The sides of the Fiesta ST arent the problem, the problem is with the high angled bonnet. I've got 24,000+ miles on mine and its peppered with stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper. Through close examination when I'm cleaning my car, there's barely a mark down the sides, but the flaps would minimalise any risk of chips.
Not too keen on those as they are shiny black. I'd prefer matt black and they could have chosen a different coloured car! You can hardly see them!
