fiesta ST with 6.9 seconds against 7.1 seconds; 30-50 mph also sees the ST win with 2.7 seconds opposed to 2.9 seconds. 

Hot Hatch Storage Space

Even though they are small hot hatch cars, it is still important to have the storage space on hand if required. The new Mini Cooper S has increased boot capacity over previous editions with 211 litres as standard with the rear sets up, but is beaten by the Fiesta ST with an impressive 290 litres.

Ford Fiesta ST 5 star review

When reviewed by Auto Express the Ford Fiesta ST achieved the maximum 5 stars along with comments including “Brilliant handling, subtle styling upgrades, great value for money” along with “Ford Fiesta ST is the very best hot hatch in the business”. Slightly behind is the Mini Cooper S with 4 stars adding “it’s still a fun, grown-up drive with lots of character – one of the key reasons for buying a MINI in the first place”. Find out about the Ford Fiesta yourself – book a test drive today. Call 0333 414 9750 for further information.

Ford Fiesta ST v Mini Cooper S Head to Head 

	Ford Fiesta ST-3 Mountune	MINI Cooper S
On the road price	£19,849	£24,895
Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000)	£9,170/46.2%	£9,160/49.1%
Depreciation	£10,679	£9,495
Annual tax liability std/higher rate	£739/£1,478	£702/£1,404
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles)	£2,341/£3,901	£2,182/£3,637
Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost	30/£344/E/£130	28/£335/E/£130
Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service	£550 (3yrs)	£299 (5yrs/50k)
Length/wheelbase	3,982/2,489mm	3,850/2,495mm
Height/width	1,468/1,764mm	1,414/1,727mm
Engine	4cyl in-line/1,596cc	4cyl in-line/1,998cc
Peak power/revs	212/5,700 bhp/rpm	189/4,700 bhp/rpm
Peak torque/revs	320/1,600 Nm/rpm	280/1,250 Nm/rpm
Transmission	6-spd man/fwd	6-spd man/fwd
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel	48 litres/space saver	44 litres/sealant
Boot capacity	290/974 litres	211/731 litres
Kerbweight/payload/towing weight	1,163/421kg	1,235/450kg
Turning circle/drag coefficient	10.1 metres/0.33Cd	10.8 metres/N/A
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery	3yrs (60,000)/1yr	3yrs (unltd)/3yrs
Service intervals/UK dealers	12,500/781	Variable/148
Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars	91/86/65/5	N/A

 

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