The Feisty Ford Fiesta ST200
In a last minute pre-Geneva announcement, Ford has announced its new range topper of the Ford Fiesta family: the Fiesta ST200. Boasting faster steering, better brakes and a mild power increase, the Ford Fiesta ST200 has all the hallmarks of being a true hot hatch.
Power Just Shy Of 200bhp
The big difference between the regular Ford Fiesta ST and this ST200 model is the engine. Whereas the original car came with a 182bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the ST200 has an extra 15bhp to play with – pushing total output up to 197bhp.
An increase in power also comes hand-in-hand with a higher torque output. Fiesta ST200 owners will have 214lb/ft of the stuff at their disposal, in contrast with the standard Fiesta ST’s 180lb/ft output.
When combined with the shortened final drive ratio in the 6-speed manual gearbox, this all adds up to the ST200 being the fastest ever stock Ford Fiesta. 0-62mph takes 6.9 seconds (roughly on par with what rivals like the Peugeot 208 GTi and Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy can manage), and top speed is claimed to be 143mph; 4mph faster than the standard Fiesta ST, in spite of it having a longer final drive ratio.
Even Sharper Steering
Other tweaks to the Ford Fiesta ST200 include a sharper steering ratio and subtly revised suspension geometry, which should make the ST200 even more responsive and engaging to drive than the already agile standard Fiesta ST. Braking is also said to be improved upon, thanks to a larger brake master system and the addition of rear disc brakes (the latter being a first for a Ford Fiesta hot hatch).
Other extra features on the ST200, however, are mostly cosmetic: the red-painted brake calipers, machined 17-inch alloy wheels and Storm Grey paintwork are all exclusive to this ST200 model, and don’t really do anything for us here at Motor Verso. The part-leather Recaro bucket seats do look rather fetching, though.
Coming To Customers This Summer
Ford has yet to announce official prices for the Ford Fiesta ST200, though do expect to pay a slight premium over the £19,250 price Ford charges for the current Fiesta ST in the gadget-laden ‘ST3’ guise.
How much the ST200 will retail for should be disclosed soon, however. Ford has announced the ST200 will effectively replace the 182bhp model, and production of the ST200 will officially commence in June 2016. Those who get their order in early enough should get the keys to their Fiesta ST200 sometime in the summer later this year.
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Hi
My 2015 fiesta ST is now running 240 bhp at the wheels so 270 give or take at the fly wheel