New Ford Fiesta ST – all you need to know

Ford has revealed all on its forthcoming Fiesta ST ahead of the hot hatch’s physical unveiling at this week’s Geneva Motor Show.

We already know a lot about the standard Fiesta, due to go on sale this July [full details here], but what about the performance-focussed ST version?

What’s so special about it?

The third-generation Fiesta ST will be the first car from the Ford Performance division to use a three-cylinder engine.

It will also be the first Fiesta ST to feature three selectable drive modes – normal, sport, track – which alter settings for the engine, steering, stability and even the sound of the exhaust, depending on the driver’s whims.

Tell me more about that three-pot engine

Under the bonnet is an all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, producing 197bhp and up to 290Nm of torque.

It features cylinder deactivation technology that basically turns off one of the engine’s cylinders whenever the car isn’t going like the clappers.

Few people look to a hot hatch for fuel economy, but anything to help the planet, am i rite?

So how fast does it go?

Acceleration figures haven’t been confirmed yet but Ford reckons the car has enough grunt to reach 62mph in 6.7 seconds on exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. That would make it a fifth of a second quicker than the preceding model and just as nippy as the range-topping ST200.

Why should I care about these drive modes?

Because all the cool cars have them now. Everything from the Honda Civic Type R to Peugeot’s 3008 Hybrid MPV has one and it sounds like it will really make the difference in the new Fiesta ST.

Any petrolhead will love the ST’s sport mode, which sharpens engine mapping and throttle pedal response. Electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) settings are also adjusted to deliver more feedback and finer control for hasty road driving. It sounds better too with a sporty exhaust note and more engine noise within the cabin. Brum brum!

In track mode, the vehicle is tuned for the fastest possible lap times. Traction control goes out the window and ESC interventions are set to wide-slip mode for hard circuit driving

Normal mode may as well be called ‘vanilla mode’ with everything set down the middle for a natural feel.

Will it be a three- or five-door?

Both.

Any details on the interior?

Much of the ST’s cabin will be similar to that of the standard Fiesta. However, there will be sporty tell-tale details, such as supportive Recaro seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and gentle smattering of ST logos about the cabin.

Can I add my own touch to the car?

Certainly; the Fiesta ST will offer more personalisation options than ever before. Buyers will be able to include a range of trim elements for the gear lever, steering wheel, door pulls and decorative dashboard spear. There will also be a few distinctive styling packs.

How much will it cost?

Prices will be confirmed in Geneva, but we’re expecting only the tiniest price rise. That means the entry-level Fiesta ST should ring in at about £18,000, with the range-topper commanding a ticket price of around £23,000.

When can I have one?

The car is slated for an ‘early 2018’ launch.