Ford Fiesta ST,
will launch in Australia and New Zealand in Q1 2020, with a starting price of
AUD 31,990. A rival to the likes of the
Volkswagen Polo GTI, it’s powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder
making 197 HP and 290 Nm of torque. From rest to 100 km/h, it needs 6.5 seconds and has a 232 km/h top speed.
Drivers will easily be able to get close to the
official numbers, as the ST features Launch Control and a Quaife mechanical
limited-slip differential, as well as traction control, Torque Vectoring
Control and Torque Steer Compensation. The drive mode selector includes three
different settings named Normal, Sport and Track, with the latter making it
feel the liveliest, while also disabling the traction control and setting the
ESC to wide-slip mode for, well, having a bit of fun.
Providing extra peace of mind is the Driver
Assistance Technology package that includes autonomous emergency braking with
pedestrian detection, blind spot information, lane keeping assist, cross
traffic alert, emergency assistance and traffic sign recognition. Dusk-sensing
headlamps with LED DRLs and automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, tire
pressure monitoring system, launch control and switchable drive modes are also
standard.
Compared to regular Fiestas, the ST also boasts a
more aggressive body kit. Changes have been performed inside as well, with
Recaro seats, a special gear knob, flat-bottomed steering wheel and contrast
stitching. The equipment list counts the 8.0-inch SYNC3 infotainment system,
4.2-inch instrumentation cluster, unique digital speedometer display and a
B&O Play premium sound system.
