Ford Fiesta Zetec-S Mountune (2009) CAR review

Ford's brilliant new Fiesta only has one problem – the lack of an ST model. Actually the real problem is that there isn’t one coming – Ford canned it to concentrate on green cars like the Fiesta Econetic. I’m sure Ford has done its sums but given how many of the old-shape STs you see charging around Britain’s towns, it seems an odd, and certainly disappointing, decision.

But worry not, because now Mountune offers a Ford-approved tuning kit to turn the mild-but-fun Zetec S into an 18-year-old’s wet dream, complete with a drainpipe exhaust and other subtle tweaks. It’s a great car, but don’t leave home without your earplugs.

What’s this Mountune nonsense? Where’s the new ST?

Quick recap on Ford's range structure: there’s the warm Zetec S, whose 118bhp naturally aspirated makes it far more fun than the 9.9sec 0-62mph figure would have you believe. Or you can step up to the Mountune performance pack fitted here, which adds 20bhp and pushes maximum torque from 112lb ft to 125lb ft.

Mountune is a tuning company that has been producing engine kits for cars like the Fiesta and Focus on behalf of Ford itself. By offering them as post-registration kits, Ford avoids having to type approve them which helps keep the cost down.

Although they don’t have to go through the full Ford durability testing programme, they are still tested extensively, including at the Nurburgring. In fact they’ve been tested sufficiently for them not to invalidate the standard car’s three-year warranty. Sighs of relief all round.

Where does the extra power come from?

The Mountune pack offered on the last of the old STs was proper traditional tuning fayre – and included a lumpier cam to push power to 185bhp. Sadly the new kit, which you can have fitted to a Zetec S or the mechanically identical Fiesta Titanium, is less exotic.

There’s a more efficient intake system, tubular exhaust manifold, free-flow exhaust system and catalyst and a revised ECU to suit. You don’t get a hotter cam because there’s no need: this engine has variable valve timing and those characteristics can be tweaked by changing the ECU’s programming. Oh, and there’s a little yellow Mountune badge for the bootlid to let everyone know you're pedalling the souped-up model.

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