GENEVA 2012: 2013 FORD FIESTA ST BREAKS OFF!

Ford has unveiled the most powerful Fiesta it has ever created, the Fiesta ST, at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show. The car begins production later this year and will launch in Europe and South Africa in early 2013. Which cars are blocking its way? The Opel Corsa OPC, Volkswagen GTI and upcoming Peugeot 208 GTI of course.

At the heart of the Fiesta ST is a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine which is a petrol and turbo unit. While the previous-generation model used a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with 110kW, the new smaller motor makes a more heady 132kW and a torque boost of 240Nm using a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is claimed the car will accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in under 7 seconds and top off at 220km/h.

Helping to improve the car’s handling dynamics is the Torque Vectoring Control system that’s been tested at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. Inside the car features things like Recaro sports seats and SYNC, which is Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system, multi-functional steering wheel, and an LCD colour screen among others.

“We believe Ford customers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date,” said Jost Capito, Ford's director of Global Performance Vehicles.