WAITING for a fast Ford has recently been like waiting for a bus - you stand around for ages and then one comes along... followed by another... and then another.

After the infamous Escort Cosworth, it felt like an age before the Focus RS appeared.

Although that car is now no longer with us, quick as a flash Ford recently launched the GT. And now we have the Fiesta ST.

Granted, you can't have two more diametrically-opposed cars, but where the GT is a take-no-prisoners supercar, the Fiesta ST is pitched as a user-friendly supermini tuned to impress enthusiasts and experts in equal measure.

It's a tricky task, and one that sets Ford apart from the bulk of the competition.

There are already plenty of hot hatches on the market, but many require round-the-clock commitment from the driver.

Unless you're willing to nail the needle to the rev limiter, even when going shopping, you'll not experience a fraction of the car's potential.

Ford knows this particular game isn't to everyone's liking and is mindful that its products - the GT aside - must have a broad appeal, be affordable and not too challenging to drive.

The regular Fiesta is all of these, so it should come as no surprise to learn that the ST model was developed to raise the performance bar to only a modest height above the norm. Well, on paper at least.

To dismiss the Fiesta ST (pictured) as not being able to cut it in the hot hatch market purely because of its specification is to miss the point.

The car's two-litre motor may "only" produce 150bhp, but it's the way this particular Fiesta makes use of its power reserves that really impresses.

But there's more to the ST than its engine.

Along with the desire to give the Fiesta an edge, Ford engineers have given the car a lower stance, a beefier suspension set-up - not so much that it rattles your teeth, mind - a quicker steering rack and purposeful multi-spoke alloy wheels.

The whole package certainly feels and looks right. You can thank the car's aggressive, but not intimidating, bodystyle for the latter. The Fiesta's already chunky exterior is enhanced by flared wheel arches and deeper front and rear bumpers.

Crucially, the Fiesta, despite its modest aspirations, has always been a good car, but the raft of improvements bestowed upon the ST by the engineers unlocks its true potential.

Sink down into the ST's race car-like seats, turn the key and you're met by an un-Fiesta-like exhaust note. The ST blows a surprisingly fruity tailpipe tune.

Turn-in is sharp without feeling nervous, and the steering feels more direct and responsive than a standard Fiesta.

The car's agile handling, nifty steering and slick five-speed gearbox all make transferring the power to the road an easy task.

Holding each gear is no chore, either. In fact, when accompanied by a howl more in keeping with that of a two-seat roadster, changing up late is a hoot.

The ST is also pure Fiesta and all the better for retaining its small car roots - combining a healthy dose of practicality with one of the most accessible performance packages on the market.

And you must go for the optional full-length stripes. You might not be able to afford a GT, but when behind the wheel of a white ST with blue stripes you can at least dream.

For more information, call Gowrings Ford on 01256 697880.