Currently reading: Geneva motor show 2012: Ford Fiesta ST

The Ford Fiesta ST has been given its debut at the Geneva motor show in its production-ready guise

The Ford Fiesta ST has been given its debut at the Geneva motor show in its production-ready guise. Ford has confirmed the 136mph hatchback will go on sale in the UK in the first half of next year.

The three-door, front-drive Fiesta ST follows the five-door concept that the Blue Oval displayed at the Frankfurt motor show last year.

The production version is powered by Ford’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine that’s tuned to deliver 178bhp and 177lb ft. The Fiesta ST will sprint from 0-62mph in less than seven seconds and hit a top speed of over 136mph.

By comparison, the previous Fiesta ST was powered by a 2.0-litre Duratec unit with 148bhp and 140lb ft, covered 0-62 in 7.9sec and topped out at 130mph. Ford claims the new version emits 20 per cent less CO2 than its predecessor, which should put it at about 142g/km.

The new Fiesta ST, which was developed by Ford’s Team RS, has a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than a standard Fiesta. The car’s exterior features Ford’s latest design signatures, including a large trapezoidal grille.

Recaro sports seats come as standard and there will be five colour options, including Race Red, Performance Blue and Molten Orange. It will also feature Ford’s ‘MyKey’ tech, which allows performance to be limited depending on driver.

Prices for the Fiesta ST should start at around £18k, and senior sources also suggested that there could be three varying trim levels for the Fiesta ST, in the same way that there was on the Focus ST.

 

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Its 47-year tenure as a new car might be over, but the icon lives on as a cheap, fun used buy

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Join the debate

Comments
12
Add a comment…
Citytiger 8 March 2012

Re: Geneva motor show: Ford Fiesta ST

Peter Cavellini wrote:
If they can get 177bhp from a one litre three cylinder, why are they bothering with the eco boost 1.6?

Good question, the only reasons I can think of are either a lack of torque or excessive fuel consumption. I suspect the 3 pot would be fairly stressed at that output and would probably need a lot of work to keep it on the boil, whereas the 1.6 will still be well within its tolerances.

Geetee40 6 March 2012

Re: Geneva motor show: Ford Fiesta ST

At last a central storage bin on a Fiesta :O)

I had a Zetec-S a few years ago and it was a hoot in corners. This will make it really great!

and I personally like the styling changes... well I am still undecided on the red detailing on the rear - a black car might be an option

Johnny English 6 March 2012

Re: Geneva motor show: Ford Fiesta ST

Rich_uk wrote:
The current Fiesta is genuinely a great car to drive for the enthusiast

Totally agree - its one if the best cars I've ever driven. A much improved interior, but a shame it comes at the expense of a hideous nose job. I'm looking forward to a warm version of the three cylinder engine. With 5 doors.