Ford reveals Fiesta/Focus ST models 13 | 09 | 2011
FORD HAS REVEALED its new Fiesta ST. The turbocharged baby hot hatch, which will go into production next year, was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show alongside an all-new Focus ST range.
While Ford states the Fiesta ST is still a concept, the fact the company also confirmed it will go into full production indicates the 'concept' doesn't look too unlike the car which will enter showrooms.
When it does, the Fiesta ST will follow in a long line of baby fast Fords that include the XR2, XR2i, RS1800, RS Turbo and the previous-generation ST.
At the heart of the front-drive concept — worth pointing out here that the Fiesta ST takes a number of its styling cues from the Fiesta RS which competes in the World Rally Championship — is Ford's 178bhp, 177lb ft 1.6-litre, four-cylinder Ecoboost; the powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
At present the most powerful factory Fiesta in the range is the 132bhp 1.6 in the special-edition Fiesta S1600.
Ford states the Fiesta ST covers the 0-62mph sprint in under seven seconds and will accelerate on to 137mph. CO2 emissions are expected to be lower than 140g/km.
See more photos of Ford's new ST range
And for the first time, the Focus ST range will include an estate version, as well as a hothatch. Both versions of the Focus ST will go on sale in 2012, although no on sale dates or prices have been revealed.
Virtually unchanged from the concept seen at last year’s Paris show, power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with 247bhp and 265lb ft, but Ford has yet to confirm performance figures.
As you would expect, the ST gets a substantially more aggressive look. In addition to a single centre-mounted rear exhaust, an eye-catching Tangerine Scream exterior colour and large trapezoidal grille, there's new side skirts, a rear spoiler and a bolder new rear bumper with integrated diffuser. Recaro front seats and a new bench in the rear are part of the enhanced cabin.
Read our roadtest of the new Ford Focus
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Jim McGill