Remember that extra spicy version of the Ford Fiesta ST that we weren’t supposed to get in South Africa? Yea, the Fiesta ST200, Well, we’re getting it… although it is going to be limited in number to make the 149kW Fiesta ST200 a halo model for the Fiesta range.
How many units, you ask? Well, Ford South Africa will be bringing in 160 of them, at a surprisingly affordable price tag of R339 900. For reference, a comparable version of the face-lifted Renault Clio RS LUX will set you back R379 900.
What’s special about the Fiesta ST200?
Well as we’ve mentioned, the Ford Fiesta ST200 boasts a power output of 149kW – up from the standard Fiesta ST’s 134kW – from a retuned version of the same 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine. Torque takes a bump too, from 240Nm to 290Nm in the ST200. As with most turbocharged cars, there’s an overboost function too, unlocking an additional 11kW and 30Nm for a period of 20 seconds under full throttle load.
Ford claims the power bump is enough to improve the Fiesta ST200’s acceleration from 0-100km/h by 0.2 seconds – it’s now sitting at 6.7s – whilst 50-100km/h takes just 5.2 seconds in 4th gear. In gear acceleration also gets a bump from a shortened 6th gear. Top speed is still limited electronically to 230km/h.
There are other mechanical tweaks too. An upgraded suspension setup features 2mm thicker front anti-roll bars and a 27% stiffer rear twist beam. The dampers have also been recalibrated for better ride comfort. The EPAS (Electronic Power Assisted Steering) system has also been retuned for improved feel and feedback.
Of course there are some visual upgrades too – ST200 badging adorns the Fiesta ST200 both inside and out, whilst the Storm Grey metallic is exclusive to the limited edition model, as are matte black 17-inch alloys. The rear lights are now LED units too.
Additional equipment is also added to the Fiesta ST200 – including partial leather, heated Recaro seats, dual-tone seatbelts, illuminated scuff plates, rear privacy windows, reverse parking sensors, and a reverse camera.
The Ford Fiesta ST has been a firm favourite of ours in the segment since the day it launched, and this Fiesta ST200 should prove to be quite the special send off for the current model ahead of the arrival of the new, 3-cylinder Fiesta ST.
