Autoblog

Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

We at Autoblog love the new little Ford Fiesta ST, and apparently, folks in Europe are pretty impressed with it, as well. According to Ford, the automaker's European arm has already logged 3,000 orders for the new hot hatch since it hit dealerships this March. The US-spec car, which will only be available as a five-door, will go on sale in the United States this summer.

What's perhaps most interesting about the Fiesta ST ordering is that the majority of customers appear to be ordering high-spec cars. According to Ford data, 60 percent of customers have opted for the leather interior with Recaro buckets, and 90 percent have selected the upgraded 17-inch wheels (seen on our test car, above). Spirit Blue has been the most popular color, commanding 27 percent of all orders. As for the technology upgrades, 19 percent of customers have ponied up for the Sony stereo with navigation.

To recap, the Fiesta ST is offered with Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, putting out 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. We had an absolute blast flinging the hot Fiesta through the French Alps, and we can't wait for this sharp little hatch to make its way over to the States.

Ford has already announced US pricing for the Fiesta ST, which starts at $22,195 (including $795 for destination). Load one up with Recaros, navigation, a sunroof and more, and you'll just crest the $26,500 mark.

Scroll down for Ford's full release about European orders.

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Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Ford Fiesta ST

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, First Drives

Concentrated ST Formula Proves Just As Potent

I'm not the jealous type... usually. But I will fully admit to being somewhat of a Pouty Polly when I read executive editor Chris Paukert's report after driving the then-new 2013 Ford Focus ST through the impossibly pretty southern French Alps region last June. I feel like a broken record saying this yet again, but hot hatchbacks hold a special place in my heart. And while I'm always giddy to drive any sort of small, turbocharged three- or five-door at home in Detroit, my jealousy was indeed piqued after hearing Paukert tell about the challenging yet breathtaking roads he encountered while driving the flamin' yellow Focus. You know, the sort of roads that, from above, look like carelessly drizzled lines of icing on the frosted Alpen caps.

Several months later, I found myself piloting a Focus ST just west of metro Detroit, pitting it head-to-head against one of Autoblog's perennial favorite cars, the Volkswagen GTI. It was fantastic - enough so that I fully stand behind my statement that in terms of balls-out performance, the Focus ST cannot be beat as far as today's front-wheel-drive hatches are concerned.

But I can't be jealous of Paukert any longer. I've just returned from driving the new Ford Fiesta ST - in European-spec three-door guise - along many of those same roads in southern France. And while I really do love the larger Focus ST, my experience in the Fiesta has led me to believe that I, perhaps, had the better time.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Fiesta ST

2014 Ford Fiesta ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta ST gets worked out on the track

Steven J. Ewing — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:08:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Ford

We're big fans of the turbocharged Ford Focus ST, and we're plenty excited that the Blue Oval will be offering a similar treatment on the smaller Fiesta here in the United States, too. We first saw the production-ready Fiesta ST five-door at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall, and Ford has now released this video of a Euro-spec three-door ST being flung around the track.

But not just any track - the challenging Track 7 of Ford's Lommel Proving Grounds in Belgium. The course features 20 turns and plenty of elevation changes along its 2.7-mile loop, and David Put, a vehicle dynamic specialist at Ford, shows just how good the pint-sized Fiesta ST is at handling the lot, even getting the smallest ST up on three wheels every now and then.

It sure does look like a lot of fun, and makes us really eager for our chance to try this ourselves. Scroll down to see the hot little Ford getting busy.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST gets worked out on the track

Ford Fiesta ST gets worked out on the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Ford Fiesta ST priced from $21,400* [w/poll]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

The 2014 model year brings a whole host of changes to Ford's Fiesta B-Segment fighter, the most important of which (to our enthusiast eyes, anyway) is the addition of a potent new ST model. The US-spec hot hatch was first shown at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show last November, and thanks to Ford's build-and-price site, we've now learned that the Fiesta ST will slide in at $21,400 when it goes on sale later this year (*not including $795 for destination).

Under the hood of the ST is a turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four good for 197 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque, mated solely to a six-speed manual transmission. Ford hasn't released performance data on its pint-sized puncher just yet, but know that these numbers make the Fiesta ST ever-so-slightly more powerful than the larger Volkswagen GTI while returning an estimated 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

Elsewhere in the lineup, the standard Fiesta also gets a smattering of improvements for the 2014 model year, including a new 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine and revised exterior styling. Pricing for the 2014 Fiesta sedan starts at $14,000, with the five-door model adding $600 to that number (again excluding the $795 destination fee).

We've played around with the online configurator, and a fully loaded Fiesta ST comes in right below the $27,000 mark. Of course, this price includes niceties like partial-leather Recaro seats ($1,995), a HD audio system with MyFord Touch infotainment and navigation ($795), upgraded 17-inch dark alloy wheels ($795) and a power moonroof ($795). Molten Orange and Green Envy paint schemes will set you back an additional $595, as well.

Here's where things get tricky, though: Option out a larger Focus ST with similar levels of equipment and you're spending $29,825, all-in. Even at the base end of the spectrum, the larger Focus only represents a $2,300 price premium over the Fiesta ST, and in addition to quite a bit more space, the bigger hatch also offers a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four with 252 horses and 270 lb-ft.

Decisions, decisions. If the Fiesta ST is anything like its bigger brother, we have no doubt it'll be a hoot on the road. In light of their prices, let us know which one you'd have by casting a vote in our poll below, then feel free to drop us a line in Comments.

View Poll

2014 Ford Fiesta ST priced from $21,400* [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta ST GRC Racecar is hungry for podiums in 2013

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

As we reported earlier, the Chicago showing of this plucky Ford Fiesta ST GRC racer points to bigger and brighter days for Global RallyCross. For the upcoming season, you can expect to see Ken Block and Tanner Foust both driving the Ford racecar, and if last season's results are any indication, you can anticipate quite a few podium appearances, as well.

The Fiesta seen here was built by the Swedes at OlsbergsMSE, and will be driven in anger by Foust in 2013. Modifications are, as you'd expect, extensive, and include an engine, exhaust and braking upgrades, a racing style short-throw shifter and a limited-slip differential. As you can see, the car has been fully stripped out and caged for maximum speed and safety, too.

Refresh your memories with the details of the car, in the press releases below. And if you head out to the Chicago Auto Show this year, don't forget to drop by the Ford stand to have a look.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST GRC Racecar is hungry for podiums in 2013

Ford Fiesta ST GRC Racecar is hungry for podiums in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST doesn't go on sale until this summer, but fans of Global RallyCross will be able to catch the car in action before then. Announced ahead of the Chicago Auto Show, the Fiesta ST will be the car run by Ford GRC teams this season, and the model on display in Chicago will be the racecar built by Swedish tuner OlsbergsMSE driven by Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. Ken Block and his newly renamed Hoonigan Racing Division will also be competing in the Fiesta ST.

The 2013 GRC season has not been announced yet, but the venues will also include the summer X Games events in Brazil, Spain, Germany and, of course, Los Angeles. Ford announced that it will be the sole automotive sponsor of this year's summer X Games, and it will be looking to bring home a gold medal this year after Block placed silver last year.

In other Ken Block- and Ford-related news, another Chicago debut will be a tuned Focus ST called the TrackSTer project. Built in cooperation with Block, Ford and automotive tuner fifteen52, the TrackSTer will get plenty of styling, performance and handling upgrades. Some of the add-ons include a performance exhaust and short-throw shifter from Ford Racing, a rebuilt engine, upgraded components such as the limited-slip differential, intercooler, engine controller and clutch as well as upgraded brakes.

Scroll down for press releases on both the GRC Fiesta ST and the TrackSTer project.

Continue reading Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross

Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Ford Fiesta ST brings the heat to the B-segment

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

For hot hatch buyers who might find the Focus ST a little out of their price range, the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST should be a perfect fit. The new Fiesta ST drops a peppy EcoBoost engine under the hood and gets the usual styling upgrades expected from an ST-badged car.

Available only as a hatchback with a six-speed manual gearbox, the 2014 Fiesta ST gets the 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder that Ford has initially rated at 197 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. The car also gets an electronic Torque Vectoring Control and a driver-selectable, three-mode stability control system to go with specially tuned steering and a stiffened, lowered suspension. Ford also expects its sporty subcompact to be pretty good on gas, too, with a highway fuel economy rating of up to 34 mpg. Ford has not stated any performance expectations for the car, which is aimed at cars like the Mini Cooper S.

For its styling, Ford gave the Fiesta ST an aggressive look with a new front fascia and lower chin spoiler, a rear fascia diffuser, dual exhaust outlets and exclusive 17-inch wheels. Like the Focus ST, this Fiesta ST will be available with a Molten Orange exterior paint color.

Scroll down for more information on the Fiesta ST.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Fiesta ST brings the heat to the B-segment

2014 Ford Fiesta ST brings the heat to the B-segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford expanding Fiesta line with high-po ST, frugal 1.0L EcoBoost

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

The 2014 Ford Fiesta is getting an updated look inside and out, but the big news is what the car will be getting under the hood. Though neither is a surprise, Ford confirmed today that the Fiesta will be adding two new EcoBoost engines: Ford's first-ever three-cylinder engine focusing on efficiency and a 1.6-liter turbo-four in the Fiesta ST bringing improved performance.

We've already had a taste of the turbocharged 1.0-liter EcoBoost during a Quick Spin in Ford Focus earlier this year, but Ford promises that this engine in the Fiesta will bring impressive fuel economy and refinement to the subcompact segment. Using a cast-iron block that's both small enough and light enough to carry onto an airplane, the latest EcoBoost mill was designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels with features like an offset crankshaft and external balancing. Final numbers haven't been announced yet, but Ford is projecting output of 123 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque to go with a fuel economy rating expected to top 40 miles per gallon.

Much as we loved Focus ST in our recent hot hatch comparison, the smaller Fiesta ST seen here should deliver even more pint-sized driving pleasure. Like the Focus, the ST will only be available on the hatchback model, and it will get an instantly recognizable appearance that includes a sportier front fascia with a lower chin spoiler, an equally aggressive rear-end styling with a diffuser and duel exhaust outlets, exclusive 17-inch wheels and an available Molten Orange exterior paint color. For optimal handling, the ST's steering and suspension systems have been upgraded, an electronic Torque Vectoring Control has been added and a three-mode stability control system lets drivers choose how much the car interjects during spirited driving. Initial figures for the Fiesta ST tout output of 197 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque, as well as a highway fuel economy rating of up to 34 mpg.

Scroll down to check out the four press releases for the 2014 Fiesta.

Continue reading Ford expanding Fiesta line with high-po ST, frugal 1.0L EcoBoost

Ford expanding Fiesta line with high-po ST, frugal 1.0L EcoBoost originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Ford Fiesta ST to pack 180-horsepower single-turbo engine

Chris Paukert — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford

Ford's Fiesta launched into the US market with a splash thanks to a very well-orchestrated pre-launch PR campaign, but sales haven't proven all that robust over time, with Ford selling just 47,474 examples through October of this year (down 22.6 percent versus 2011).

Ford will be looking to reignite some of that early excitement with a new performance model, the 2014 Fiesta ST, and thanks to some leaked specs made available to Autoblog, we now have a very complete picture of what the tiny terror will look like.

Powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four wearing a single turbocharger, our source says the ST will deliver 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, with a temporary overboost mode to extend peak twist. Both figures represent very healthy increases over the standard Fiesta's 1.6-liter Duratec engine, which chips in 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque. Like its Focus ST big brother, the new model will feature a so-called "Sound Symposer" to deliver a proper enthusiast's soundtrack. Shifting duties will fall to a six-speed manual, and the front-wheel drive five-door will also feature torque-vectoring technology and a three-mode stability control system for more entertaining handling antics.

The Fiesta ST will ride on a uniquely tuned and lowered sport suspension paired with 17-inch alloys (an inch larger than those available on the lesser Fiestas) wrapped in 205/40R17 Bridgestone Potenza rubber, and braking will be augmented by four-wheel discs with high-performance pads instead of the disc/drum combination on lower models.

Aesthetically, the Fiesta ST will receive a full performance rework, with a gaping trapezoidal grill with a mesh honeycomb insert that's a close kin to that of the Focus ST, along with a body kit said to mirror Ford's World Rally Championship racer (interestingly, Ford has already announced it will exit the series after 2012). Other additions include a rear spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips and blacked-out headlamp surrounds.

When the hot hatch launches sometime in 2013, it will arrive in the buyer's choice of seven colors: Green Envy Metallic, Molten Orange Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Performance Blue, Race Red or Tuxedo Black Metallic.

Given that Ford debuted the Fiesta ST in concept form at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, we'd be surprised if the production model didn't surface in the City of Angels later this month. No word yet on pricing or availability, but logic suggests it will need to come in well under the reasonably priced Focus ST, which starts at $23,700.

2014 Ford Fiesta ST to pack 180-horsepower single-turbo engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta ST caught testing in Colorado, U.S. model in the offing?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

Ford is running the high-elevation numbers on its five-door, six-speed manual Fiesta ST in the mountains of Colorado. We're going to hope this means that all our finger-crossing has served its purpose, and the hot hatch is finally headed for U.S. showrooms. Remember, the five-door concept was teased at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year before the Euro-market three-door was unveiled in Geneva, but all Ford would say recently was no decision had been made on a version for us.

The Fiesta ST in Europe gets 177 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of twist from its 1.6-liter EcoBoost four. Just because it's testing on Loveland Pass doesn't mean it will go on sale in the States, but nevertheless, we're going to go the optimistic route and assume that the amount of smoke still swirling around the tuned Fiesta over the past year has got to lead to fire. That and this gallery of spy shots will get us by until the next smoke signals are raised, probably very soon.

Ford Fiesta ST caught testing in Colorado, U.S. model in the offing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta ST gets U.S. go ahead?

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford

Ford certainly teased us last year by bringing a five-door Fiesta ST concept to the Los Angeles Auto Show. Shortly thereafter, the production Euro-spec three-door ST was revealed in Geneva, but Ford's lips were still sealed about whether or not the pint-sized hot hatch would make its way to the United States.

Speaking to AutoGuide recently at an event in California, Ford Marketing Manager Steve Ling stated that "the Fiesta is the next to get the [ST] treatment." That said, when Motor Trend reached out to Ford for comment, a representative from the automaker simply stated that a decision had not yet been made for other markets, including North America.

In Europe, the Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, good for 177 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Assuming the car is green-lit for U.S. consumption, we don't expect those numbers to change. All we can say for now is, cross your fingers.

Ford Fiesta ST gets U.S. go ahead? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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