So, Ford has just unveiled its latest 2018 Fiesta ST which comes as a highlight of the next month Geneva Motor Show. Based on top of the latest Fiesta revealed only months ago, the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST introduces us to a new three cylinder 1.5 liter EcoBoost unit. It replaces that cool 1.6 liter four banger that marked the last gen car.
With a cylinder deactivation system, less capacity, better sorted out injection and one cylinder less, the new engine seems to be better suited for an economy car and not for a sporty one. Yet, the numbers never lie (too much). The 1.5 liter EcoBoost develops 197hp and 213 lb-ft of torque. This is more compared to the last ST. Expect that ST200 of course. It’s on par with it. According to Ford, the new engine has a reengineered turbocharger, high-pressure fuel injection and twin independent variable cam timing. High-end machine for sure. So high end in fact that it’ll move about emitting only 114 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
On the other hand, it’ll give a Fiesta ST a jump to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Equal to last gen Fiesta ST200, but faster than the last ST by 0.2 seconds. Top speed? Ford didn’t disclose anything but expect 140+mph. While the new engine seems as the biggest change, new Fiesta ST actually has a whole set of important improvements including Ford Performance tuned chassis and a torque-vectoring system braking the inner front wheel when cornering. Ford reported that their engineers in Belgium especially focused on improving cornering and driving characteristic on track and on the twisties. After all, the last Fiesta ST was the most fun in the twisties. Ford knows it has to retain that strange appeal to it.
Thanks to its sporty credentials, the Fiesta ST gained (for the first time ever), three modes – Normal, Sport and Track. Each handles the throttle response, steering feel, and affects the ESP. The sport will give more sound, better throttle, and a bit sharper steering feel. The Track, on the other hand, turns off all the electronic aids and sets up a car for the fastest possible lap times.
In terms of the looks, the 2018 Fiesta ST seems a bit more refined and slightly sleeker compared to the old version. However, aggressive bumpers, massive intakes, nice 18-inch wheels and rear diffuser remind us all about its sporty nature.
The newest Fiesta ST available as three-door and five-door hatch features quite impressive equipment inside. Sync 3 with an 8-inch display and full connectivity with everything seems only logical for this type of a car. And it can be mated to a high-end B&O Play sound system. What could you ask for more? Maybe Recaro seats and special steering wheels. It’s fitted with it too.
So, here we are – in time when a fun sports car gets a three-cylinder engine. It’s made of aluminum, it’s light, probably very quiet without the Ford’s Electronic Sound Enhancement technology, but powerful nonetheless. Considering the one liter EcoBoost fits inside many larger cars that sell in Europe, we are quite sure the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST will make an impact. Especially in the UK – in the land where small hatchbacks dominate the streets.