It was a successful hot hatch in the small-segment market. The sixth generation took it to a whole new level.

We all know a car from the past that was nicknamed “rocket” because it could go from 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in 7 seconds. Well, the 2012 Fiesta ST did it in 6.9 seconds, and it wasn’t a stripped-down car.

The ST was based on the third-generation, third-generation Fiesta. But the motorsport department decided to give the car a distinctive sporty look. It wasn't quite a "boy-racer" design, but rather more subtle while still aggressive. The front bumper was fitted with a new apron and a honeycomb-style grille. At the rear, the ST featured a larger roof spoiler than the standard Fiesta, and a dual exhaust was installed beneath the diffuser.

Inside, the front bucket seats had high bolsters designed for high-speed cornering. That was the only major difference compared to the rest of the Fiesta lineup. It was well-equipped, featuring the Ford SYNC infotainment system with parental controls so the driver couldn’t turn the volume up too high. In the back, there was even less legroom for the passengers, since the front seats were larger.

Under the hood, there was a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot…