2017 Ford Fiesta ST revealed 24 | 02 | 2017
FORD HAS RELEASED details and images of its all-new Fiesta ST hot hatch ahead of its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The car doesn’t go on-sale at Scottish dealerships till the end of the year, with prices expected to start around £19,000.
Based on the upcoming seventh generation version of the supermini, the new Fiesta ST will be powered, for the first time, by a lightweight, aluminium 197bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo. The new unit replaces the 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo used in the current car; it also delivers an extra 17bhp.
The new model also sees a hike in torque, up from 240Nm to 290Nm. According to Ford, it will hit 62mph from standstill in 6.7secs, two-tenths faster than the current model.
In accordance with all new cars, the latest Fiesta ST will also be cleaner, with CO2 emissions falling from 138g/km to 114g/km. Expect fuel economy to also improve thanks to cylinder de-activation technology.
The chassis of the new Fiesta ST has been fine-tuned by Ford Performance, and the newcomer will also benefit from a torque-vectoring unit. This steps in to reduce understeer by braking the inside front wheel in corners.
In addition, the latest model will also come with three selectable driving modes – Normal, Sport and Track – each altering traction control, throttle response, power steering and exhaust valve settings.
Available as both a three-door or five-door from launch, the new model looks similar to the current ST, but is fitted with a slightly more aggressive front bumper and grille, a painted rear diffuser, and exclusive 18in alloys. There’s also a new paint colour, Liquid Blue.
Ford also says the new ST will offer buyers a higher level of personalisation, with a number of interior styling packs available.
As for technology, it gets Ford’s new Sync 3 infotainment system, plus a touchscreen display of up to eight inches. Elsewhere in the cabin, there’s Recaro sports seats with chunky side bolsters appear up front, and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel.
“Next-generation Fiesta ST customers will benefit from innovations developed by Ford Performance for the Ford GT supercar and Focus RS hot hatch, including fuel injection and drive mode technologies,” said Ford Performance boss Dave Pericak.
“Working as one unified Ford Performance team helps us better deliver our core fun-to-drive experience – and democratise sophisticated performance-enhancing features – for every customer.”
Reated: Roadtest — Ford Focus RS
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Jim McGill