- Hey, this Fiesta looks cool!
This is the performance version of Ford's B-segment hatchback. Although it's still billed as a concept car, it's virtually the real article for showrooms.
Note the racy design cues like the mesh-style grille up front, twin exhaust pipes and the flashy mag wheels. They certainly make the ST look outstanding against the Volkswagen Polo GTi and Peugeot's pending RC based on the 208 (see story above).
The Fiesta ST five-door debuts at the LA auto show this month. The one shown in Frankfurt two months ago was based on the three-door version.
- What's the ST's power like?
As in the three-door: a 1.6-litre petrol-turbo tuned to a high 180hp to stay competitive against the Polo GTi and the Mini Cooper S despite the latter's 4hp power advantage.
- Hey, that suits Thai excise tax!
Certainly, as the engine size and power output is inside the least punitive tax level _ under 2,000cc and not over 220hp. This gives Ford the chance to import the Fiesta ST at some 2 million baht; the Polo GTi costs as much in the Thai grey market.
But here's a downside. Ford is still conservative with high-performance cars and only offers a six-speed manual gearbox in the Fiesta ST.
The Polo GTi comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and the Cooper S six-speed auto.
- Will Ford offer an ST-look for the normal Fiesta?
Probably. Despite its tax-friendly engine, the Fiesta ST is unlikely to be bolted at Ford's factory in Rayong as numbers obviously won't add up.
So Ford Thailand could be offering the ST's looks on the regular five-door Fiesta for local fans needing merely the cosmetic attraction.
The Fiesta ST comes with 180hp 1.6-litre petrol-turbo.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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