COVER New Fiesta ST
Ford thriller to star at Geneva More efficient 1.5 turbo engine
Official pictures and details of 197bhp 3cyl turbo hatch
FORD has revealed its new Fiesta ST hot hatch, which is based on the upcoming seventh-generation supermini. The fiery new ST will be the company’s headline act at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.
The biggest news is the move to an allnew engine configuration. Out goes the fourcylinder 1.6-litre turbo used in the current car, and in comes a lightweight three-cylinder 1.5. This produces 197bhp, which is 17bhp up on the outgoing Fiesta ST but equal to its overboost figure. Torque swells from 240Nm to 290Nm, and Ford claims that the new Fiesta ST can cover 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds – two-tenths quicker than the old car, and on par with the limited-run ST200. A top speed of just above 140mph seems likely.
Naturally, the downsized turbo will be cleaner and more efficient than the previous four-cylinder set-up. Ford reckons CO2 emissions for the new model will tumble from 138g/km to 114g/km, and with
“New engine is 17bhp up on outgoing ST, but equal to its overboost figure”
cylinder-deactivation technology on board, fuel economy should improve, too.
The seventh-generation Fiesta is still based on Ford’s global B-car platform, but on top of the normal car’s wider track, the ST’S chassis has been further tuned by Ford Performance. As before, a torque-vectoring set-up can step in to reduce understeer by braking the inside front wheel in corners.
The new Fiesta ST also comes with three selectable driving modes for the first time, allowing owners to shift between Normal, Sport and Track, altering traction control, throttle response, steering weight and exhaust-valve settings. Due to the car being front-driven, not four-wheel drive, buyers don’t get a Drift mode as they do on the Focus RS (tested on Page 78).
From launch, the new Fiesta ST will be available in both three and five-door bodystyles. It bears a close resemblance to the standard hatch in St-line trim, but has a slightly more aggressive front bumper and grille, painted rear diffuser and exclusive 18-inch alloys. There’s also a new Liquid Blue paint option (seen here).
Inside, Ford promises greater levels of personalisation than before. Cabin styling packs will be available, offering alternative trims and finishes. In terms of tech, the new SYNC 3 infotainment system appears alongside a central touchscreen. Top-spec cars use an eight-inch set-up, which sits proud from the dash for ease of use. To reflect its hot hatch status, the ST has Recaro sports seats with chunky side bolsters, plus a racy flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Although the new Fiesta ST will make its debut in Geneva, Ford won’t be launching it until early 2018. Order books should open at the end of the year, though, with prices starting from around £19,000.
“Cabin styling packs will be available, offering alternative trims and finishes”