I get that different people will like different things. Personally,I bought a 208 GTI. I felt that it was the best all-rounder. Comfortable ride, whilst still being sporty. I feel you just see too many Fiestas, and with being a heavier car it didn't actually return as high MPG. The renault clio I almost immediately disregarded due to not being able to have a proper manual gearbox. I like a clutch and gear stick, and the whole feeling of changing gear, and people have all been saying the gearbox in a clio is woeful. I wouldn't say it was or wasn't, but personally I just prefer a manual. What did you all actually buy and why? (And please, no ford fanboys calling me an idiot for buying the 208 and saying "fieshta iz best coz iz ford bruv!")

Who was doing the 0-60 test with the Fiesta? 7.5 seconds?

Wow, the Fiesta ST's driver didn't seem to know how to shift gears at all, clearly.

All three are top in their class, but would choose a toy Clio RS;)

Fiesta ST has a very stiff ride compared to the 208 GTi. If you don't ferry people around and you can live with the constant wiggling around, the ST is fine. Daily drive with easy live-ability, definitely the 208 GTi.

You could have included a bit about quality and level of equipment, things that affect price and ownership. Handling is important in a hot hatch but may not be enough if it comes with lower quality (which means low resell value) or less equipment.

Have an ST, bought it the other week and love it. Have driven the Renault and found that it was boring in comparison. Fiesta is a little slower in a straight line, but for an extra £600 you can have 215bhp with mountune upgrade (ford approved, doesnt affect warranty) and its still cheaper than all the others, but also more powerful now too.

plus: I can understand why renault abandoned the old 2.0 aspirated engine, but they can not offer no manual gearbox...

I've owned two Fords and had access to a third. Where's this brilliant, smile-a-minute handling? I just found them humdrum and I've heard that many people have been misled by the motoring press constantly singing the praises of Fiestas, Mondeos and Focuses. Maybe I'm wrong, but faced with a choice between the 208, Clio and Fiesta, then I'd always go for the 208 GTi. Its maturity is something that has to properly be experienced. It's the only flyweight hot hatch you can live with every single day on every single type of road, that doesn't constantly nag you to go faster, but rewards you immensely when you do. The Fiesta, Clio, Polo etc are designed to make statements, to go on a track (spoiler: 99% of owners never do this), but the 208 is a complete design. It's not a toy or a go-kart, it's a car. And unlike all the others, it doesn't broadcast that you're a hooligan!

I've driven all 3. I dont do track days. Best in real world usage is the 208 GTi. It's a car for mature petrolheads. Rides like a 508 on the motorway and yet still spritely if you push it on the B roads. Brake fade is not a big issue, change your brake lines to steel braided hoses and problem solved.

Hi ,Wich City did you do this very good Test in? Thank you

I love my clio

another nice review. I wish you would conciderate pracicality in the final verdict. I wouldnt consider the renault anyway, but considering i might want to put myself and another 3 in one of the other 2 and go for a trip which one should i pick then?

Can I just say fantastic review! I'm sat here, should be revising for my university finals but as always i'm watching cars. All I do is watch cars and motoring journalism all day everyday and have done for years, subscribe to all the channels and this was a textbook review. Succint, informative and genuinely useful! Big disappointment from Renault after the previous Clio but undeniably a clever marketing move to expand the model appeal. Fiesta for me! Now, how the hell can I join the team? :)

Sweet - thanks for doing these reviews (I'm sure you have a lot of fun doing them too)! Will test drive the Peugeot and the Ford and just skip the Renault (especially since it's the most expensive bugger too) to see which one I prefer as an everyday car.

I've test driven the Fiesta ST with my pregnant wife as passenger - no deal. I then drove the Peugeot and she absolutely loved it. Things that nobody speaks about is comfort, space and visibility. Peugeot was fantastic. Also the interior makes you feel special, unlike the Fiesta. Not going to drive the Clio as manual is the only way to do it. Will be purchasing the Peugeot in the next few weeks.

Everyone new the fiesta was going to win. They moan when hot hatches have stiff suspensions and are uncomfortable on the road but when they test the 208 gti they say it is too comfortable? Talk about crazy how many people who buy hot hatches buy them for driving on b roads hehe most people buy them for looks and just to be noticed.

Auto express gps times Fiesta st 0-60 = 7.5 seconds 70-0= 52 metres.Peugot gti 0-60= 7.2 seconds 70-0= 47 metres. RS clio 0-60= 6.7 seconds 70-0 = 45 metres. Best 0-60 time and also the most powerful brakes,very handy for a hot hatch.

Each to their own I guess. I have driven both a mk5 GTi and the Fiesta ST and I prefer the ST's nimbler handling, although I will concede that the GTi has a gutsier motor. However the ST put a bigger smile on my face due to better feedback through the steering plus its clutch and gearbox are sublime. Admittedly Ford still have a ways to go before they can match VW's interior quality but then the Golf is a much pricier car. You could almost buy a base Fiesta and an ST for the price of a GTi...

Did the driver in the fiesta really shift that bad or do I need glasses? it looks like he loses alot on the other 2 everytime he shifts while the clio and 208 seem to shift smoother.

Fantastic review! Thanks

@MsNosaj I hope so too. It would be great if Renault could correct the few problems with the gearbox, add manual option, and possibly a track pack or restyling even. I'll have my fingers crossed for Renault. I don't hate Renaultsports, I love them, and I hope RS can listen to the feedback and make the appropriate fixes.

yes, but the fiesta st and the focus are different products from different segments of the market. in the hot hatch category what really matters is a car that is cheap,fast and nice to drive. in the hatchback category things like practicality and user friendliness are more important

I'd take car #2 the #Peugeot #208GTi anyday!! Great comparison, thanks!!

What is Mat doing in AutoExpress?

Yes, but it depends on what cassification you want. If it's just a regular hatchback, you'll use it for daily use, and probably not really to have fun with it in first place (I'm talking about the regular daily use, going to work and such, carrying friends and luggage with you). Of course there can be a bit of fun involved, but that's not the primary goal of those hatchbacks. Here, fun IS the primary focus. You don't buy a small car with a lot of horsepower to be practical in the first place.

it has an overboost feature which for brief moments delivers up to 197. otherwise it has 180 bhp

Test driven all three.The fiesta is the cheapest looking and most common i agree. i drove the mountune version nice and nippy but no quicker than my tuned Colt Ralliart.The peugot okay but did not really impress. The Renault Sport Clio, Fantastic i love the double clutch auto with 3 modes. Looks from all angles and the interior better than the other two.With the cup pack it really does handle but you need how to know how to use a edc/dsg box remember it good enough for the nissan gtr ferrari EVo X sst etc and superchips will map to 243BHP it shifts comrade.Please keep buying the fiesta it makes the rarer and more expensive clio Rs Rarer and more desirable.

In Norden countries (Sweden, Finland and Denmark) was tested 24 sportscars of all price range. Fiesta ST was 10 - 12. Renaul was not tested and 208 was 20.

But which car did Sips like the most?

I'd definately take the 208 from the three. Its the best to look at and has the best interior and is fast as hell

I saw a German test with the Clio RS, Polo GTi and 208 GTi, and they preferred the Clio RS ?

Fiesta St will be in the states within the next couple of months. Already build it on Ford's site.

I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one here think like that. Thank you!

Great test!

Have you ever driven one?

is the fiesta good for ralling

the clio 3 rs phase 1 were critized too. when the phase 2 came out, it was a total succes, so wait and see.

no its cast from Racing experience...

great test. thanks a lot. i completly agree with your conclusions.

I own Peugeot 206, and basically love everything in it what everyone hates. The looseness of body and gearbox. Overall chillout feeling. They mentioned that here regarding 208 that it isn't razor sharp. sounds excellent to me.. and the interiors of 208 are just super cool imo.

I hope when I save enough money for the ST that they have a 5 door version out.

I recommend you to watch the review of Chris Harris regarding the new Renault Clio RS, a review that is not that subjective like this one. My opinion is that it have had been a good decision to have also a manual transmission on Clio in order to avoid the opinions of this type of "hardcore racers". I would not buy neighter a Fiesta, nor a 208 GTI because their design is simply breathtaking... Another key-factor for a hot-hatch :)

Te funny part is the Focus St is the same price as the Fiesta St here in the states for about $1000 US difference.

Yeah, they thought they'd improve it by including a no-manual option.

very different opinions about the renault from different testers though, like chris harris

True, the fiesta's interior isn't as upmarket as the 208 or clio. But have you ever driven it? It's hard indeed, but not uncormfortable. I've driven my mom's VW polo quite a long time, and I own a ford fiesta myself now (not an ST, just a regular one), and I absolutely love it. Wasn't that much of a ford fan myself, but it's a real fun car. Interiorwise => VW. But you're driving the car, not just looking at it. So that's why I'd rather have my fiesta => better and more fun to drive.

where is the ibizacupra?

Yep my 96 306 with 260 000 kilometers still runs as smooth as ever.

Ford GT or Ferrari 458 Italia?

I agree with this video entirely :) then again I have been bombing around in my new Fiesta ST for 3 weeks now!! Awesome car.

If you were to specify the spec levels you get with a peugeot 208 gti with that of a ford fiesta st you would be paying about the same amount. Plus the residual values of the 208 gti are 20% higher after 3 years and 36000 miles then that of the fiesta st. For me the peugoet 208 gti is definitely at the top of it class, for being the best real world car

That auto express app is on android as well!

maybe...MAYBE in the stock or strict eco models but these are the sport variants so they'll maybe get 30 but that its...still there made for fun so that shouldent be somthing you would look at anyway...

Clio look upmarket

Are you viewing it with a toaster? It's perfect for me.

i drive megane 3. 3 years old, 85k kilometers. not a single problem. not a single "falling apart"

The last gen clio RS had a naturally aspirated engine, which was a bit gutless sometimes, so i dont thing it would take the drag race, but the whole test... Maybe :)

PSA group cars changed their wiring manufacturer in the 2000s, that's why a lot of modern pugs and citroens have a lot of electrical faults

id have the Peugeot, best mix of comfort and fun, and looks the best in my opinion. in fact in a few years ill probably get one used, or an RCZ

these reviewers got it right

Go Ford! I don't have a Fiesta, but I have a 2012 Focus and I love it!

Please look at the Nurnburgring lap times and see how much is Megane RS with 265hp faster than Ford Focus RS with 305hp. It is easy to be fastest on straight road.

Hi, its matt watson from carwow XD

I wonder why they're the only car testers which didn't get the Clio around the track quickest...? :/

What annoys me about this is that it doesn't appear to be a fair evaluation of the statistical side of the test. The 0-62 times and the drag race. they are all be driven by a different driver with different skill levels, it would only be equal if the same driver was tested the times for them all. As an owner of the Fiesta ST i can safely say that it is a fantastic car to drive around the city and on motorways, plus I've had 50mpg from it driving sensibly. Gets a lot of attention wherever i go too.

I am sure a Focus RS doing 7:59 on nurburgring isn't stock car. When both Megane and Focus appear in 2014 we will compare them. Until then!

Peugeot runs in 3 wheels. That save money... 4:54

Fiesta, not the car with the most horsepower, but overall the best car! Predictible :D

no will not, if the car have a longer gear will need more time no rev up, however will have a better fuel economi because you can be in higher speeds in a lower rev... but for brutal acelaration short is better, try in a game simulator like GT5 or Forza to change the gear rate and test the car times...

Your getting the same reviews about the Ford from many journalist from all over the world! Its a BETTER all around car in general when it comes to all comparison test combined!

yep, i do agree

it has overboost function for 20 seconds, boosts it from 179 to 197

So that's probably where the ford fits in again. The regular focus for daily use, and the fiesta ST when it comes to fun. I hope you get what I'm saying...

depends what u want just about every person thats reviewed the little st says its the best car of the 3 i test drove the rs liked it alot but also drove the st 3 mountune 215 has alot of kit more power more torque ford approved up grade still cheaper than the rs ! rs interior is better overall but apart from the seats which are nicer in the st ! the little fiesta is what a hot hatch should be fun to drive and pretty quick thats why i own one

Wow...the gears change on the drag race couldnt be worse for the Fiesta, you can see it shake.

good job autoexpress

Yes, agree. Best everyday car of the bunch and best interior quality.

Very good test

Sounds like you're speaking from experience :)

I dont know how Ford is measuring the figures of output in Europe vs. North America. US version claims 197 bhp

i think the guy saying the results kind of hit the point of an ST on the head. it just wills you to drive it way more than any other car ive owned. i love my focus and i cannot wait to drive the fiesta

Was this filmed with a toaster? The picture quality is appalling.

GT stands for Gran Turismo or great tourism and is a universal name in lots of cars. GTI means that is a GT with direct injection.

I've noticed a lot of people talking down the clio because they don't know it has a race mode lol.

Yes thasts true, but whit lithe hatch its hard to do it, but one of the best tings in the 208 is the fact its a old school car, you dont need to press the clutch to start the engine, dont have botuns to change the car reponse, if you need do a normal ride you keep under the 3000rpm and the car is normal, if you wanna have fun you just need to rev up, over the 5000rmp... the fiesta and the clio, are more eletronic, expecial the clio...

He has stated in carbuyer reviews that the 208 is significantly more refined and rides better than the fiesta and over here he obviously completely ignored that.

As an owner of a 200 cup this is bittersweet. On the one hand I'm sad that the previously undefeatable renaultsport marque now seems to have shifted focus to profit margins at the expense of slipping into mediocrity. However, it makes me more proud of my little clio (which I recorded a 0-60 of 6.7 secs standard with), and less worried about having the 'old' model! I'll take old school 2.0 N/A 7.5k rev thrills and no air-con over all this frippery and day! (despite getting 8mpg when pushing hard!

Fiesta is the hottest hatch on the market

Don't know why people in the UK are so obsessed with Ford lately. It's mainly the magazines rather than the general public.

Agreed!

Are you sure the ST is 197bhp? The Euro-ST is 177hp, the lowest of the three. Only the US-Spec ST can beat them, it has 15hp more.

So glad I,ve kept my 200cup.

Right? Especially in Europe, the land of transmission options.

Matt from car wow?

The RCZ is actually more fun (read: dangerous) with ESP off and the chassis is completely noise free.

For the size and money of these three cars, I would take the old Renault Clio RS200. It might be as fast as the new one, but i would image it being the best drivers car out of the three.

it is now

the problem of the 208 is the gearbox, its to long, in a local magazine a read that the 208 in 6th at 120km/h the engine is at 2700 rpm, the rcz whit 1.6thp 200cv at 120km/h in 6th the engine is at 3100... if the 208 have the same gearbox of the rcz will be mutch faster...

Ford Fiesta ST looks and drives the best