Fiesta celebrates 40 years in production, most powerful production model ever
The Ford Fiesta ST200 is the latest variant of the hot hatch, Aimee Woods has been driving it at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed
What is it? The Ford Fiesta ST200 is the exclusive new hot hatch on the market boasting almost 200bhp (215bhp including the overboost) making it the most powerful Fiesta available. The ST200 earns its badge sprinting from 0-100km/h of 6.7 seconds.
First Impressions of the Ford Fiesta ST200? The striking new ‘Storm Grey’ colour of the ST200 is the first give away that this is no regular Fiesta ST. It has exceptional styling with 17” machine matt black alloys adding to the sense of sportiness, confidence and cool. In addition, minor enhancements on the normal ST include the large rear spoiler, honeycombe grille and defined diffuser. The subtle racier additions for a confessed petrolhead have to be the red painted callipers and that ST badge.
What about the interior? Opinions could be divided on the interior of the ST200. Inside, it has a simplistic and clean feel which some drivers could find a little basic. The idea is closely linked to a saloon racing car with the Charcoal Recaro bucket seats and conventional electronics. This must be considered within the context of the car which is built for speed – not providing a back massage. The carbon fibre dashboard inserts, metal pedals and ST badge are welcome features that set the scene for driving like hell. All in all, it’s both comfortable and trendy.
An enhanced interior specification includes unique partial leather Charcoal Recaro front seats that are further distinguished with contrasting silver stitching,
On the road?The ST200 reaches new levels of speed from the 1.6l EcoBoost engine with 10% more power and a 20% increase in torque to 290Nm. This translates into an outstanding drive with an exceptional acceleration output from any gear. The result of the final drive 4.06 ratio, shortened from 3.82 sees that from 50-100 km/h takes 5.2 seconds in fourth gear. Top speed is an impressive 230 km/h. The addition of the overboost feature furthers the ST200 to an additional 15bhp and 30Nm.
Understandably, the majority of high performance vehicles compromise comfort for speed and this is where the Fiesta ST200 steals the show. Whether changing up a gear or downshifting, it is outstandingly smooth. With a sharpened steering ratio, it is reassuringly responsive even in wet conditions which resonates with the MINI JCW but feels more controlled. Other driving dynamics include a rear twist beam (27% more roll stiffness) a front anti-roll bar which has been increased to 21mm and improved dampers to increase comfort on the road.
With a 3-mode Electronic Stability Control, it is suitable for a driver of any standard. This can be disabled if you fancy a little car control challenge which I found particularly amusing. Optimised braking also means safety is never compromised even at speed. It sits 15mm closer to the ground which also assists with minimising impact from bumpy road surfaces.
The Ford Fiesta ST200 provides a truly stunning drive and has not disappointed me in any way, shape or form. It does exactly what it promises and competitors will seriously struggle to rival the driving technology and plain likeability of the Ford Fiesta ST200
How much? Prices have yet to be confirmed in the Irish market. It will of course be more expensive than the current ST and a limited number will be available.
3 words to describe the Ford Fiesta ST200? Addictive, confident and sharp.
For more information on the new Ford Fiesta ST200 check out Ford.ie, the Ford Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Aimee Woods
8th July, 2016
