BRENTWOOD, U.K. – Ford is feeding the U.K. car buyer’s passion for small “hot hatches” with the launch of the most powerful Fiesta ever produced.
The Ford Fiesta ST200 lives up to its billing by pushing out 200 hp through the front wheels, enough to launch it to 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standing start in just 6.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).
Compared with the existing Fiesta ST, power is boosted 10% while torque is up 20% to 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm) from a recalibrated 1.6L EcoBoost gasoline engine.
The Fiesta ST200 also features enhanced suspension and steering. A 4.06 ratio final drive is shortened from 3.82 in the Fiesta ST to enhance in-gear acceleration, producing a fourth-gear roll-on dash from 31 mph-82 mph (50 km/h-132 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds.
Chassis changes include a rear twist-beam with 27% roll-stiffness and a front anti-roll bar increased in diameter from 0.75 in. (19 mm) to 0.83 in. (21 mm) supporting revised damper specifications for better impact absorption.
Power-steering settings for the ST-specific 13.69:1 sharpened steering ratio with a shortened steering arm and modified steering knuckle have been revised for improved steering feel and feedback on center.
Handling assets include enhanced torque vectoring control and 3-mode electronic stability control. The torque-vectoring system applies brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering to improve road holding and reduce understeer without affecting speed. ESC offers full system intervention, wide-slip mode with limited intervention and full ESC deactivation.
Disc brakes are 10.9-in. (278-mm) front and 10-in. (253-mm) rear with a larger tandem brake master cylinder than standard Fiesta models.
The Fiesta ST200 1.6L EcoBoost claims 46.3 mpg (5.08 L/100 km) fuel efficiency and 140g/km CO2 emissions.
The ST200 also is distinguished by its unique Storm Grey exterior, machined matte-black alloy wheels and custom interior detailing.
“The Fiesta ST is truly beloved by owners and critics. The ST200 takes this special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance,” says Joe Bakaj, vice president-product development, Ford of Europe. “We think it’s a future classic in the making.”
Fiesta ST200 deliveries begin this month in the U.K. with cars priced at £22,745 ($32,870).
