The Fiesta ST is the “baby” of the ST range. The heart of the vehicle is the 2.0-litre Duratec HE engine. With abundant low rev torque as well as power all the way to the red line, it offers the best of both worlds.
The advanced motor, with its sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control, churns out 110 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and maximum torque of 190 Nm at 4 500 r/min. The perky Fiesta ST accelerates from 0 –100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds, from 80 – 120 km/h in 10.6 second and boasts a top speed of 208 km/h. Fuel consumption (combined cycle) is just 7.8 litres/100 km, unusually low for such a high-performance vehicle.
“The Fiesta ST is a car that not only meets all ones performance expectations but exceeds ones expectations in the spheres of comfort, convenience and safety,” comments Jacques Brent, Sales and Marketing Vice President, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
The engine’s electronic throttle control permits quicker throttle response and less Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) intrusion to pedals; its knock sensor controls pre-detonation for longer engine life and its unique performance exhaust system offers more power plus a better sound.
The Fiesta ST has a stiffened front and rear anti-roll bar and stiffer rear twist beam for sportier handling and better control. It boasts revised damper speed ratings front and rear to ensure ride comfort is retained.
Furthermore a faster steering ratio allows for more direct and accurate driving, while braking is enhanced thanks to larger front callipers and pads and the addition of 253mm rear disc brakes. ABS with EBD is standard. Furthermore, it features 17″ light alloy wheels with low profile Pirelli tyres.
In true ST tradition, the styling of the Fiesta ST is aggressive and immediately recognisable. Especially noticeable is the hard-hitting front and rear bumper treatment with projector style fog lights. In addition, the ST has a honeycomb mesh grille and surround, larger body colour side protection mouldings, body-colour door handles, door mirrors, rear tailgate release and rocker panel, clear side repeater lamps; an aerodynamic, body-coloured rear spoiler. Striking 11-spoke 17” alloy wheels and low profile Pirelli tyres together with a large oval chrome exhaust tailpipe finisher complete the look.
While the exterior cannot fail to inspire, the same can also be said of the interior, which is equally sporty and is dominated by beautifully crafted and deep bolstered sports seats. These partial leather Recaro sports seats feature an embroidered ST logo on the backrest.
It also has a ST branded three-spoke steering wheel with leather rim, drilled metal sports pedals, a sports short shift gear lever with aluminium insert and aluminium effect interior trim cues.
Being a car with a racing pedigree hasn’t meant that drivers of the Fiesta ST have to make any sacrifices in the comfort and convenience departments. Standard interior features include driver’s seat height adjustment, remote central locking (doors and tailgate), theatre dimming, interior remote tailgate release, headlight remote height adjuster, luggage compartment light, power heated mirrors, front power windows and air conditioning. The radio/6 CD in dash shuttle has speed sensing volume control, four speakers, an MP3 port and remote steering controls.
Safety and security features are plentiful and include a driver’s and passenger’s side airbag with dual stage activation, anti-submarining front seats, anti-burst door locks, front passenger seatbelt height adjustment, three 3-point rear seatbelts, three rear headrests, ABS braking with EBD, a PATS immobiliser, a perimeter alarm with volume sensing, visible VIN number, remote central locking with double locking and a battery saver.
Service intervals are 20 000 km, the warranty is applicable for three years/100 000 km, while the corrosion warranty is in place for five years/unlimited kilometres. A three-year/unlimited kilometres roadside assistance plan is standard while a maintenance or service plan is optional.
