Since Henry Ford built and sold the company’s first car in 1903, the humble machine has become far more than simply a way of getting from point A to B. For many, it has evolved into a way of life, an expression of thrill-seeking, adrenaline-pumping fun. For these people, the Fiesta ST – Ford’s newest contribution to the world of hot hatches – is just the ticket. Soon to arrive in Malaysian showrooms, it is a gutsy, compact performance car that boasts both responsiveness and raw power. Here are five reasons why you need to test drive the new Fiesta ST.
#1: Globally Acclaimed Awards and Recognition
Backed by 22 globally acclaimed awards, the new Fiesta ST is the most awarded performance compact car Ford has ever made. Among its accolades are being named BBC TopGear Magazine Car of the Year (UK), Echappement magazine Sports Car of the Year (France), and most recently a 2014 Automobile Magazine All-Star (US).
#2: Race Car Design
With an aggressive and sporty design, the new Fiesta ST features a unique grille and chin spoiler with a new rear diffuser and fascia extensions. Dual chrome-tipped exhausts, a high-mount spoiler, and unique 17-inch wheels complete the visual package.
Inside, the telescopic steering wheel sets the driver in a position that is similar to most race cars, while a sound symposer feeds the throaty engine noise directly into the cabin, offering a great soundtrack while accentuating feedback quality and response. Pushing the sports alloy pedal flat to the floor, ST drivers will experience a surge of torque that pushes them back into the Recaro seat.
#3: Epic Flat Cornering
The new Fiesta ST offers race-like handling in a compact performance car. The rear axle gets increased roll stiffness to improve stability through fast and narrow corners, while the body sits 15 millimetres 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 – drivers are able to select the amount of electronic aid to suit their desires, whatever the road conditions.
All these value added features give ST drivers epic flat cornering – be it on the race track or on a winding road.
#4: Direct and Responsive Steering
The steering in the new Fiesta ST is more direct and responsive than the base Fiesta, while a unique suspension system with modified front knuckle makes for a quicker overall steering ratio of 13:6:1. The high performance rear disc brakes available in the new Fiesta ST helps drivers stay in control of the car at all times.
The six-speed manual transmission provides an easy and clean shift action that allows any driver to express their true pledge to performance driving.
Simply put, the new Fiesta ST provides a peerless smooth steering and responsive handling with every turn.
#5: Unmatched Performance
The new Fiesta ST gives the performance and feel of an engine twice its size. Equipped with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, it delivers 182 PS and 240 Nm of torque that can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. It also comes with an ‘overboost’ turbo function – similar to the one available in Ford Focus ST – enabling it to throttle up to a maximum torque of 290 Nm on the race track and a top speed of 220km/h. The new Fiesta ST is guaranteed to bring out the racing DNA as soon as the driver gets behind the wheel.
The new Fiesta ST is now available at RM149,888.
For more information, please visit www.ford.com.my.
