Ford Performance has taken the wraps off the most fun Fiesta ever, the third-generation Ford Fiesta ST, powered by an all-new three-cylinder, 1.5‑litre EcoBoost engine.
Shown for the first time ahead of its global public debut next month, the next‑generation Fiesta ST will deliver 200PS, 290Nm of torque and anticipated 0‑100 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds.
One of the biggest highlights of this next generation Fiesta ST is what lies underneath the hood of the hot hatch. Instead of using a four-pot engine, the next generation Fiesta ST will be the first ever Ford Performance model powered by a three-cylinder engine. The all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine uses technology including turbocharging, high-pressure fuel injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to deliver optimised performance and fuel efficiency.
The engine’s three-cylinder architecture delivers naturally high torque at low rpm. Performance is further boosted by a new turbocharger that uses an optimised turbine design to build boost pressure faster and minimise lag for a more responsive and fun driving experience.
A new combination of port fuel injection and direct fuel injection technology helps deliver high power and responsiveness alongside reduced CO2 emissions of an anticipated 114g/km with a particular increase in fuel efficiency under light engine loads.
Ford’s new cylinder deactivation technology will further improve fuel efficiency for Fiesta ST customers without affecting performance by automatically stopping fuel delivery and valve operation for one of the engine’s cylinders in conditions where full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine. The technology can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – to seamlessly deliver full performance on demand.
The all-aluminium engine also features an integrated exhaust manifold that improves efficiency by helping the engine reach optimal temperatures faster, and delivers torque more rapidly by minimising the distance exhaust gasses travel between cylinders and turbocharger. Gas particulate filter technology that reduces soot emissions will also feature.
The next generation Fiesta ST is also be the first ever Ford Performance model to feature selectable Drive Modes – enabling engine, steering and stability controls to be configured to Normal, Sport and Track settings for an optimised fun-to-drive experience in conditions from day to day school runs or driving at the race track.
In Normal mode, engine mapping, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), ESE, exhaust sound and electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) are configured to deliver natural responsiveness and a connected feel.
In Sport mode, engine mapping and throttle pedal response are sharpened, and EPAS settings adjusted to deliver more feedback and finer control for fast road driving. The active noise control valve opens and ESE is adjusted to intensify the sporty exhaust note and engine noise within the cabin.
In Track mode, all vehicle dynamics features are tuned for the fastest possible lap times, traction control is disabled and ESC interventions are set to wide-slip mode for hard circuit driving.
The agile and responsive Ford Performance-tuned chassis will be supported by enhanced Torque Vectoring Control technology that improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering. Three-mode ESC will enable drivers to choose between full system intervention; wide-slip mode with limited intervention; and full system de-activation.
The next generation ST will be available from launch in early 2018 in both three-door and five-door bodystyles. It will be offered with a variety of interior trim and personalisation options where customers get to choose from a range of trim elements for the gear lever, steering wheel, door pulls and decorative dashboard spear, and select from distinctive styling packs.
The ergonomic Fiesta ST interior will feature supportive Recaro seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Meanwhile, exterior colour options will include new Liquid Blue and the Fiesta ST will feature exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of tech and gizmos, the Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system will enable Fiesta ST drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SYNC 3 is supported by floating, tablet-inspired touchscreens up to 8 inches in size that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures.
The next generation Fiesta ST also will be offered with B&O PLAY Sound System for a high-end audio experience – among features Ford first announced last year for the next generation Fiesta.
The next generation Fiesta ST will be making its official debut in just a few more days at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the action-packed promotional video of the new hot hatch featuring World Rally Championship driver Toni Kelly and fearless BMX stunt sensation Sebastian ‘Bas’ Keep!
