It’s not quite a Ford Fiesta RS, but the Ford Fiesta ST200 will stir up trouble in the hot hatch segment.
Rumors that the American automaker was working on a Fiesta RS variant were debunked by Ford itself, but at least now the ST200 model has been confirmed. There’s a modest increase in performance to 197 horsepower from the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine while torque has gone up 20 per cent to 214 pound-feet. That means with the car’s overboost function, the Ford Fiesta ST200 is capable of having 212 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque for short 15-second bursts.
If these numbers sound familiar, it’s because it’s pretty much the same as the Ford Fiesta ST equipped with the factory-available Mountune kit. The Fiesta ST200 however does get a shortened final drive ratio that is intended to enhance “in-gear acceleration for improved drivability and an even more fun to drive experience.”
According to Ford, zero-to-62 mph comes in 6.7 seconds, marking a 0.2-second improvement over the standard Fiesta ST. It will have a top speed of 143 mph.
To help distinguish itself from a standard Fiesta ST, the ST200 model will come in a unique Storm Grey finish with matte black 17-inch wheels and red brake calipers. Inside there are part-leather Recaro sport seats, illuminated door sills and seatbelts with silver detailing.
Production of the Ford Fiesta ST200 will commence this June ahead of deliveries starting in the summer.
After revealing the new Fiesta ST200, it now looks like the company is preparing a hotter version of the Focus ST.
New spy photos have emerged showing Ford testing a modified Focus ST on roads close to the Nurburgring. The current Focus ST makes 250 horsepower, while the top-dog Focus RS model makes 350, leaving a large gap where a hotter ST model would fit in.
Aerodynamics look improved on the car thanks to a new front spoiler and some added canards used on the front bumper. Some changes to the suspension are also a given, trying to refine the car further and help it to handle corners. Some new graphics and wheels would round out the package.
The car will likely end up making around 270 or 280 hp, which may lead Ford to name it the Focus ST270 or ST280.
