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Which Bucket Seats Will Fit My Fiesta ST180?

The Ford Fiesta ST180 is one of the most loved hot hatches in the UK. With sharp handling, punchy performance, and lightweight agility, it’s a go-to choice for anyone who wants big fun in a small package. But while the performance is solid from the factory, the driving experience can be taken to another level with the right interior upgrades — and that starts with the seats.

Many drivers find that the factory seats, while supportive enough for daily driving, start to fall short when pushing the car hard through corners or spending extended time on track. The stock seats just don’t offer the bolstering or body support needed to stay locked in under high-G cornering or heavy braking. This is where upgrading to a motorsport-style bucket seat makes a massive difference.

With a fixed-back or sport reclining bucket seat, you get improved support, a more stable driving position, and a much deeper connection with the car. It reduces driver fatigue, helps you concentrate on inputs, and — let’s be honest — makes your interior look much more purposeful. Whether you’re building a weekend track car, a daily with more edge, or a dedicated motorsport build, a seat upgrade is one of the best modifications you can make to your ST180.

Why Upgrade Your Fiesta ST180 with Bucket Seats?

The Fiesta ST180 already comes with plenty of punch from the factory — but if you’re taking it on track or just enjoy performance driving, you’ll quickly feel the stock seats fall short. The standard seats don’t offer enough lateral support under hard cornering, which can leave you shifting about mid-apex.

Installing a set of proper bucket seats gives you:

  • A lower and more stable seating position
  • Improved driver feedback and car connection
  • Far superior lateral support
  • A more motorsport-inspired interior (and let’s be honest — it just looks cooler)

Whether you’re chasing lap times or just want to feel more planted on back roads, upgrading to a fixed-back or recliner bucket seat is one of the most impactful mods you can make.

Can Large Bucket Seats Fit in a Fiesta ST180?

Surprisingly, yes! The Fiesta ST180’s interior can handle many popular bucket seat models — even the XL variants from OMP and Sparco. We’ve had success fitting:

  • OMP TRS-E XL and WRC-XL
  • Sparco Sprint L and Evo XL

These are all wide, high-back seats that provide excellent support, and they can be installed with the right frame and mount combo. That said, always double-check vehicle and seat dimensions before buying. We’re always happy to help advise.

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Steel Frame vs. Fibreglass Seats — Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between steel and fibreglass-framed bucket seats comes down to how you’re using the car.

Steel Frame Bucket Seats

  • Great for fast-road and occasional track days
  • Base or side-mount compatible (depending on seat brand)
  • Generally heavier, more affordable, and less rigid than fibreglass shells

Fibreglass Bucket Seats

  • Designed for motorsport and track use
  • Side-mount only
  • Lightweight, rigid, and FIA-homologated (depending on model)

Both types can be fitted in the Fiesta ST180, but choosing the right mounting hardware is essential, especially for side-mounted fibreglass models.

Installation Guide – Choosing the Right Sub-Frame

To fit aftermarket bucket seats in your Ford Fiesta ST180, picking the correct sub-frame is essential. Each brand’s frame offers different bolt patterns that match specific seats. The Cobra sub-frame features a 291mm bolt pattern, ideal for base-mounted Cobra steel frame seats and recliners, but it’s not compatible with Sparco or OMP seats unless adapter brackets are used. The Sparco sub-frame supports a wider 345mm bolt pattern, making it suitable for both base- and side-mounted Sparco and OMP seats, including most fibreglass options.

The OMP sub-frame offers even more flexibility with both 345mm and 405mm bolt patterns, great for larger XL bucket seats like the OMP WRC-XL or Sparco Evo XL. For those who want maximum compatibility, the Planted Technology frame is the best all-rounder, featuring all major bolt patterns (291mm, 345mm, and 405mm) to support nearly every seat brand and configuration. Whether you’re going for a slimline bucket or a wide racing seat, there’s a sub-frame to make your install as smooth and secure as possible.

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Roll Cage Options for the Ford Fiesta ST180

If you’re taking your Fiesta ST180 to the next level—whether it’s for track use, fast-road setups, or show car builds—a roll cage is a key upgrade to consider. At GSM Performance, we offer a selection of bolt-in and weld-in roll cages specifically designed to fit the ST180, supplied by some of the most trusted names in the motorsport industry.

These cages are designed to integrate cleanly with the Fiesta ST180’s body, offering improved safety, structural rigidity, and that aggressive motorsport look. Most setups are compatible with bucket seats and harnesses, making them the perfect complement to your interior upgrade.

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Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Ford Fiesta ST180

Upgrading your Fiesta ST180 with a set of bucket seats is one of the most rewarding modifications you can make, both for daily driving enjoyment and on-track performance. Whether you’re aiming for lightweight fibreglass racing seats or the affordability and versatility of steel-frame options, the ST180’s interior offers enough space to accommodate a wide variety of seat styles and sizes.

By understanding the differences between seat construction, bolt patterns, and choosing the right sub-frame, you can confidently select a setup that not only fits your car but also supports your driving goals. From slimline Sparco Evo seats to wider OMP WRC-XL buckets, and from basic steel-frame installs to FIA-approved fibreglass builds—our full range has something for every driver. Need help picking the right combo? Drop by our showroom or get in touch—we are always happy to help.

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