It is the most desired and anticipated Fiesta. THE Ford Fiesta ST was made known last year and its arrival is (finally) soon.
It is Ford itself that ends up making the mouths water of potential interested parties, since, in addition to a look to match, the “vitamined” utility will feature a series of unusual technologies in this segment and debuting others.
Among the arguments unveiled, the oval's brand highlights, as an option, a Quaife limited slip mechanical differential , able to guarantee the small front wheel drive, greater grip, precision and effectiveness in corners.
Rear axle with news
No, the Fiesta ST did not gain independent rear suspension. But how to improve the dynamics of a model that was already considered one of the references in the segment?
Ford focused on the torsion axle to ensure greater stability, agility and responsiveness. This became the stiffest ever to have fitted a Ford, but it is the springs that gain enormous prominence, patented by Ford itself.
The Ford Fiesta will be the first hot hatch to use non-uniform and non-interchangeable springs capable of applying vector forces to the rear suspension, allowing forces generated in curves to be directed directly to the spring, thus increasing lateral stiffness.
According to the brand, this solution saves around 10 kg compared to others, such as the Watts connection (present, for example, on the Opel Astra), which achieves the same effect. But the advantages do not end there: it is compatible with the use of traditional shock absorbers; doesn't compromise comfort, handling or refinement (sinoblocks can be smoother); and the greater rigidity seen at the rear benefits the action of the front axle, making it more sharp and responsive in changes of direction.
Leo Roeks, director of Ford Performance Europe, in statements to Autocar, reiterated the importance of this solution:
We are very proud of these (springs). Whenever lateral forces start to make themselves felt in the rear suspension, effectively directing the car from the rear wheels, these springs are “smart” enough to resist them. Help stabilize the rear wheels. The difference is enough that we get a measurable benefit in steering precision, but it also allows us to smooth the bells at the rear for better handling.
Stiffer chassis and faster steering
Equally helping top performance, a increase in chassis stiffness in the order of 15% , as well as a 10mm wider front track when compared to the regular Fiesta. All this, without forgetting a steering that, also according to the manufacturer, is the fastest ever used in a front-wheel-drive Ford model, with a 12:1 ratio, and only two laps between locks.
More performance, but more saved
As an engine, a new three-cylinder 1.5 liter EcoBoost — derived from the 1.0 — delivering 200 horsepower , which, also equipped with a deactivation system for one of the cylinders, makes it possible to announce not only a savings in consumption of around 6% (WLTP cycle), but also emissions that went from the previous 138 to just 114 g/km.
Although spared and less polluting, this does not mean that the Fiesta ST is any less fast. The American SUV presents superior performances compared to the previous Fiesta ST200, as it manages to be two tenths of a second faster (6.5s) in 0 to 100 km/h than this one.
Guilt, also of another novelty, called Launch Control , as well as the option for high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.
Leo Roeks, Director Ford Performance EuropeWe've applied what we've learned from the latest Ford Performance models, including the Focus RS and Ford GT, in developing the new Fiesta ST, a car that sets new standards for driving fun in its segment, thanks also to a throaty three-cylinder that will be able to speak the same language of the big sports
Driving modes are a first
New to the Fiesta range, a system of driving modes with three options — Normal, Sport and Track — to match engine response, steering and stability controls to the chosen type of driving. Without forgetting the other driving assistance systems, including lane maintenance and automatic recognition of traffic signs.
Finally, in the field of connectivity, the well-known Sync 3 infotainment system, in addition to a Bang & Olufsen Play hi-fi sound system.
Ford Fiesta ST with Launch Control, a first in the segment
The new Ford Fiesta ST is scheduled for launch on the European market later this year, and is expected to appear before the summer.