The 2018 Ford Fiesta ST was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show. The next-gen version of the supermini received some minor visual enhancement, but received huge upgrades under its hood!
Engine and Performance. According to Auto Express, the biggest news to the new Fiesta ST is under its hood. It now features a new engine configuration which uses a downsized three-cylinder motor. However, Ford claims that it now produces more power and more torque. Goodbye, 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo; hello, 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo!
According to the automaker, the new engine is capable of 197 bhp. That is 17 bhp more than the outgoing Fiesta ST. Moreover, the gains in torque are more apparent. The previous model was capable of only 177 lb-ft, while the new model goes up to 213 lb-ft of torque.
The performance has also improved. The new ST can do 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. This is two-tenths of a second faster than the last generation model. Moreover, this makes it on part with the limited run high-performance ST200 model. The vehicle's top speed has not yet been revealed but is expected to be above and around 140 mph.
As for fuel economy, the downsized motor will definitely be more efficient. The CO2 emissions will drop and the fuel economy will improve thanks to the cylinder deactivation technology.
Other Improvements. The improvement does not stop at the engine. According to Ford's head of small cars in Europe, Darren Palmer said that his development team is obsessed with the car's steering. Apparently, they have fine-tuned the calibration to make sure it drives impeccably. Ford is aware of how hot the Fiesta is and they wanted to make it even better to ensure its spot among the top superminis.
The seventh generation model still uses Ford's global B-car platform. However, it has some tweaks that improve grip and a wider track. In addition, its chassis has also been turned by Ford Performance.
Furthermore, the new Ford Fiesta ST also utilizes a torque-vectoring unit that reduces understeer. In addition, it comes with three selectable driving modes - Normal, Sport, and Track. This significantly alters traction control, power steering, throttle response, and exhaust valve settings.
Design and Tech Features. The 2018 Fiesta ST will be available in three-door and five-door body styles. It will look like a more aggressive version of the Fiesta. Its grille and front bumper look more aggressive than the previous model. It also has a painted rear diffuser, and it will also feature 18-inch alloy wheels. A new color option called Liquid Blue will also be available.
Ford also promises more personalization in the cabin. Different interior styling packs will be available which will alter the finishes around the cockpit. Sync 3 infotainment system will also be the standard. In addition, Recaro sports seats with a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel will also be available.
According to another report by Car Buzz, the Ford Fiesta ST won't be officially on sale until 2018. There has been no news about its availability in the United States. Hopefully, the automaker will make it available here. In the meantime, the hot hatch Ford Focus RS is plenty of fun and already available in America!
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