Ford Motor Company is readying its all-new Fiesta ST for its international launch and have revealed more info on the upcoming warm hatch.
Powering it will be a new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Ecoboost motor, good for 147kw and 290nm, which bests the 147kw and 240nm as seen on the1.6-litre turbocharged limited edition ST200. New to the ST will be an active exhaust system, as well as a cylinder deactivation system for better fuel efficiency, allowing it to run on two cylinders on light throttle loads.
Interestingly, Ford claims the new ST is quicker than the outgoing model, boasting 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds (0.4 quicker than the ST200), while it will run to 232kph, while the ST200 ran out of puff at 230kph.
It's said to feature an optional mechanical Quaife limited-slip differential for better traction, as well as launch control. More importantly, the chassis has been optimized with Ford's new patented force vectoring springs that makes the turn-in sharper, improves the rear end’s responsiveness and provides a generally more connected feel of the car.
Ford South Africa plans to introduce the new Mk8 Fiesta locally just before the middle of 2018, with the ST following shortly thereafter.
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford Fiesta ST cost in South Africa?
The new Ford Fiesta ST is expected to launch in South Africa in mid-2018 with an estimated price tag of around R450,000 to R480,000, making it a serious contender in the hot hatch segment against rivals like the VW Polo GTI and Mini Cooper S.
Q: Is the Ford Fiesta ST worth buying over its competitors?
Absolutely, the Fiesta ST delivers proper performance with its 147kW three-cylinder EcoBoost engine and 6.5-second 0-100kph sprint, plus it comes with clever tech like cylinder deactivation and optional launch control that most rivals don't offer at this price point.
Q: How fast is the new Ford Fiesta ST compared to the old one?
The new Fiesta ST is considerably quicker than its predecessor, clocking 0-100kph in just 6.5 seconds compared to the ST200's 6.9 seconds, while also managing a higher top speed of 232kph versus 230kph.
Q: What makes the Ford Fiesta ST different from regular Fiesta models?
The ST gets Ford's punchy 147kW/290Nm three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, sport-tuned suspension with force vectoring springs, an active exhaust system, optional Quaife limited-slip diff, and launch control, transforming it from mild-mannered hatch to proper pocket rocket.
Q: Should I wait for the Ford Fiesta ST or buy something else now?
If you're shopping for a hot hatch under R500,000, definitely wait for the Fiesta ST's mid-2018 arrival as it promises to be one of the most engaging and technologically advanced options in its class with that brilliant three-cylinder soundtrack.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, absolutely wait for this one. The best hot hatch under R500,000 in SA is shaping up to be the new Ford Fiesta ST at an expected R450,000 to R480,000. With 147kW from that characterful three-cylinder EcoBoost, a 6.5-second 0-100kph time, and clever tech like cylinder deactivation and launch control, it's going to embarrass plenty of more expensive machinery while sipping fuel like a sensible econobox when you're not giving it the beans. The force vectoring springs and optional Quaife diff mean it'll handle like it's on rails, making it the thinking enthusiast's choice over the usual VW Polo GTI suspects.
