2018 Ford Fiesta ST hot hatchback rivals VW Polo GTI and Renault Clio RS; makes 200 PS from newly developed 1.5L three-cylinder engine
The ongoing 2017 Geneva Motor Show has welcomed a new entrant into the hot hatch space as the new generation iteration of Ford Fiesta ST has been showcased. The American volume manufacturer debuted the new-gen Fiesta lineup a while ago and the hot ST model sticks by the same modern theme.
Expected to be launched in early 2018 in international markets, it utilises a freshly developed 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol motor which is good enough to produce a stunning 200 PS maximum power and 290 Nm of peak torque. It allows the sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds – two tenths quicker than its predecessor.
Customers can choose between three driving modes such as Normal, Sport and Track.
It calibrates the engine, steering and stability parameters depending on the mode selection and alters the performance and handling. Besides, the new Fiesta ST comes equipped with what claims to be a first-in-industry cylinder deactivation system for a three-pot engine and it is said to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to 114 g/km when full-power is not required or when caught in jammed up traffic.
Amazingly, the technology does so by disengaging and re-engaging one cylinder in a scarcely believable 14 milliseconds or to put in to perspective 20 times faster than the blink of an eye. The new generation Fiesta ST has its chassis tuned for performance and it will compete against the likes of Renault Clio RS, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa OPC/VXR and the segment leading India-bound Volkswagen Polo GTI.
It features three-mode ESC (Electronic Stability Control) allowing drivers to choose between full system intervention, wide-slip mode with limited intervention and full system deactivation. Comes available in three and five door body styles, the new Fiesta ST has an unique exterior that would well differentiate it from its standard siblings.
It has an aggressive grille assembly, sporty bumpers up front and rear, roof-installed spoiler and a newly designed set of 18-inch wheels. On the inside, the hot hatch gets flat-bottomed steering wheel with mounted controls, Recaro sport seats and a range of personalisation options for dashboard decoration, steering wheel, door handles, gear level and much more items. What can be blatantly noticed is the floating eight-inch SYNC 3 enabled touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, voice commands and smartphone connectivity.
