Ford have fired a warning shot across the bows of hot hatch rivals by pricing their upcoming Fiesta ST at just £16,995 on the road.
Ford Fiesta ST will give rivals a hard time
With a 180bhp and 290Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, the Fiesta ST will have the performance to mix it with the best in class. The three-door ST can hit 62mph in just 6.9 seconds and promises a sharper ride thanks to reworked suspension and steering. There’s also an electronic Torque Vectoring Control system similar to that fitted on the Focus ST.
Compare that price to the competition and you’ll see how aggressive Ford are being. The 178bhp VAG clones start at £17,145 for the Fabia vRS and £19,430 for the Polo GTI, while the upcoming Ibiza Cupra will neatly between the two at £18k. The all-new 208 GTI and Clio RS will have more power (around 200bhp) but are expected to cost upwards of £18k.
That £16,995 price tag gets you a standard ST. It may be the base model but its far from poverty spec as it includes 17-inch wheels, halogen projector headlamps, ST-styled fog lights, Recaro seats, DAB digital radio, and air-con. You can always opt for the £17,995 ST-2 model if you want a few more goodies, including heated part-leather Recaros, Sony DAB radio, keyless start and LED running lights.
Fiesta ST gets Recaro seats as standard
Colour schemes are similar to the Focus with Molten Orange and Spirit Blue on the list. There’s an optional styling pack too that adds red brake calipers and grey alloys.
The order books aren’t yet open for the Fiesta ST but it won’t be long until it’s here.
2013 Ford Fiesta ST Specifications
| Engine: | 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol |
| Power: | 182 PS / 180 bhp |
| Torque: | 290 Nm / 213 lb/ft |
| 0-62 mph: | 6.9 seconds |
| CO2 Emissions: | 138 g/km (Band E) |
| Official Economy: | 47.9 mpg |
| Price (OTR): | £16,995 |
