Numbers aren’t even half the story. The real proof is in the pudding, and we got to really give it a good going over. We are a big fan of the Focus ST, and we think the Fiesta ST might just be setting a new and exceptionally high benchmark for Ford…

Exterior

The first thing we noticed about the Fiesta ST was the sleekness of the shape. Whilst built using the latest Fiesta base, there are fewer lines across the body, giving it a more aerodynamic and sporting look. This is most present in the signature, large honeycomb grille, which does away with the horizontal lines from the regular Fiesta. The car was first announced back at the tail end of 2011 and it quite clearly shows the follow through of design from the Evos concept with the proud nose and teardrop windows.

Being slightly lower to the ground with the Fiesta ST body kit and additional rear diffuser, the large 17” alloys and that ST logo make it all look very distinctive. So, it looks good from the outside, what was it like when we got in?

Interior

The Fiesta ST interior is very driver-centric as you would expect. First things first, you slip into the bucketed Recaro seats – which wrap around you with a sense of comfort and foreboding. In front of you is the two-way adjustable steering wheel and below are the alloy-metal pedals and the gear shifter, all contrasting the main colour scheme. The interior is mostly black, as this apparently makes it look even more sporty? It looks good, but unfortunately it must be said that it doesn’t feel good – the dash felt tacky without any element of class.

As a hot hatch, hopping in to the back was never going to be easy, but the Recaro seating narrows the gap even more. When there, the legroom is limited. Then there is the boot, this provides limited space and is smaller than the other 2013 hot hatches. But, as I said, the interior is driver-centric, so all of this is to be expected.

On the road

Once you’ve started the 2013 Ford Fiesta ST, you’ll know about it! As you would expect, the engine is deep and loud. It sounds like it’ll be able to deliver on its promise of power, and once you pull off it certainly doesn’t let you down. The acceleration was very good, our testing was not ideal, but it seemed to be reaching 60 in around 7 seconds (Ford figures state 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds). The car’s ability to consistently produce acceleration when it counted was also noteworthy – even when looking for an overtake on the motorway in 6^th, the power always felt like it was there.

For us, the greatest thing about the car was its ability to perform superbly well in, through and out of corners. The roads around Barcelona are far from straight, and there were a lot of windy turns with high gradients heading into the mountains which allowed for a good test of the Fiesta ST’s cornering credentials. Being 15mm lower to the ground, with a tighter suspension and greater torque, hitting corners is what this car was made for. Going in to the corner, the car brakes phenomenally well, something that does take a bit of getting used to. The car really hugs the cornering line and feels under complete control as your push through, and then pulls out well. Clearly this car is built for the rally!

When we were on the longer stretches of the Barcelona streets, it became apparent that the Fiesta ST isn’t quite designed for them. Any imperfections in the road felt more significant, not entirely uncomfortable, but also not what you’d want on long journeys (particularly here with our awful UK roads). This didn’t feel like a car to pack the kids in for the drive to school. This is the car you’d want in your late teens and throughout your twenties when you’re falling in love with driving and want the best experience possible.

2013 Ford Fiesta ST Verdict

Driving the car is fantastic, and ultimately it looks great, but perhaps the cheap feel of the interior lets it down. Would we want one? We’d certainly love one for rally driving, and for menacing the roads of England, but if we have a family – this would have to be our little secret toy. If that isn’t a concern, there is an awful lot more to consider when weighing it all up. The 2013 Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch is up against tough competition this year, with both Peugeot and VW bringing theirs out. Respectively, their cars are marginally quicker off the mark and produce higher BHP than the Fiesta. Ford typically come up trumps in value, and the 2013 Fiesta ST once again delivers in spades. The Fiesta ST comes in at a basic model price of £16,995 – already well over £1000 cheaper than its competition.

The post Ford Fiesta ST: First Drive appeared first on Average Joes Blog.

Australian swimwear brand Seafolly have been very shrewd in their selection of the new face of their spring / summer campaign for 2013. They have selected the rather delectable Behati Prinsloo to model their new range and it is not hard to see why. The 24 year old Namibian beauty is a current Victoria’s Secret model, has graced the covers of Vogue, The Daily Telegraph magazine, Russian Vogue, as well as French, Swedish & Italian Elle, (to name but a few) and used to date Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine – but we won’t hold that bit against her!

The word on the street is she is pretty handy on the other side of the camera too – (though isn’t everyone on Instagram – /behatiiprinsloo.

The Seafolly range is funky and modern with bold colours and shapes and offers quality and value should you be shopping for the lady in your life. Check the collection, well the Behati Prinsloo Pictures below and even a little video from the photoshoot:

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The Home shirt features a plain white background with a navy blue band around the crew neck, on the badge, the three lions are coloured in navy, with red roses and there is a gold edge to the navy surround. The design includes a badge to mark the 150th anniversary of the Football Association This will team with navy shorts and white socks.

Check out the England Football Kit Pictures below and you can pre-order yours here from nike.com now.

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Using the endless possibilities associated with cloud storage, Microsoft is looking to change the way we game, watch TV and entertain ourselves generally. It will offer the facility to watch live TV, Skype, and a new Kinect camera offering 1080p HD resolution. Software wise the XBOX ONE will be able to run two applications simultaneously using a new feature called “Snap-Mode” as well as most TV and Gaming features being able to be controlled by voice.

On the hardware front, the console will feature USB, WiFi and HDMI connectivity, alongside a Blu-ray player, 500GB internal storage and 8GB RAM. The controllers get an overhaul with nearly 50 changes, improving response and control. Smartglass technology will be improved also, with more accessibility for it in the games market.

This reveal comes prior to the E3 Trade Show in LA on June 10th where both Microsoft and Sony plan key note announcements on their prospective consoles.

Check out all of the official XBox One Pictures below, and in terms of release date? Expect more games at E3 and the launch later this year. You can already UK pre-order at Blockbuster and Game, but let’s be honest, I probably wouldn’t..!!

The XBOX ONE will be available to buy later this year!

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The real reason for one of the most insane car design concepts in recent history is in celebration of Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary (it seems everyone is celebrating something!!). Unveiled on the final day of the Grande Giro tour through Italy, the Egoista has been created as an exercise in self promotion, and as such has been designed to excess, selfishly and purely for ego with Egoista translating from Italian as “selfish”.

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The exterior features the fragmented angles synonymous with more recent Lambo’s and literally takes its inspiration from the skies in the form of an apache helicopter gunship. The bodywork encompasses aero features which pop out under certain driving conditions to add stability. The aircraft symmetry does not end there, with the Egoista featuring the frankly ‘Hollywood’ feature of a custom made ejectable cockpit, as well as a skin made of aluminium, carbon fibre and anti radar material.

Under this high tech skin, lies a heavily modified version of the 5.2 litre V10 engine used in the Gallardo, which is rumoured to produce 600bhp.

All in all the Egoista is exactly what it says on the tin. It is designed with the awe inspiring aesthetics and power synonymous with Lamborghini’s supercar heritage in mind, and it showcases all this and more.

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The usual cast of Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis are all back on our screens, with more stars and cameos from the likes of; Ken Jeong, John Goodman and Heather Graham. And it’s not long to wait for all you fans with the The Hangover Part 3 Red Band Trailer Release Date penned for a UK and US release on Thursday 23rd May 2013.

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If you are at the Nürburgring ring this weekend you were in for a treat as the new Aston Martin CC100 Concept has been lapping with a 1959 DBR1, with no other than British racing legend Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel.

Featuring a naturally aspirated 6.0 litre V12 teamed with an automated sequential manual gearbox, would you believe the whole concept was designed and constructed in less than 6 months (talk about planning ahead!) at the AM headquarters in Gaydon, UK (we were there last month, read on here). The body and interior are completely crafted from Carbon Fibre.

The Aston Martin CC100 Concept will hit 62 mph in just over four seconds, and roll on to a limited top speed of 180 mph. Check out the video below and let us know what you think.

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Well, you’d have to be a top end buyer if you wanted to buy their latest ‘entry level’ surround sound speakers. The Danish company have just launched the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 14 surround sound speakers, a 4.1 surround sound setup which is available for a staggering $3,995. These, as you may have noticed are entry level speakers when you talk of the might and quality of B & O.

You may like to know what you’d be getting for your money from the new Beolab 14, right? Well, the rig is centred around a 280-watt amp, housed in a small, cylindrical tower. This is for the down-firing, eight inch bass driver. Oh and not forgetting the connections for up to five individually powered satellite speakers. These speakers are 140 watts, equalised and are 2.5 inches, so you needn’t worry about space as they can be wall mounted or set on stands.

If you’re wondering about colour then you needn’t as you only get two choices. When the Beolab 14 is released in June it will be available in black or white, tough choice… Thought the speaker cover fabrics can be changed at $99 each and you will get 6 colours to choose from there if you want to add a little pop to your system.

It’s top end kit at a top end end price, and to be fair, it looks rather slick as well. We will let you know what we think when we review the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 14.

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On the managerial front, it currently looks like 4 of the top 6 clubs will have different managers at the start of next season and playing wise Jamie Carragher, Paul Scholes and Michael Owen all call time on their careers, along with possibly Phil Neville. That’s some line of whos who!

All games will be played on Sunday at 4pm, so book your time down the pub now!!

Chelsea v Everton – Sunday 19 May – 1600KO

It’s been an interesting week for Chelsea, Frank Lampard broke the clubs all-time scoring record with a terrific brace last Saturday, before skippering his side to a second European trophy in consecutive years. As it looks to be both managers final games in charge of their current clubs, I’m sure both will be going full out for a final win.  Everton actually put in one of their best performances of the season last week whilst beating West Ham, despite finding out that David Moyes would be departing for Manchester United. Will Chelsea fans now have the decency to admit that Rafa Benitez has done a good job? Who knows!

Premier League Team News: Both Eden Hazard and John Terry have an outside chance of being fit, whilst John Obi Mikel could return to first XI duty for The Blues. If Leighton Baines manages the full game he will have played in every minute of Everton’s Premiership campaign. Phil Neville misses out for a last appearance and David Moyes will also be without Leon Osman.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 2-0
Dream Team Star Man: Demba Ba

Liverpool v QPR – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

The Kop will get to say goodbye to one of its favourite sons, Jamie Carragher will hang up his playing boots after 736 appearances, whilst we all get to say goodbye to QPR who will be plying their trade in the Championship next season, and with a mass player clear-out predicted it is hard to envisage them bouncing straight back up.

Premier League Team News: Carragher will skipper the side in his final appearances as Steve Gerrard is recuperating after surgery. Skrtel could partner him in defence after missing the win against Fulham. QPR have a decision as to whether to start with Loic Remy who is currently on police bail whilst Adel Taarabt is unavailable due to a family bereavement.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 4-1
Dream Team Star Man: Danny Sturridge

Manchester City v Norwich – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

The northern part of East Anglia certainly breathed a huge sigh of relief when they finally secured their EPL status with a fine win over West Brom last weekend, and could now find themselves in an unlikely top ten position at the end of the season if results go their way. City have put Roberto Mancini out of his misery, perhaps harshly, a year to the day after he helped City secure their first Premier League title. Brian Kidd is in charge and did a good job against Reading in midweek, with a more simplistic 4-4-2 formation.

Premier League Team News: Vincent Kompany should return to the fold after being left out in midweek, along with Zabaleta who missed the game through suspension. Kolo Toure will miss out though. Norwich have no new problems and may line up the same as last weekend.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 0-2
Dream Team Star Man: Sergio Aguero

Newcastle v Arsenal – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

Did Alan Pardew really say he couldn’t care if his side lost 4-0 this weekend? That certainly wouldn’t look good on your CV would it Mr Pardew!! It has been a slog for Newcastle this year and it will be interesting to see how they start next season after all of January’s imports have a full pre-season under their belts. To put my ‘tabloid’ head on, this certainly is a cup final for Arsenal, better the Spurs result and they are in the Champions League next season, better Chelsea’s result and they could still finish 3^rd!

Premier League Team News: Steve Harper will make a last appearance in goal for his home town club whilst Steve Taylor could return from injury. Sissoko and Ameobi miss out through injury as does keeper Elliot. Arsene Wenger has a decision to make as to whether to recall striker Giroud who is available after a three match suspension, whilst Arteta is carrying a calf injury and Wilshere could replace him.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 1-3
Dream Team Star Man: Theo Walcott

Southampton v Stoke – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

It all seems to have been going on this week at Stoke training ground, first Michael Owen’s car got egged, then Kenwyne Jones ended up with a pigs head in his locker. I can now exclusively reveal how this came about. Jones was talking about the clubs end of season do and mentioned something about ‘Beer Cans’, however his West Indian lilt must have been misinterpreted by his colleagues who thought he said ‘Bacon’!

It has also been off the pitch that The Saints have hit the headlines with Chairman Nicola Cortese ready to walk out of the club, and take manager Pochettino with him.

Premier League Team News: The home side have a number of selection problems with Ramirez and Fox suspended, plus big doubts over the fitness of top scorer Rickie Lambert and young star full-back Shaw. Charlie Adam is suspended for the Potters and both Whelan and Shea are doubts. Michael Owen has indicated on Twitter he will feature and who would put it past him signing off in style?
Premier League Betting Prediction: 0-1
Dream Team Star Man: Michael Owen

Swansea v Fulham – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

The Swans have already secured a more than credible top 10 finish for this season and still have hopes of reaching the top 8 which will be an amazing achievement for a team which started out as one of the favourites for relegation. They will have to put some more depth in their squad during the summer though, as the current squad will be pushed to its limits as it competes in the UEFA Cup. Fulham have lost 5 on the bounce and this has started to heap pressure on Martin Jol, especially with Gus Poyet rumours growing stronger by the day.

Premier League Team News: Vorm is expected to return in goal for Swansea, whilst Leon Brittain has recovered from illness. Keiron Richardson is out injured for The Cottagers who also have Steve Sidwell suspended.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 2-0
Dream Team Star Man: Michu

Tottenham v Sunderland – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

Tottenham approach their now usual Champions League heartbreak fixture, and who can forget 2006 when a bout of Norovirus meant they could only secure a draw at Upton Park which let Arsenal back into 4^th at the last moment, or perhaps even more cruelly Chelsea taking their place last season and then go on to win the Champions League. They need to better Arsenals result at Newcastle to qualify.

Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has already threatened his sides summer holidays, if they fail to put in a decent performance in this fixture.

Premier League Team News: Benoit Assou-Ekotto returns to Spurs squad after injury and could start at left-back in a defensive re-shuffle. Loanee Danny Rose is unavailable for Sunderland’s last game of the season as he is up against his parent side, whilst Sessegnon and Gardner are both suspended. Wickham is fit after playing for the first time in a month last weekend.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 1-0
Dream Team Star Man: Gareth Bale

West Bromich Albion v Manchester United – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

1,500 games as a boss full stop is an achievement, especially when you consider the average employment span in the Premiership is just 75 games (!), so to manage 1,500 games in charge of arguably the world’s biggest club is an amazing feat. However, even after Ferguson’s emotional speech at Old Trafford last weekend I’m sure he will demanding his players let him leave on a high. As for West Brom, they are set up to break down an attacking team like United, but it is another question as to whether they have enough ability to actually do it.

Premier League Team News: The Baggies are at full strength for this game, however Lukaku’s future may lie away from The Hawthorns next season. Paul Scholes will get a last appearance as a footballer after announcing his second retirement. Ferdinand and Vidic may be rested which means Jones and Evans will start in the heart of the defence.  Lindegaard will also start in goal.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 0-2
Dream Team Star Man: Robin Van Persie

West Ham United v Reading – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

It’s no surprise that one of the two promoted sides from last year’s Championship have been relegated, Reading finished above The Hammers last season and normally pull out all the stops against them, and their fans certainly don’t like the Eastenders for the way they approached Alan Pardew a few years back. Big Sam, who signed a new two year deal last week, will be looking for a good end of term performance out of the Andy Carroll whose future for next year is still uncertain.

Premier League Team News: James Tomkins may be on the bench for West Ham after a month out with a calf injury. Carlton Cole is another whose future for next season is not certain and may make his last appearance in Claret and Blue. Jimmy Kebe is out injured for The Royals. A lot of attention will be on Alex McCarthy who was already being eyed by bigger clubs and has now been called up by national boss Roy Hodgson who will take a closer look at him before England’s two summer friendlies.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 2-2
Dream Team Star Man: Robin Van Persie

Wigan v Aston Villa – Sunday 19 May 2013 – 1600KO

Since the turn of the year it has looked like this fixture was going to be one of real importance, a shoot-out for survival, but since Arsenal had a crazy 8 minute spell which relegated Wigan all that changed.

Wigan were fantastic last weekend when they secured their first FA Cup and they have a manager which has done it with the leagues smallest playing budget, and with class. It is surely no coincidence that Swansea are also reaping the rewards of what Martinez sowed during his time with the club.

Villa themselves have also had a decent end to the season picking up 10 points from the last 6 matches. Both clubs have summer fights on their hands, will Wigan be able to hold on to their manager? And will Villa be able to hold onto top scorer Benteke and attacker Weimann?

Premier League Team News:  Callum McManaman is out for 3 months after getting injured during the midweek defeat against Arsenal, however full-back Beausejour should return. Villa will have to do without 19 goal Benteke after he was dismissed last weekend. Lowton and El Ahmadi should be fit to play some part though.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 0-2
Dream Team Star Man: Gabby Agbonlahor

Thanks for reading this all year, it’s been a blast giving you my thoughts. Just remember all games start at 4pm on Sunday! Don’t miss out!

Let’s hope next season is a little more exciting, potentially we could have Holloway, Di Canio and Mourinho all managing in the same league so we shouldn’t be short of material to write about..! Let me know any thoughts, dis-agreements or betting windfalls below!!

The post EPL Predictions Final Weekend 2013 appeared first on Average Joes Blog.

The designs combine chunky soles, thick laces and leopard print designs with bold suede and slick leather embodying Proudlock’s showy and unique street fashion values, alongside Oliver Sweeneys quality materials, and premium finishes. This bond is illustrated with a small “bind/plus” logo stitched into each design.

The standout piece for us at averagejoe’s is the Nox Pardus High-Top in Black. They are slick enough to fit into any outfit, but just quirky enough to set them off!

You can check out the whole Oliver Sweeney + Oliver Proudlock collaboration plus much more at oliversweeney.com.

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