People who look for the latest new car deals can't help but take note of what the industry press have to say about their prospective purchases.
Reviews and awards hold quite a sway with the car-buying public, so it is no surprise the Ford Fiesta ST is flying off the forecourts almost as quick as it is off the start line.
The souped-up version of Britain's most popular car, the ST has added to its own list of honours by taking the Best Performance Car title at the inaugural UK Car of the Year Awards.
Prestigious motoring show and magazine Top Gear had already named the Fiesta ST as its overall Car of the Year, but the new UK Car of the Year honours are selected by an even wider field of experts and experienced motoring journalists.
Ken Gibson, The Sun motoring editor, said of the ST: "Performance doesn't have to be all about size; the little Fiesta is a riot of fun and a great driver's car at a fraction of the price you could pay for power."
Scotland's The Sunday Post motoring editor Alisdair Suttie said: "The Fiesta ST is a riot to drive, has all of the everyday versatility of any other Fiesta and it still manages to cost less than the competition. This is hot hatch perfection."
Another person who was equally impressed by the hot hatch was Tim Pollard, editor at MSN Cars, who summed up the appeal of the fast Fiesta by saying it is so much fun yet so attainable for the average motorist.
The fun is delivered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost 180PS petrol engine, which enables the Fiesta ST to cover 0-62 mph in just under seven seconds and ensures the car tops out at 139 mph. Despite these impressive stats, the car is still capable of 47.9 mpg and costs just £17,245.
Posted by Emma Grange