Ford reveals limited-run Fiesta ST Performance Edition

Ford has announced that it is introducing a special limited edition of its award-winning Fiesta ST hot hatch.

The Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition is being launched a year after the first examples of the latest ST went on sale and features bespoke Ford Performance parts to improve handling and reduce weight.

Just 600 examples will be made, all in three-door bodystyle and finished in Deep Orange paint.

The Performance Edition is based on the best-selling ST-3 trim and retains the standard ST’S 197bhp 1.5-litre turbo engine. However, along with 18-inch alloy wheels – which shave seven kilograms from the car’s weight – it features an ajdustable coilover suspension pack with stainless steel damper housing and powder-coated Ford Performance Blue springs.

The coilover suspension lowers the ride height by 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear, and has been extensively tested at the Nürburgring Nordschleife by Ford Performance engineers. The suspension can be adjusted manually, allowing drivers to create a personalised, finely-tuned driving setup.

The 10-spoke, alloys are “flow formed” which allows them to be lighter yet stronger than the standard model’s and have been specially treated with “winter-resistant” triple-layer paint.

Other standard equipment includes LED headlamps and B&O premium audio system, in addition to the ST’S signature Performance Pack, comprising a specially-designed Quaife limited slip differential (LSD), launch control and shift light indicators.

Ford says it will reveal final pricing for the car next month but it will be “at least” £3,000 more than the £22,450 ST3 model on which it is based.

It goes on sale from June 2019, with deliveries expected from early September.