News: Ford is hot-hatching away with the ST

The beloved Fiesta adds another member to the nameplate. Jerrica Leong says roll-in the ST!

The ST is here, after much teasing and adverts. We were close to screaming our protest to just let us have the car already! But here it is, the grand Fiesta ST that we can’t wait to get our hands on after we’ve tried and tested the EcoBoost.

Fiesta’s ST model was developed with Ford’s core DNA attributes for global performance cars. It is further refined for an aggressive and sporty look, with features such as a unique honeycomb grille and chin spoiler with rear diffuser and fascia extensions. Yes, that is known as a chin spoiler, apt name yes?

It’s powerful, no doubt about that, they are calling it the hot hatch contender from Ford. The Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, delivering 180bhp and 240Nm of torque, a top speed of 220kph and achieving 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds. While the 1.6-litre 1-4 EcoBoost engines with the belt-driven dual camshafts offer us extreme durability.

The interior is fitted out with Ford SYNC that is found in all their latest models though the ST is fitted with one extra feature known as the sound symposer which accentuates sound quality. This module is connected to the charge air inlet duct which separates high and low pressure sides allowing the symposer to transmit engine noise directly into the cabin.

The ST weighs less than 1200kg to work with the precision-tuned and driver-focused powertrain to provide the driver with an exhilarating driving experience. The rear axle gets increased roll stiffness to improve stability through fast and narrow corners, while the body sits 15mm closer to the ground than other Fiesta variants.

It has increased mechanical grip provided by suspension improvements and is enhanced with electronic Torque Vectoring Control to reduce understeer, rotating well during hard cornering manoeuvres.

With three levels of electronic stability control (ESC) to choose from – Off, Standard, Sport, the Standard mode is suited for street driving; Sport mode for higher slip threshold for a sporty drive; or simply turned off for race track driving, giving the driver full control of the vehicle.

Of course being a Ford the usual safety ABCs including the seven airbags that comes with the EcoBoost. For increased safety, more than 50 percent of the ST’s body structure is made from ultra-high-strength steel, helping to protect critical occupant safety zones. The side doors are also fitted with intrusion beams to further decrease chances of injuries upon impact.

This new addition to the Fiesta nameplate is one that everybody has been waiting for. The hot-hatch ST retails for RM149,888 on the road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia and RM154,688 in East Malaysia, the Fiesta ST is available in three exclusive colours – Molten Orange, Panther Black and Spirit Blue and comes with Ford’s Extended Service Plan.