All-new Ford Fiesta ST on-sale 09 | 05 | 2018

    FORD’S LATEST FIESTA ST supermini is available to order now from Scottish dealerships priced from £18,995 for the basic ST-1 spec model. That makes it significantly cheaper than rivals including  the Renault Clio R.S. and 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport. (Related: Ford reveals sporty Fiesta Van)

    Powered by a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine, which is fitted with cylinder deactivation technology — which means the engine will, at times, run on only two cylinders — delivers 197bhp, an increase of 17bhp on the outgoing Fiesta ST. Torque also rises from 240Nm to 290Nm.

    As for pace, the new Fiesta ST cracks the 0-62mph barrier in  6.5 seconds, four tenths of a second faster than the outgoing car. Top speed rises to 144mph. (Related: New Ford Focus starts at £17,930)

    The new smaller engine is also, not surprisingly, cleaner, emitting 136g/km CO2. Ford says it’ll also — officially — return 47.1mpg on a combined run, though that’s likely to drop to mid-to-high thirties in real world driving.

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    Based on Ford’s global B-car platform, the eighth-generation Fiesta, the ST benefits from tuning tweaks to the chassis under the watchful eyes of  Ford Performance. The new Fiesta ST comes with three selectable driving modes — Normal, Sport and Track — altering traction control, throttle response, power steering and exhaust valve settings, and as in the previous model, a torque-vectoring unit can step in to reduce understeer by braking the inside front wheel in corners.

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    Available in both three-door and five-door bodystyles from launch, the new Fiesta ST benefits from a slightly more aggressive front bumper and grille, while range-topping versions get a painted rear diffuser and exclusive 18-inch alloys.

    Inside, Ford says buyers will be able to enjoy greater levels of personalisation than previously. That means alternative trim and finishes on items around the cockpit. As for tech, the latest Fiesta ST gets Ford’s new Sync 3 infotainment system, alongside touchscreen displays up to 8-inches. Not surprisingly there’s also Recaro sports seats with chunky side bolsters,  and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel across the range.

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    As in the previous generation, the new Fiesta ST is available in  three different levels of specification and equipment.

    The entry-level ST-1 — available only as a three-door — gets 17-inch alloys in Flash Grey, while tech highlights include cruise control with speed limiter function as standard. There’s also lane keep alert and assist, automatic headlights, electrically operated and heated door mirrors. A6.5-inch SYNC3 touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto delivers the infotainment.

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    Next up is the ST-2, which starts at £19,995 for a three-door, and £20,645 for the five-door. While the alloys remain 17in, they have a black, machine finish. Options include 18in alloys, while automatic climate control is standard. The Recaro seats — now heated — get blue detailing and blue seatbelts. And though the SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment unit grows to eight inches, it doesn't get sat nav. However, you do get a B&O Play 10-speaker audio system, plus a centre armrest and illuminated cupholders.

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    The range-topping ST-3 — which gets 18in alloys and red-painted brake calipers — starts at £21,495, with the five-door costing £22,145. There’s leather trim to the Recaro seats, plus adjustable lumbar support. There’s a noticeable rise in tech too, with automatic high beam, automatic wipers, a rear view cameras system with parking sensors, and a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display all standard. Satnav is also incorporated in to the 8in display.

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    Across the new Fiesta ST range, the ST Performance Pack — which includes a Quaife limited-slip differential, launch control, and gearshift prompt lights on the dashboard — can be added for £850.

    Related: Roadtest — Ford Focus RS

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    Jim McGill

     

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