Posted 24.02.04
Filed under: Ford

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Ford Fiesta ST gallery: 7 photos >>

Return of the fast Ford Fiesta

A new Ford performance road car is born, the Fiesta ST. Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week, the new Fiesta ST is a hot hatch for drivers looking for distinctive styling and great performance.

• New Fiesta ST marks the return of an exciting performance road car to Ford’s acclaimed small car range.
• Powered by a responsive 150PS, 2.0-litre Duratec ST engine with performance chassis modifications.
• Designed around driving fun, it recaptures the youthful spirit of the original Fiesta XR2i.
• Prices to be announced nearer to launch at the end of 2004.

Fiesta ST will be the first of Ford’s ‘Sports Technologies’ models to carry a new ST badge, without the use of numbers. The generic branding will be adopted by all new ST models introduced from now on.

The spirited new Fiesta ST features a responsive, 150-PS, 2.0-litre Duratec ST engine and performance chassis tuning designed to give small-car drivers something to smile about.

The new Fiesta ST model, previewed at Geneva in bright new Ford ST red, clearly retains its place in the mainstream Fiesta range. Its unique design elements include new front and rear bumpers, new side and rocker mouldings and colour-keyed details such as body colour door handles, rub strips and exterior mirror caps. Bold 17-inch, 11-spoke alloy wheels and low-aspect performance tyres visually communicate its handling capabilities.

Inside, the ergonomically designed Fiesta cabin has been given the ST treatment. Unique new front performance seats embroidered in black leather with bold red cloth centre sections and the distinctive new ST logo will hold driver and passenger comfortably in place during spirited drives. The thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel features a bright steering wheel spoke while metal pedals help to communicate Fiesta ST’s powerful brakes and responsive throttle. Added brightwork on the handbrake and door pull handles also highlights the interior performance look.

Fiesta ST’s unique gear lever meets the driver’s hand with ergonomic ease, emphasising the care with which Ford has positioned key controls for the utmost driving quality.

"More than 34,000 XR2i’s were bought by Britain’s hot hatch fans. The new Fiesta ST puts Ford back into the heartland of small-car performance in a great-to-drive package that’s accessible for driving enthusiasts to own and insure," said Paul Thomas, managing director, Ford of Britain. "The latest generation Fiesta is solid as a rock. It was the ideal basis for a performance derivative," said Thomas.

The Fiesta ST will go on sale in the UK in the winter of 2004. Full specification and pricing details will be announced nearer the time.

Text and photos: Ford Motor Company