Next-Gen Ford Fiesta ST Debuts 200 PS, 3 Cylinder, 1.5-litre EcoBoost Engine and Drive Modes for Ultimate Fun-to-Drive

[Fiesta ST News]

• Ford Performance reveals next generation Ford Fiesta ST powered by an all-new 200 PS, three-cylinder, 1.5?litre EcoBoost engine ahead of appearance at the Geneva Motor Show
• First three-cylinder Ford Performance model also features Drive Modes that adjust engine, steering, stability controls and even exhaust sound for optimised driving fun in any scenario
• Electronic Sound Enhancement and active exhaust valve amplify sporty sound of three-cylinder engine that also features cylinder deactivation for further reduced CO2*
• Enhanced range of personalisation options and technology includes new styling packs, SYNC 3 connectivity with 8-inch touchscreen and B&O Play high-end audio

Ford Performance today revealed the next generation Ford Fiesta ST, powered by an all-new three-cylinder, 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine.

Shown for the first time ahead of its global public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the next generation Fiesta ST will deliver 200 PS, 290 Nm of torque, and anticipated 0-100 km/h (0?62 mph) acceleration in 6.7 seconds.

The third generation of Fiesta ST will be the first Ford Performance model ever powered by a three-cylinder engine, and will be the first Fiesta ST to feature selectable Drive Modes ? enabling engine, steering and stability controls to be configured to Normal, Sport and Track settings for an optimised fun-to-drive experience in conditions from motorways to track days.

Drive Modes will also adjust Fiesta ST's Electronic Sound Enhancement (ESE) technology and active exhaust noise control valve to deliver an even more satisfying driving experience. The technologies amplify the naturally sporty sound of the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine that also features Ford's industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine, for further reduced CO2 emissions of an anticipated 114 g/km.*

Available from launch in early 2018 in both three-door and five-door bodystyles, the next generation Fiesta ST will be offered with a greater variety of interior trim and personalisation options than ever before, with bold and distinctive exterior styling that includes a unique race-car-inspired mesh grille and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.

"Our next generation Fiesta ST is true to the philosophy of delivering cutting-edge technology to enhance every facet of the responsive Ford Performance chassis and powertrain," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. "With selectable Drive Modes and an all-new EcoBoost engine delivering an unprecedented combination of performance and fuel efficiency, the new model will deliver the most versatile, fun, engaging and rewarding Fiesta ST driving experience yet."

All-new 1-5-litre EcoBoost engine
Part of Ford's EcoBoost range of petrol engines that also includes the multi-award-winning 1.0?litre EcoBoost, the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine uses technology including turbocharging, high-pressure fuel injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to deliver optimised performance and fuel efficiency.

The engine's three-cylinder architecture delivers naturally high torque at low rpm. Performance is further boosted by a new turbocharger that uses an optimised turbine design to build boost pressure faster and minimise lag for a more responsive and fun driving experience.

A new combination of port fuel injection and direct fuel injection technology helps deliver high power and responsiveness alongside reduced CO2 emissions,* with a particular increase in fuel efficiency under light engine loads.

Ford's new cylinder deactivation technology ? first announced for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and a world first for a three-cylinder engine ? will further improve fuel efficiency for Fiesta ST customers without affecting performance by automatically stopping fuel delivery and valve operation for one of the engine's cylinders in conditions where full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine. The technology can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds ? 20 times faster than the blink of an eye ? to seamlessly deliver full performance on demand.

The all-aluminium engine also features an integrated exhaust manifold that improves efficiency by helping the engine reach optimal temperatures faster, and delivers torque more rapidly by minimising the distance exhaust gasses travel between cylinders and turbocharger. Gas particulate filter technology that reduces soot emissions will also feature.

New Drive Modes
Selectable Drive Modes add even more versatility for the next generation Fiesta ST, enabling drivers to optimise the driving experience to suit scenarios from school run to the race track:

• In Normal mode, engine mapping, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), ESE, exhaust sound and electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) are configured to deliver natural responsiveness and a connected feel
• In Sport mode, engine mapping and throttle pedal response are sharpened, and EPAS settings adjusted to deliver more feedback and finer control for fast road driving. The active noise control valve opens and ESE is adjusted to intensify the sporty exhaust note and engine noise within the cabin
• In Track mode, all vehicle dynamics features are tuned for the fastest possible lap times, traction control is disabled and ESC interventions are set to wide-slip mode for hard circuit driving

The agile and responsive Ford Performance-tuned chassis will be supported by enhanced Torque Vectoring Control technology that improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering. Three-mode ESC will enable drivers to choose between full system intervention; wide-slip mode with limited intervention; and full system de-activation.

Greater personalisation
The next generation Fiesta ST will offer more personalisation options than ever before. Customers will be able to choose from a range of trim elements for the gear lever, steering wheel, door pulls and decorative dashboard spear, and select from distinctive styling packs.

The ergonomic Fiesta ST interior will feature supportive Recaro seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Exterior colour options will include new Liquid Blue and the Fiesta ST will feature exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.

"Our ST models are designed to make a Ford Performance driving experience accessible to customers regardless of lifestyle," said Matthias Tonn, Fiesta ST chief programme engineer. "With three- and five-door bodystyles and distinctive styling options that complement the model's performance characteristics available from day-one, the next generation Fiesta ST will deliver a broader appeal for an even wider range of car-buyers."

Ford's SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system will enable Fiesta ST drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?, SYNC 3 is supported by floating, tablet-inspired touchscreens up to 8-inches that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures.

The next generation Fiesta ST also will be offered with a high quality B&O PLAY Sound System for a high-end audio experience ? among features Ford first announced last year for the next generation Fiesta.

[video=youtube;0IYpXMpXoj0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IYpXMpXoj0[/video]

 

[Turbo65]

Love the new color and the interior looks like a huge improvement, I will definitely take a look

 

[TrickSTer]

I still think it's extremely "Kia"-like.
The diffuser looks really wimpy.
I like the interior, including the shift boot; maybe you will be able to option the stitching on the dash!
The B&O sound system sounds like it will be significantly higher end than our "Sony-branded" one.
Obviously, there's a lot more to the Driving Mode Selection than our button; sounds intriguing!

It's starting to grow on me.

I'm sure the automotive journalists' world is screaming for the first side-by-side comparo.

 

[MKVIIST]

The pano-roof is massive, interior is way better than what we have now.

 

[DANger_zone]

I wondering how far the tuner community will be able to push the 1.5L 3CYL,

 

[Plainrt]

Should say in article not available in the us of a.......

 

[me32]

Doesnt look bad

 

[A2FiST]

Looks fine to me, not feeling the Liquid Blue on a Fiesta, I think it will blend in well with neutral colors. which is what I prefer when I'm whipping in and out of traffic.

All the 3 cyl hate in the other thread, it has a better HP and TQ and it's going to be lighter hopefully and also improve MPGs.

Kind of remind me of the Raptor forum where everyone was like V6 twin Turbo bad give me my mighty gas guzzling V8 ughhhhh *grunt* chest thump...

Relax I'm sure 99% of people driving if they didn't know which engine it was would have absolutely no clue.

 

[M-Sport fan]

NOT 'feeling' those wheels, especially not in 18s, but, they finally are willing and able to put Pilot Super Sports on these cars right from the factory.
IF it eventually comes here in an available 3 door, I would have to consider it down the line.

I like that the effective steering ratio is enhanced/sharpened in the higher two driving modes.

As seamless as they claim the cylinder deactivation's operation to be in that article, I REALLY would want to be able to disable it COMPLETELY if desired.
And yes, the now electronically piped in (same as the 'Stangs??) sound symPOSER is a BIG NEGATIVE, especially if it cannot be disabled.

The BT people are NOT going to like the integrated exhaust manifold (like the current FoST's??), which will probably limit the size and effectiveness of any turbo kits above hybrid sized for that 3 cylinder (and also require manifold turbo end porting be done on the car, unless one wants to pull the WHOLE head off just to port that end).

But then again, just how humongous a turbo would even 'work' on that much lower exhaust volume engine??

Like many have said, (except for suspension/wheels/tires, and some other minor mods), this seems like the kind of car which one buys and leaves the power train AS IS from the factory.

 

[DangerMouse]

3 cylinder should sound amazing with an aftermarket exhaust.

 

[Initial_Will]

Still not a fan. Could grow on me though, who knows. It's just...too generic looking for me. I really like the looks of the current one. There's a few improvements...minus those wheels..gross....but I may just have to drive one when they bring it to the states just to compare. Our performance abilities will be better by a long shot for turbocharger and power available. However, I'm still keeping mine. A good point was made earlier, this would be a good to buy and leave unchanged.

 

[richtor]

Do we have a weight yet?
Under 2700lbs perhaps?

 

[M-Sport fan]

Do we have a weight yet?
Under 2700lbs perhaps?

With the proper gearing, < 2500 lbs. would make it a rocketship right off of the showroom floor!

 

[Plainrt]

We all know that's not gonna happen.

 

[Goingnowherefast]

We all know that's not gonna happen.

Yeah no way in hell it's dropping 200 pounds on the same platform. Isn't there 0-60 claims of 6.7 seconds? Bet it's maybe a ~30-50 pounds lighter for 4 dr vs. 4 dr.

 

[Saltynuts]

Quick questions. Do we know either of these for a fact - will the U.S. model have the 3-cylinder instead of a carry-over 4-cylinder? Will the 2 (well, 3) door model be coming to the U.S.? Thanks!

 

[srirachapenguin]

Should be interesting to keep an eye on. I'm surprised they dropped a cylinder, reduced by 0.1L, and managed to keep close to the same power/speed figures. The drive modes should be interesting. Seems like a pretty good progression into the next generation. I'm sure they'll eventually work their way to the states with Ford's whole "world car" stance now, i.e. make the same car all over the world.

 

[me32]

Quick questions. Do we know either of these for a fact - will the U.S. model have the 3-cylinder instead of a carry-over 4-cylinder? Will the 2 (well, 3) door model be coming to the U.S.? Thanks!

Thats some great questions i would like to know too

 

[cctman]

Thanks Ford for completely destroying the FIST platform and going backwards. Instead of offering a larger displacement and going with AWD you completely neutered this car and removed a cylinder, less displacement and now there is no way we can hit big numbers 300hp+. Who's the idiot at Ford who said this would be a good idea. We already have a Fiesta vanilla, why emasculate the FIST even more.

 

[A7xogg]

Im glad im not the only one who doesnt like this "new" fiesta. As of right now i dont like one thing about it. mabye that will change in time or if i see it in person