Just four months after revealing the seventh generation Fiesta, Ford has taken the wraps off the all-new Fiesta ST. To be showcased at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the ST moniker is powered by an all-new EcoBoost engine.
Replacing the 1.6-litre inline-four turbo engine in the outgoing car, the new-gen Fiesta ST has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Yes, the Fiesta ST is the first Ford Performance model to be powered by a three-cylinder engine. But it’s not as bad as it sounds, as the petrol engine pushes out 197bhp and 290Nm of torque which is 17bhp and 50Nm more than the outgoing model. The car can accelerate from zero to 100kmph in an impressive 6.7 seconds (0.2sec faster than the older car). The new ST gets three driving modes – Normal, Sport and Track, to alter engine, steering, stability controls and even exhaust sound.
If dropping a cylinder wasn’t enough, the new ST also has cylinder deactivation system which will cut-off a cylinder under lighter loads to reduce emissions. The Torque Vectoring control technology is carried forward, which helps in reducing understeer by controlling the inner wheel speed while cornering.
The new Fiesta ST will be available in both three-door and five-door body styles. The gaping mesh grille has an ST insignia; the new shade of blue is complimented by stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the tail lights are sleek and roof-mounted spoiler adds an aggressive character to the car. On the inside, the Recaro bucket seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel comes with more personalisation than before. The SYNC 3 infotainment system is incorporated in and eight-inch touchscreen stacked on the dashboard and will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with B&O Play audio system.
Though the new gen Fiesta ST will make its debut at Geneva, the car will go on sale early next year.
