Ford is introducing a sharper, more driver-focused version of the Fiesta ST hot hatch, called the ST Edition.
Adjustable suspension
Now, if you're thinking that the Fiesta ST was already quite sharp and driver-focused enough as it was, you'd be right. Nonetheless, Ford knows exactly what words to say to tickle the fancies of car enthusiasts, and those words are; 'Adjustable Suspension.'
The ST Edition's new suspension is 15mm lower at the front than that of the standard model, and 10mm lower at the rear. The standard shocks are replaced with twin-tube stainless steel damper housings and powder-coated springs finished in Ford Performance Blue. Each damper has 12 adjustable 'bump' settings (which control how quickly it springs upwards when you hit a bump) and 16 'rebound' settings (which control how fast it springs back again afterwards). This is going to lead to a LOT Of Sunday afternoons spent under the car, spanner in hand...
That's not all, though. The ST Edition also comes with new alloy wheels, 18-inch items with ten spokes, which are 2kg each lighter than those of the standard Fiesta ST. That lower weight means less stress and load on the suspension.
Limited slip differential
There's also a Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential, which works with Ford's electronic Torque Vectoring Control to help the Fiesta ST Edition find more grip and traction at the front, and to reduce understeer. As usual, you can pick from Normal, Sport and Track Selectable Drive Modes, with Sport mode now able to be activated directly from a dedicated button on the steering wheel. Launch Control is also available, and a switchable three-mode electronic stability control system is standard.
Not enough? Well, there's new steering, too, with a re-mapped electric assistance system, and a high-performance braking system with 278mm vented front and 253mm solid rear discs.
The 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is unchanged, with 200hp and 290Nm of torque, propelling the Fiesta ST Edition to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds, and with a maximum speed of 230km/h. CO2 emissions are 149g/km on the WLTP test, with fuel economy of 6.6 litres per 100km.
Unique paint work
You'll recognise the ST Edition, thanks mostly to the 'aaaargh-my-eyes' Azura Blue paint job, which was previously only available as a special order from Ford's SVO Special Vehicles Operations. There's a High Gloss Black finish for the upper grille, fog light surrounds and distinctive rear diffuser, as well as the roof, rear spoiler, alloy wheels and door mirrors - which incorporate puddle lamps that project the ST logo onto the ground when unlocking. Then there's matte black for the lower grille and turbocharger air charge cooler grille.
Inside, you get carbon fibre-effect finish on the instrument cluster surround and dashboard decorative elements, including the air vent surrounds. The air vent apertures and a unique red illuminated starter button are finished with chrome-effect rings. The Fiesta ST Edition's signature flat-bottomed steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake are finished in leather and feature distinctive blue stitching, as do the door trims, ST-branded floor mats, seatbelts and ST-branded Recaro heated sports seats with adjustable lumbar support.
"Our new Fiesta ST Edition squeezes even more excitement out of the best-handling compact hot-hatch on the road," said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager for Europe. "The Edition model puts drivers firmly in control with the ability to manually adjust the feel of their car and fine-tune the handling to suit their personal preference."