The Ford Fiesta ST is one of the all-time great hot hatches, but it's far from the only sporty car on the market.
If the little Ford doesn't get your pulse racing, there are loads of fun-driving, compact alternatives you could consider instead. Almost all are available to buy from Motorpoint as great-value used cars.
Volkswagen Polo GTI
Better than a Fiesta ST for: everyday usability
While the Fiesta ST isn't a hard car to live with, it can't match the Volkswagen Polo GTI's all-round talents. Compared to the Ford, the Polo is softer and more forgiving over rough surfaces, as well as being quieter overall, meaning less fatigue on longer journeys. You'll also find a DSG automatic gearbox in the Polo, which fits the car's calmer personality, without robbing it of any performance. It can't quite match the Ford's playfulness, but this sporty Volkswagen gives you the full hot hatch experience while demanding almost no compromises.
Shop used Volkswagen Polo GTI cars or read our Volkswagen Polo review
Abarth 595
Better than a Fiesta ST for: race car driving experience
By several objective measurements, the Abarth 595 isn't as good as the Fiesta ST. Its ride is harsher, its exhaust is noisier, its cabin is noticeably smaller, and it's struggling to hide the fact the design is well over a decade old at this point. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then the 595 isn't for you but, if you want a raw, unfiltered hot hatch that makes every drive feel like a BTCC qualifying round, then take one for a spin. You may quickly find its aggressive turbo engine and charming retro design touches win you over, if not its more affordable price.
Browse used Abarth 595 cars read our Abarth 595 review
Mini Cooper S Hatchback
Better than a Fiesta ST for: cabin design
The Mini Hatchback is decked in cool retro styling touches like the Abarth but presents them in a much more grown-up package. When outfitted with the Cooper S 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, these models feel properly quick – a sensation that's enhanced by the Mini's super-sharp handling and agile steering. Once you're done enjoying the driving experience, you can settle back and appreciate the Mini's cabin design, including its eye-catching circular centre screen and satisfying dashboard toggle switches.
Search used Mini Cooper S cars or read our Mini Hatchback review
Hyundai i20N
Better than a Fiesta ST for: modern styling
The Hyundai i20N dances to many of the same beats as the Fiesta ST. Like the Ford, It's fast, grippy and agile, with just enough premium touches and on-board features to lift itself above more affordable options. On the road, the Hyundai is more-or-less the same size as the Fiesta, but has a touch more rear-passenger and cargo space, making it marginally easier to live with. Where the Hyundai stands out is its styling – it looks more modern than the slightly conservative Ford, with aggressive angles and deep, dramatic creases in the bodywork.
Check out used Hyundai i20 cars or read our Hyundai i20 review
Mazda MX-5
Better than a Fiesta ST for: handling
If you're shopping for a Fiesta ST, there's a good chance you're the kind of person who enjoys driving. So, if you can live without the extra practicality granted by the Ford's small back seats, why not go the whole way and pick one of the best driving cars ever built – the Mazda MX-5. It's a true sports car, with rear-wheel drive, a revvy engine and light, direct handling – and that's before you've even begun to enjoy the thrill of open-air convertible driving. You can only take one passenger, but the boot's large enough for a weekend's worth of (soft) luggage.
View used Mazda MX-5 cars or read our Mazda MX-5 review
Volkswagen Up GTI
Better than a Fiesta ST for: city-friendly dimensions
If you like the idea of a hot hatch, but often find yourself squeezing into the smallest parking spots in town, check out the Volkswagen Up GTI. This compact city car has a tiny 3.6-metre-long footprint, so no space is too tight – especially with its excellent visibility and optional rear parking sensors. Its 1.0-litre turbo engine might sound a little puny compared to faster cars on this list but, in a car as light as the Up GTI, it delivers hilarious performance that's accessible at speeds that won't risk your licence.
Search used Volkswagen UP GTI cars or read our Volkswagen Up GTI review
Ford Focus ST
Better than a Fiesta ST for: practicality
If you like the Fiesta ST's overall package but need a little extra space, check out the larger Ford Focus ST. This adds the brand's full suite of performance upgrades to the more practical Focus hatchback. Your budget might need to grow a little, as Focus ST models are usually a few thousand pounds more expensive than an equivalent Fiesta ST, but you get a healthy jump in rear-seat and cargo space in return. Not only that, the Focus swaps the Fiesta's strong 1.5-litre turbo engine for a mighty 2.3-litre unit, giving it even more performance.
Take a look at used Ford Focus ST cars or read our Ford Focus review
Suzuki Swift Sport
Better than a Fiesta ST for: value
Like fast Fords that came before it, the Fiesta ST offers serious performance at an accessible price. However, it's not the cheapest way to enjoy hot-hatch thrills. For an affordable route into driving fun, take a look at the Suzuki Swift Sport. This little hatch starts with the standard Swift – already a sharp-handling, fun car – and adds a 1.4-litre turbo engine aided by a 48V mild-hybrid system, giving performance and fuel efficiency. If you can resist the urge to pin the throttle, you should be able to average around 50mpg.
Find used Suzuki Swift Sport cars or read our Suzuki Swift review
BMW i3S
Better than a Fiesta ST for: EV driving
The i3S is the sporty version of the regular BMW i3. It's a quirky little electric hatchback with a clever carbon-fibre-polymer chassis and a tall but narrow body with a remarkable amount of space between the front and rear axles. The S version boosts power from 170 to 184hp, making an already nippy car feel even more lively when you mash the accelerator. The maximum range of around 170 miles means the i3S makes a better second car than it does a main car, but your running costs will be very low if you can charge at home.
Browse used BMW i3 cars or read our BMW i3 review
Volkswagen Golf GTE
Better than a Fiesta ST for: plug-in-hybrid driving
Another entry from the German giant, reflecting its illustrious hot hatch history. The Golf GTE is what happens when you mix the fuel-saving abilities of a plug-in-hybrid engine, with a turbocharged performance-focused car. That means you get three-figure mpg numbers, or the option to travel up to 82 miles on electric power alone – or you can blend both electric and petrol power for serious performance that more-or-less matches the petrol Golf GTI. All the traditional Golf plus-points remain too, such as the spacious cabin and composed body control.
Shop used Volkswagen Golf GTE cars or read our Volkswagen Golf review
Save thousands on a sporty car
Get big savings on Motorpoint's huge choice of used cars for sale. For more thrilling options, check out our picks for the best sports cars you can buy.
