
The latest Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch has been revealed which matches the performance of the brand’s current range-topping ST200 model. The new ST hits 62mph from rest in 6.7sec — 0.2sec faster than the outgoing Fiesta ST.
Click here to read our first drive review of the all-new Ford Fiesta ST
Unveiled officially at the Geneva motor show today, the Fiesta ST remains an important halo model for Ford, particularly in the UK, where its Fiesta supermini continues to dominate car sales. It is in its eighth consecutive year at the top of the car sales rankings.
2017 Ford Fiesta ST: will a three-pot do the job?
The third-generation Fiesta ST is the first to feature Ford’s new, 197bhp three-cylinder 1.5-litre Ecoboost petrol engine. It also introduces three drive modes which adjust engine, steering and stability controls. There are more customisation options than before, too.
“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.
Ford of Europe product boss Joe Bakaj added that the new model will “deliver the most versatile, fun, engaging and rewarding Fiesta ST driving experience yet”.
Three-cylinder 1.5-litre Ecoboost for Ford Fiesta ST
Sitting alongside the well-received 1.0-litre Ecoboost used across the Ford range, the 1.5-litre engine has 214lb ft and uses turbocharging, high-pressure fuel injection and twin independent variable cam timing, all of which delivers “optimised performance and fuel efficiency”, according to Ford. A new turbocharger features an optimised turbine design to build boost pressure more quickly and to minimise lag, according to the car maker.
The engine also features cylinder deactivation technology, a world first for a three-cylinder engine but increasingly common on bigger engines and used frequently on Volkswagen Group TSI petrol units. The move will help improve fuel efficiency by shutting down one cylinder when full capacity power isn’t needed, such as when cruising with little demand on the engine.
Matthias Tonn, chief programme engineer of the car said: "The new 1.5 Ecoboost engine is the new core, the heart of the car. It's so much more responsive, more agile, than the current car.
"Efficiency is a big part of this car. The CO2 is down at 114g/km, and it has the same performance. It's a very agile engine also, has great responsiveness, new calibration, a new way to ignite the fuel. The engine is more direct and lively.
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3 better than 4
[quote=Spanner]A lot of fun.