As hypercars and pretty much every other vehicle in the industry offer more power and punch under the hood, it’s but natural that all this performance trickles down to smaller, everyday models. Case in point is the once-humble Ford Fiesta. Now, Ford Europe’s Performance division tweaks the little hatch and gives it the ST touch. Enter the Ford Fiesta ST.
Available in either three- or five-door hatchback, the Fiesta ST is the very first Ford Performance model to receive a three-cylinder motor. Don’t let this fool you, though, as this is no ordinary three-pot. Rather, it is a potent 200hp, 290Nm monster, thanks in no small part to Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharging technology. This, along with integrated exhaust manifold and other tweaks help give the seemingly smallish motor rousing output.
Bringing out the best of the lump is Ford’s very own Drive Mode Selector. Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport, and Track. Each setting allows one to customize engine, steering, stability control, and the exhaust system’s Electronic Sound Enhancement. This last bit gives a richer soundtrack to the already throaty engine growl, Ford promises.
All these aid in giving the little Fiesta ST a claimed 0-100kph time of 6.7 seconds. This puts it in the realm of larger, more powerful performance machines. Yet thanks to Cylinder Deactivation technology, the already efficient three-cylinder mill can deliver even better fuel economy and improve emissions. It’s the best balance, Ford says.
The third-generation Ford Fiesta ST will make its global debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show this March.
