Geneva 2012: Ford Fiesta ST

Geneva looks like being the place to be for hot hatch lovers this year and this new “production-ready” Ford Fiesta ST is another one to add to the list. It’s not due until 2013 so Ford are being a bit coy with concrete information.

We can tell you the Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6 litre engine offering 132kW (180PS). It should be good for 0-100km/h in around 7 seconds or maybe even a bit less. Top speed should be around 220km/h.

Hmm, not so sure about that goofy looking front grille, but otherwise this baby hot hatch looks the goods. Even if the interior is a wee bit lairy.

More of a competitor to the Polo GTI the latest ST from Ford brings high expectations. Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles says, “We believe Ford customers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date.”

Ford UK press release:

Production-ready Ford Fiesta ST debuts at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

• Dynamic new Ford Fiesta ST unveiled as a production-ready model at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and confirmed for introduction in the UK in the first half of 2013
  
• New Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that delivers 180PS – 20 per cent more power than the previous model – accelerates 0-62mph in less than seven seconds and can reach a top-speed of 136mph plus
  
• Class-leading driving dynamics delivered by enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system, specially-tuned chassis and three Electronic Stability Control settings – all tested extensively at Germany’s world-famous Nürburgring Nordschleife
  
• Ford remains open to introducing the high-performance small car to North America for the first time, following a positive response to the five-door Fiesta ST concept at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 5, 2012 – Ford Motor Company is unveiling the new production-ready Fiesta ST at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in advance of the performance hatchback going on sale in the UK in the first half of 2013.

Customers have clamoured for a new Fiesta ST since the last model in 2008. The all-new model will take Fiesta ST performance to a new level. The numbers tell the story: 180PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost, 240Nm of torque, 0-62mph in under seven seconds, and top speed of more than 136mph. At the same time, the EcoBoost technology delivers a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with the previous Fiesta ST.

Developed by Ford’s Team RS, the new Fiesta ST delivers significant ride-and-handling improvements through the introduction of a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta; Ford’s enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system; and three Electronic Stability Control modes. The technologies were put to the test over 5,000 kilometres of driving on Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife.

“We believe Ford customers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles.

The high-contrast interior features unprecedented levels of equipment and specification to suit the sporting driver, with standard Recaro sports seats appearing in a Fiesta ST for the first time.

It will also be equipped with MyKey, which allows owners to limit performance and ensure activation of safety features for when less-experienced drivers use the vehicle; and SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system. A new bold and dynamic exterior design drives home the high performance message and features the latest Ford design signatures including a large trapezoidal grille.

The new Fiesta ST was engineered using Ford’s global Performance Car DNA and developed by Ford Team RS, the European arm of the company’s Global Performance Vehicles group. The experience of the engineering team in working with Ford’s motorsport partners to develop the Fiesta RS WRC, Fiesta Rallycross and Racing Fiesta vehicles, also proved invaluable for developing the new Fiesta ST.

With production of the new Fiesta ST confirmed for Europe, Ford also remains open to introducing the high-performance small car to other regions, including North America for the first time following a highly positive response to the five-door Fiesta ST concept that made its North American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

“We’re delighted to be bringing a new generation Fiesta ST to our European enthusiasts in 2013 and we’ll have more to say about our plans for other markets in the near future,” said Capito. “With the Fiesta ST joining the new Focus ST, we will again be able to deliver a choice of affordable small performance cars that are designed to deliver a unique blend of stand-out styling and dynamic on-road performance with true practicality for everyday use.”