The Ford Fiesta ST is a joyful little thing. In fact it’s one of the finest hot hatches of the modern era; combining a playful attitude, vicious tenacity, and outright ability, with affordable pricing and an approachable nature. But at 132kW, it’s always been one of the least powerful hot hatches in its segment. Despite the deficit, it’s fought valiantly – with that said we wouldn’t say no to a bit more power, and Ford has happily obliged.
Read our review of the Ford Fiesta ST here
Unveiled at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, this is the Ford Fiesta ST200. Like most alphanumerical names, ‘200’ represents the power output of the new Fiesta ST. Unfortunately it’s not 200kW on offer (who knows what the rumoured Fiesta RS might hold for us in future), but rather 200PS – or 147kW on our side of the world.
The extra 15kW has been made available from the same 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine, which also serves up an additional 50Nm to output 290Nm. Ford claim an improved 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.7 seconds (down from 6.9s previously), while top speed is set at 230km/h. The EcoBoost engine also delivers an overboost of an additional 11kW and 30Nm for up to 15 seconds under full throttle.
Additionally, Ford has shortened the final drive ratio for improved in-gear acceleration. Suspension has also been revised to increase roll-stiffness and adjust the centre of gravity which now sits 15mm lower due to unique front and rear damper settings. The steering rack has been revised too; and to cope with the additional power, the brakes have been upgraded with a larger brake master cylinder and rear discs.
Visually, the Ford Fiesta ST200 gets an exclusive exterior Storm Grey paint job, with 17-inch machined matt-black alloy wheels housing red brake calipers, and special interior detailing. Partial leather Charcoal Recaro front seats with silver stitching, illuminated scuff plates, and silver-detailed seatbelts complete the interior upgrades.
The Ford Fiesta ST200 is due for global release soon, and we’re awaiting confirmation as to exactly when it will arrive in South Africa. We’ll update this article as soon as receive word back from Ford South Africa.
UPDATE:
Ford South Africa has just confirmed that the Ford Fiesta ST200 is not coming to South Africa. Boo!
