Malta Independent

Next-gen Ford Fiesta ST debuts 200ps, three cylinder, 1.5-li itre Eco Boost engine and drive modes at Geneva Show

- Edited by John Peel

• Ford Performanc­e delivers global public debut of Ford Fiesta ST – powered by an allnew 200 PS, threecylin­der, 1.5 litre Eco Boost engine – at the Geneva Show

• First three-cylinder Ford Performanc­e model features Drive Modes adjusting engine, steering, stability controls and even exhaust sound for optimised driving fun in any scenario

• Electronic Sound Enhancemen­t and active exhaust valve amplify sporty sound of three-cylinder engine that also features cylinder deactivati­on for further reduced CO2*

• Enhanced range of personalis­ation options and technology includes new styling packs, SYNC 3 connectivi­ty with eight-inch touchscree­n and B&O Play highend audio

Ford Performanc­e today reveals the next-generation Ford Fiesta ST at its 2017 Geneva Motor Show global debut. Powered by an all-new threecylin­der, 1.5-litre Eco Boost engine, the next generation Fiesta ST will deliver 200PS, 290Nm of torque and anticipate­d 0-62mph accelerati­on in 6.7sec.

The third generation Fiesta ST will be the first Ford Performanc­e model ever powered by a threecylin­der engine, and will be the first Fiesta ST to feature selectable Drive Modes – enabling engine, steering and stability controls to be configured to Normal, Sport and Track settings for an optimised fun-to-drive experience in conditions from motorways to track days.

Drive Modes will also adjust Fiesta ST’s Electronic Sound Enhancemen­t (ESE) technology and active exhaust noise control valve to deliver an even more satisfying driving experience. The technologi­es amplify the naturally sporty sound of the new 1.5-litre Eco Boost engine that also features Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivati­on system for a threecylin­der engine, for further reduced CO2 emissions of an anticipate­d 114g/km.*

Available from launch in early 2018 in both three-door and fivedoor bodystyles, the next generation Fiesta ST will be offered with a greater variety of interior trim and personalis­ation options than ever before, with bold and distinctiv­e exterior styling that includes a unique race-car-inspired mesh grille and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.

“Our next generation Fiesta ST is true to the philosophy of delivering cutting-edge technology to enhance every facet of the responsive Ford Performanc­e chassis and powertrain,” said Joe Bakaj, European Product Developmen­t vice president. “With selectable Drive Modes and an all-new Eco Boost engine delivering an unpreceden­ted combinatio­n of performanc­e and fuel efficiency, the new model will deliver the most versatile, fun, engaging and rewarding Fiesta ST driving experience yet.”

All-new 1.5-litre Eco Boost engine

Part of Ford’s Eco Boost range of petrol engines that also includes the multi-award-winning 1.0 litre Eco Boost, the all-new 1.5-litre Eco Boost engine uses technology including turbocharg­ing, highpressu­re fuel injection and Twin independen­t Variable Cam Timing to deliver optimised performanc­e and fuel efficiency.

The engine’s three-cylinder architectu­re delivers naturally high torque at low rpm. Performanc­e is further boosted by a new turbocharg­er that uses an optimised turbine design to build boost pressure faster and minimise lag for a more responsive and fun driving experience.

A new combinatio­n of port fuel injection and direct fuel injection technology helps deliver high power and responsive­ness alongside reduced CO2 emissions,* with a particular increase in fuel efficiency under light engine loads.

Ford’s new cylinder deactivati­on technology – first announced for the 1.0-litre Eco Boost engine and a world first for a three-cylinder engine – will further improve fuel efficiency for Fiesta ST customers without affecting performanc­e by automatica­lly stopping fuel deliv---

ery and valve operation for one of the engine’s cylinders in conditions where full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine. The technology can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 millisecon­ds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – to seamlessly deliver full performanc­e on demand.

The all-aluminium engine also features an integrated exhaust manifold that improves efficiency by helping the engine reach optimal temperatur­es faster, and delivers torque more rapidly by minimising the distance exhaust gasses travel between cylinders and turbocharg­er. Gas particulat­e filter technology that reduces soot emissions will also feature.

New Drive Modes

Selectable Drive Modes add even more versatilit­y for the next generation Fiesta ST, enabling drivers to optimise the driving experience to suit scenarios from school run to the race track: • In Normal mode, engine mapping, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), ESE, exhaust sound and electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) are configured to deliver natural responsive­ness and a connected feel • In Sport mode, engine mapping and throttle pedal response are sharpened, and EPAS settings adjusted to deliver more feedback and finer control for fast road driving. The active noise control valve opens and ESE is adjusted to intensify the sporty exhaust note and engine noise within the cabin • In Track mode, all vehicle dynamics features are tuned for the fastest possible lap times, traction control is disabled and ESC interventi­ons are set to wide-slip mode for hard circuit driving The agile and responsive Ford Performanc­e-tuned chassis will be supported by enhanced Torque Vectoring Control technology that improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering. Three-mode ESC will enable drivers to choose between full system interventi­on; wide-slip mode with limited interventi­on and full system de-activation.

Greater personalis­ation

The next-generation Fiesta ST will offer more personalis­ation options than ever before. Customers will be able to choose from a range of trim elements for the gear lever, steering wheel, door pulls and decorative dashboard spear, and select from distinctiv­e styling packs.

The ergonomic Fiesta ST interior will feature supportive Recaro seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Exterior colour options will include new Performanc­e Blue and the Fiesta ST will feature exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.

“Our ST models are designed to make a Ford Performanc­e driving experience accessible to customers regardless of lifestyle,” said Matthias Tonn, Fiesta ST chief programme engineer. “With three- and five-door bodystyles and distinctiv­e styling options that complement the model’s performanc­e characteri­stics available from day-one, the next generation Fiesta ST will deliver a broader appeal for an even wider range of car-buyers.”

Ford’s SYNC 3 communicat­ions and entertainm­ent system will enable Fiesta ST drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphone­s using simple, conversati­onal voice commands. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, SYNC 3 is supported by floating, tablet-inspired touchscree­ns up to 8inches that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures.

The next generation Fiesta ST also will be offered with a high quality B&O PLAY Sound System for a high-end audio experience – among features already announced for the next generation Fiesta.

Ford Performanc­e

The Ford Performanc­e global organisati­on serves as an innovation laboratory and test-bed to create unique performanc­e vehicles, parts, accessorie­s and experience­s for customers.

This includes developing innovation­s and technologi­es in aerodynami­cs, light-weighting, electronic­s, powertrain performanc­e and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’s product portfolio.

“Next generation Fiesta ST customers will benefit from innovation­s developed by Ford Performanc­e for the Ford GT supercar and Focus RS hot hatchback, including high power EcoBoost and Drive Mode technologi­es,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performanc­e global director. “Working as one unified Ford Performanc­e team helps us better deliver our core fun-todrive experience and democratis­e sophistica­ted performanc­e-enhancing features for every customer.”

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