Now here’s an interesting argument: is the Ford Fiesta 2.0 ST really a better car than the cheaper and less powerful 1.6 three-door Trend? I bring this up because I actually own one of the latter models and, thirsty for more power, have been contemplating upgrading to an ST for some time now. After all, with a little more kilowatts available to exploit that already brilliant Fiesta chassis, this range-topper seems like it could be the perfect everyday hot-hatch. But interestingly enough, after trawling through some of my favourite motoring websites, it turns out that the 1.6 Trend – or what’s badged as the Zetec-S overseas – is actually a more sorted package than its bigger brother. It might not be as quick to 100km/h but it’s been extolled as the much more nimble and finer handling machine. It’s smaller 1.6-litre engine has also been described as being smoother and a lot keener to rev than the detuned Mondeo-sourced 2.0-litre bolted under the bonnet of the ST. Don’t believe me? Well check out the following exert:

“Happily, whilst the ST was still running on its ‘probably okay’ tyre, I managed to borrow its lower-powered lieutenant, the Zetec S. This car went on sale at the same time as the ST but received precious little press coverage because everyone was distracted by the more powerful model, and that’s a shame because the S is, quite frankly, bloody brilliant. The engine may only be a 99bhp 1.6 – or there’s an 89bhp diesel if you like that sort of thing – and it may lack the superlight-flywheel-immediacy of the ST’s 2-litre, but what it has instead is a keenness to keep revving that makes the faster car feel tight-chested. It’s not mega-fast by any stretch but it still covers ground at a clip, not least because the chassis is a thing of agile wonder. In fact, it makes the ST feel distinctly lead-footed by comparison, turning in more keenly, skimming over cracked and battered tarmac with grace and composure where the faster car jitters and tramlines.” – Richard Porter, EVO Magazine

I’ve never driven the 2.0 Fiesta myself so it’s unfair for me to pass any judgment, but it sounds like trading my 1.6 on a new ST isn’t actually worth it – unless I want to have a slight edge off the line. However, having said that, the ST also comes kitted out with a pair of grippier driving seats, more aggressive styling and automatic climate control. Looks like I’ll have to solve this conundrum with a test drive then…