Scots dealers wait for Fiesta ST 31 | 03 | 2011

FORD IS SET to launch a new 180bhp Ford Fiesta ST as it takes the competition to the likes of the Renaultsport Clio 200 and Seat Ibiza Cupra. The newcomer — which aims to capitalise on Ford's switch from the Focus to the Fiesta in the WRC and IRC rally championships — will appear in Ford's dealerships across Scotland next year.

The ST will be powered by Ford's 1.6-litre Ecoboost turbo engine, the same basic unit that powers the four-wheel-drive Fiesta WRC car; the road car though will be front-wheel drive. It's expected the 180bhp powerplant will be tied in to a six-speed manual transmission, although the ratios may be changed to produce a sportier drive.

Though the people at Ford are remaining tightlipped about the performance figures, expect the ST to be close to the Clio 200 which covers 0-62mph in 6.9sec and hits 141mph.

No prices have yet been revealed, but it's likely the Fiesta ST will come in around the £16,500 mark — the Renaultsport Clio 200 is £16,800. The timing of the introduction of Ford's ST will coincide neatly with the mid-life refresh for the Fiesta.

Last month Ford revealed the 'warm' Fiesta, the 134bhp 1.6-litre S1600, which its believed the company is using to test the water before introducing the ST. Ford will build just 500 examples of the S1600, which costs from £15,895.

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Jim McGill