However, it is noisier in the Fiesta ST
cabin, a 76.3dB average being 1.6 units higher than for the RS. And that's
probably due to less soundproofing and Potenza rubber. The RS is on similarly
sized Dunlop Sportmaxx tyres.
One other key difference to performance is
that the Clio has several driving modes. There's Normal, appropriate for town
running. Push the RS button to activate Sport mode and this hypes the engine
and transmission vitality, firms the steering, and backs off ESP. And then
there's Race mode where changes must be made manually-handily there's an
audible shift point warning-and ESP is all off. Launch control is a snip;
merely pull both paddles until launch control activates, and let your foot off
the brake with the throttle pinned. We used Sport mode mainly on circuitous
rural roads where you're seldom tempted to use the paddles because the EDC
transmission does everything so well. Nice to have the paddles there as a
backstop, however.
Although
upright and a little high, the driving position of the Clio is within
expectations for a new supermini
Renault claims an overall fuel consumption
figure of 6.3L/100km and Ford reckons an equally surprising 5.9. Most of the
time we saw double figures in the Renault, but single figures in the ST are easy;
a 300km open road blast saw a consistent 7.7L/100km from the Ford. In similar
circs, the RS runs closer to a 10 average.
Overall these two are roughly as quick as
each other but the firmer, lighter ST has a slight edge and will pull a gap on
the RS when push comes to shove. Emergency stopping distances are largely the
same, not unexpected given similar contact patches. But again, the ST has extra
sensitivity at the brake pedal, and bites better with less input. Lightness is
greatness. RS purrs softly, ST says harden up.
The
Fiesta ST’s driving position is spot-on, and so is pedal placement for easy
heel-and-toeing
If you were bombing the Stelvio Pass, you'd
probably pick the ST for its better body control, and more involving helm. It
has some of the most delicious electric steering of any front drive car, the
added feel allied with firmer suspension allowing you to push on that bit
harder. But if you'd never experienced the ST you'd be mighty impressed with
the RS too. Former RS models were up for it and this is no different, but
compared with earlier versions this is certainly trying to be more things to
more people; it's softer and around town it pampers where the ST doesn't
bother.
Back out on the hill roads, the new RS
electronic 'diff' helps to keep the Clio on line. Essentially this is passive
torque vectoring, the brakes able to independently nip up a wheel to force
drive to its partner with better grip. That helps in a front-drive vehicle to
keep understeer at bay. And the RS exhibits very little in the way of torque
steer. But then both of these features are shared by the ST.
The
Clio’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 197bhp and 177lb ft
Where the RS really manages to get one over
the ST is ride comfort, and here the two differ. The RS actually manages to be
reasonably pliant most of the time, even in slow running, whereas the ST is
fidgety, and it's also noisier, as mentioned.
Inside, the Fiesta ST is less inspired;
hey, it’s not French. There's a tiny central screen relaying information on the
sound system and phone situation. Sports seats and pedals give it a lift, but
the driving position is weird, the squab is too uptilted, and while this can be
mitigated by raising the seat, the result still isn't ideal. It's vastly better
in the Clio and, being a five-door, the belts are much easier to access.
They're a serious reach around in the ST. Access to the rear in the ST is
reasonable, but it's naturally better in the five-door. Room in the rear is
similar; neither is generous with leg space. There's a feeling of greater width
in the RS. Luggage space is reasonable in both, as they each use compact
torsion beam rear suspension. The total favours the RS by 25L.
Under
the Fiesta's bonnet sits a turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which
maximum outputs are 197bhp and 177lb ft
Which ONE then?
Tricky this is. There's a $10k difference
in price here but in terms of specification, the Clio RS Cup does offer more.
But both being hot hatch terriers, they will likely attract a similar buyer.
Still, one sticker price starts with a four and one doesn't. The more expensive
is certainly the more comfortable, especially day to day, but the ST is
dynamically more entertaining. It's also more forthcoming on the performance
front, being lighter, and as a bonus it's more economical. It may not be as
fancy inside but if you're after the best small front drive hot hatch the ST is
Still Tops. However, realists may prefer the more balanced approach of the RS.
