2013 Ford Fiesta ST!

[SVTSHC]

I don't know about everyone else but I've always had a soft spot in my heart for hatchbacks, and with the fiesta getting as much hype as it has for being a small lightweight economical hatch, it doesn't surprise me Ford decided to give the "go ahead" on the Fiesa ST. As it stands Ford already offers a kit to turn the current fiesta into an AWD turbo rally car.

When we first saw the Ford Fiesta ST as a concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and later in five-door form at the L.A. show, it seemed like a no-brainer that the small, go-fast hatch would be built. Not surprisingly, Ford has made it official with the reveal of the production-spec version of the 2013 Ford Fiesta ST debuting at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in advance of its in European showroom launch early next year.

As was the case in the Fiesta ST concept, the motivating force comes from an EcoBoost turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine, with 178 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque directed to the front wheels by way of a six-speed manual transmission. Ford says the Fiesta ST will hit 62 mph in less than seven seconds, with a top speed north of 136 mph. To help keep up with the power increase, the Fiesta ST also scores unique suspension tuning that is 0.6-in. lower than a regular Fiesta, Torque Vectoring Control, and a three-mode stability control system.

The Fiesta ST's mechanical upgrades are matched by a new body kit with a trapezoidal mesh grille, roof spoiler, new side skirts, lower front and rear fasicas, and twin exhaust tips. Recaro seats with contrasting inserts that match the bodywork, metal sport pedals, and Sync voice recognition are all standard. The car looks like a scaled-down version of the Focus ST -- a move we're sure was deliberate.

Based on what Ford has told us so far, we have high hopes for the Fiesta ST's performance character. Ford director of Global Performance Vehicles Jost Capito claims drivers "will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST." An engineer with Ford's Special Vehicle Team previously told us that the new car is "designed to reward excellent drivers, and flatter novices." The car was tested and developed at the Nurburgring in Germany.

One big question remains: Will the Ford Fiesta ST be sold in the U.S.? The version shown here is a two-door model that likely won't arrive on our shores because the American market only gets four-door Fiestas at present. But Ford received strong response to the four-door Fiesta ST concept at the L.A. show last fall and "remains open to the idea" of selling the Fiesta ST in America. That sounds like tacit confirmation to us that the hot hatch is destined for American market in four-door form sometime after the two-door launches in Europe next year.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...#ixzz1oLdsQl7b

[Ryephile]

Seems like a good domestic-brand competitor to a MINI Cooper S, but...

...remains open to the idea...

aka "we'll consider bringing the next gen here if you bitch and moan and kiss our feet enough". Another classic case of the USA getting The Shaft on interesting cars.

[yayforaddison]

I was reading this article this morning actually. I love what they did to the Fiesta. I just don't understand how Ford, an American made car, doesn't have some of their models here in America... Debating on bringing this here to the states is depressing. I'm not really a Ford person honestly, but this and the new Focus are pulling me in

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

Seems like a good domestic-brand competitor to a MINI Cooper S, but...



aka "we'll consider bringing the next gen here if you bitch and moan and kiss our feet enough". Another classic case of the USA getting The Shaft on interesting cars.

Yeah that's always annoyed me; the JDM market typically gets exclusive JDM cars and Europe always gets nice things... I do hate the USDM =/. What's even more annoying is they said they'd consider bringing the 5 door variant over :[, I want the 3 door variant over here. If they did I'd def keep the FRS as a track car and grab this thing as my DD

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by yayforaddison

I was reading this article this morning actually. I love what they did to the Fiesta. I just don't understand how Ford, an American made car, doesn't have some of their models here in America... Debating on bringing this here to the states is depressing. I'm not really a Ford person honestly, but this and the new Focus are pulling me in

There are significant differences between Ford here and Ford UK and Ford Germany. At least in the past they were basically independently operated but still the same company. This is why they always were way more successful than GM overseas.

[Capt Canuck]

That will be a cracking car. If it drives like the standard, but with a stronger engine and 'sportified' with the seats, suspension, etc... it would make for a great small hatch alternative to the... um, erm, well... forgot where I live now ;-)
Yes we get screwed in North America compared to all the warm/hot hatches available in Europe :-(

[maxeveland]

i actually like the exterior and interior of that car; sure do wish it came to the US

[maxeveland]

i dont know why ford wouldnt bring its awesome cars to its own country

[ZetaVI]

I'd love this car to come overseas. Something I can appreciate that most likely I wouldn't want to own myself.

[Draco-REX]

I always see cars like this and think: "Cool! If only it weren't FWD."

But now there is the BRZ.

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

I always see cars like this and think: "Cool! If only it weren't FWD."

But now there is the BRZ.

Ford's got enough torque vectoring systems in place to make the whole "It's FWD" thing not as big of an issue. Also it makes adding power a bit easier without living in fear of the torque steer monster... to a certain point :P

[DIG1992]

To bad we don't get the three door ver it def looks smooth

[tranzformer]

Wonder how this will compare to the Hyundai Veloster Trubo? I assume the Veloster is a bit larger?

[Snoopyalien24]

Every time I hear about this car, I think it comes with Maracas and coupons for Taco Bell inside a Mariachi hat