New Ford Fiesta ST200 29 | 02 | 2016
FORD HAS REVEALED an even hotter version of the Fiesta ST — the ST200 — which will be available in limited numbers, in Scottish showrooms, in the summer (see more photographs of new Ford Fiesta ST200).
Set to be unveiled at tomorrow's Geneva Motor Show, the ST200 uses a tuned version of the standard ST’s 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine. The result is an increase in power from 180bhp to 197bhp, with torque up from 180lb/ft to 214lb/ft.
But there's more. Using the standard overboost feature, power output increases yet further to 212bhp and 236lb ft, for up to 15 seconds
The ST200’s modifications are much more extensive than other Fiesta tuning packages, including the factory-approved Mountune package.
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Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the ST200 is 0.2secs faster than the standard ST over the 0-62mph sprint, stopping the clock after 6.7s. Top speed has increased by 4mph to 143mph.
And while the new Fiesta gets enhanced Torque Vectoring Control and three-stage Electronic Stability Control systems, there are also further modifications to the rear twist-beam — which increases roll-stiffness — and the front steering knuckle.
The centre of gravity has been lowered by 15mm, plus there are new front and rear damper settings. Perhaps not surprisingly, the brakes at the rear have also been enhanced.
Externally the ST200 gets a new look, with 17in matt black alloy wheels and a new silver grey paint finish called Storm Grey. Inside the car there's contrasting silver stitching on the part-leather charcoal-coloured Recaro seats, the scuff plates are illuminated, and the seatbelts have silver detailing.
Around 20,000 Fiesta ST models have been sold in the UK, two-thirds of the European market, and with an all-new Fiesta due in 2017, the ST200 is the current model's swansong.
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Jim McGill