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.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start

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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Ken Block does his thing with the Ford Fiesta ST

Zach Bowman — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:01:00 EST

Ken Block recently headed to Budapest to take some fans on a ride around an ice rink in the Ford Fiesta ST. Shockingly, there were cameras on hand to capture the whole event. Don't expect to see the caliber of antics we're usually accustomed to from everyone's favorite stunt driver, though - Block was left to wield a bone-stock Fiesta ST on a slushy cone course, which means the clip is about as entertaining as watching your average autocrosser sprint around a parking lot. Still, we won't turn down any chance to watch someone beat on the Fiesta ST.

With 180 horsepower shoved into a tiny three-door, the car is every shade of hilarious. Our own Steven J. Ewing recently got his hands on the hot hatch in its native environment, and you can head here to refresh your memory on that particular experience. Be sure to check out Block's best effort in the video below.

Continue reading Ken Block does his thing with the Ford Fiesta ST

Ken Block does his thing with the Ford Fiesta ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:01:00 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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Autoblog Podcast #310

Dan Roth — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Technology, Buick, Ford, GM, Kia, Nissan

Buick GN and GNX, Ford Fiesta ST and Ecoboost 1.0, GM looks for economy from new tire tech, PopSci Best of What's new 2012

Episode #310 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the rumored return of the Buick Grand National and GNX, Ford adding the ST and Ecoboost 1.0 to the Fiesta lineup, General Motors looking to tire tech to improve fuel economy, and Popular Science digging cars as the Best of What's new for 2012. Zach and Dan also took some time to chat with Matt Edmonds of TireRack.com about holiday gift ideas for us gearheads. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #310:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Ford Escape SE Ecoboost
2013 Kia Sorento
2013 Nissan Murano

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:39:35

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Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #310

Autoblog Podcast #310 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #310 LIVE!

Dan Roth — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Buick, Ford, GM, Rumormill

We record Autoblog Podcast #310 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #310

[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Can't see the EventBox? Click Here.Voices Heard Media

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #310 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford reveals production Fiesta ST

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

This is the production version of the Ford Fiesta ST, and except for the fact that it's missing a couple of doors, it looks just like the Fiesta ST Concept we saw at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. Of course, the two-door version is cooler, which should be all the clue you need that we won't be getting it in America. Ford is, however, "open to the idea" of bringing it here.

The specs match the concept: 1.6-litre EcoBoost with 177 horsepower and a top speed beyond 125 miles per hour, along with torque vectoring, three ESP stages and Ford' MyKey - all of which should make it a fabulously good time when it goes on sale in Europe in 2013.

A "pre-production" example will get a showing at the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow, and we'll have a fuller report on it then, but there's a press release below with more details. Perhaps between the show and 2013, Ford can be convinced to ship it this way when it decides to "say more about our plans for other markets."

Continue reading Ford reveals production Fiesta ST

Ford reveals production Fiesta ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost to net 177 hp?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST

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

Ford will begin rolling out its 1.0-liter, three-cylinder Ecoboost engine this year in overseas models like the UK-spec Ford Focus and C-Max. Replacing the naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder, the little Ecoboost lump translates its minimal displacement into versions with 99 horses and 118 horses, and up to 125 pound-feet of torque. A report in Autocar suggests Ford can do even better, speculating that The Blue Oval is currently testing a unit outputting 177 hp.

The supplemental power would come from another turbocharger in a production guise, but for testing purposes comes from a supercharger feeding a turbo taken from Ford's 1.6-liter, four-cylinder Ecoboost. A hi-po option would be slated some kind of "performance version of the Focus positioned some distance below the forthcoming 247bhp Focus ST."

Or, if Ford could really get that output to work for production the engine could be an option for the Fiesta ST. Shown off last year, the hotted-up Fiesta was paired with a 180-hp, 177-lb-ft version of the 1.6-liter Ecoboost. Granted, this is all hypothetical, but even with the loss of a noticeable chunk of torque the idea might have its merits.

Ford's tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost to net 177 hp? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta ST Concept is a five-door street tough

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:58:00 EST

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

If you're wondering about the future of Ford powertrains, the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and the 2013 Ford Escape should provide all the clues you need. The entry-level crossover features a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder engines and exactly zero V6 options.

The smallest EcoBoost displaces only 1.6 liters, and promises terrific fuel economy and performance. That engine is the thriftiest engine in the Escape, but what if it were to reside under the hood of something much smaller? That's where the Fiesta ST Concept comes into play. The performance-oriented Fiesta is on display at the Ford exhibit in LA, and though it's a showcar for now, this B-segment hatch looks production ready.

Ford claims that in this application, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost delivers 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque - a whopping 60 more ponies than the naturally aspirated 1.6 featured in the garden-variety production Fiesta. Given that the base Fiesta is only 2,600 pounds, we're guessing 180 horsepower is more than enough punch to turn the Fiesta into one heck of a fun ride.

The Fiesta ST concept certainly looks the part of a high-performance hatch, with a gaping, aggressive black mesh grille, attractive body-colored moldings and chunky five-spoke 17-inch wheels. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release, and feel free to click on the gallery above for our high-resolution photos.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST Concept is a five-door street tough

Ford Fiesta ST Concept is a five-door street tough originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Fiesta ST ready to back up its big brother

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Fiesta ST - Click above for high-res image gallery

We can't find much fault with the 2011 Ford Fiesta, but if there's one major gripe, it's a lack of power (well, and paddle shifters for the dual-clutch gearbox). However, it looks like that lone complaint may be addressed with the introduction of the Fiesta ST, the smaller sibling to the recently revealed Focus ST.

Similar to the mule caught in Detroit earlier this year, the three-door Fiesta is back with a massive front-mount intercooler, revised body work, new wheels and a high-performance exhaust, along with some racy Recaros that probably won't make the trek from prototype to production.

While it's doubtful Ford would port over the Focus ST's 247 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost mill, the 180-hp turbo'd 1.6-liter or rumored EcoBoost 1.4 are definitely in the cards. With the Focus ST finally having a shot in the States, the globally-certified Fiesta ST might come along for the ride. And maybe a set of paddle shifters will be included in the package.

Gallery: Spy Shots 2012: Ford Fiesta ST

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Fiesta ST ready to back up its big brother originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford Fiesta ST gets the nod... but will we?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

The fine folk at Auto Express are reporting that the powerful Ford Fiesta ST has gotten the official go ahead from the suits in Europe. If all of the whispers making their way around the internet right now are true, our cousins across the pond will be getting a crack at a 180-horsepower version of the Blue Oval's tiny hatch very soon.

All of that pep should come courtesy of a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, and should help the Fiesta get to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Odds are the forced induction engine will be coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or the company's new dual-clutch gear box.

But does that mean we'll get to enjoy the same kind of fun in our neck of the woods? It's hard to say, but since Ford is openly embracing a new global philosophy, a Fiesta ST for America isn't completely out the question. Consider our fingers crossed.

[Source: Auto Express]

Report: Ford Fiesta ST gets the nod... but will we? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next Ford Fiesta ST shelved

Dan Roth — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Ford, UK

Ford is saying that the time is no longer ideal to introduce the hot rod Fiesta ST, but we beg to differ. When is it ever the wrong time to bring the performance guns to market? The sales might not actually support our enthusiasm for the car, as automotive markets are sagging globally, and so the official decision has been made to put the Fiesta ST on the shelf for now. All may not be lost, however. Later on in this Fiesta's lifecycle, Ford might pull the zoomy ST back into the light of day as a way to keep interest in the model going. No matter what happens, Ford's saying that the Fiesta ST will be going away until 2012, at least.

[Source: Autocar, Photo: whatcar]

REPORT: Next Ford Fiesta ST shelved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford UK announces limited edition Fiesta ST500

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Ford, UK

Click above for high-res gallery of the limited edition Ford Fiesta ST500

Finishing off a successful (and fun) run of current-gen Fiesta ST models, Ford just introduced a special limited edition version of its little hot hatch. Painted in Panther black with silver stripes to emulate the company's Escort RS2000 race livery, the new Fiesta ST500 will be limited to just 500 units, hence the "500" in the name. Besides the black paint and silver stripes, this special Fiesta gets black alloys hiding red calipers and an MSRP of £15,000 in the UK, the only market in which it will be available.

Still powered by the same 150-horsepower 2.0L four-banger, the ST500 also features the suspension and steering tweaks that make this car such a blast on B roads. Presumably the Roush/Mountune engine upgrades will also fit here, allowing 165- and 185-horsepower options for those who find the stock 150 unsatisfactory. Those poking their heads inside will also spot a new Sony audio system, as well as ebony leather heated seats and faux fiber trim. Looks good, and not a bad way to finish off a successful run, but we're honestly more interested in a possible SVT version of the new Fiesta that we will be seeing Stateside soon.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta ST500

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford UK announces limited edition Fiesta ST500

Ford UK announces limited edition Fiesta ST500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Ford Fiesta RS

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Although the outgoing Ford Fiesta ST had its loyal fan base, its bland styling never did it any favors. So while we wait for the Blue Oval to decide on what Fiesta body-style should make it to American shores, the real litmus test over on the British Isles will be what sort of performance derivatives the dynamically-styled new Fiesta will spawn.

One of the principal rivals to any new hot-hatch Fiesta will be the Abarth variants of the Fiat Grande Punto. And like the two-stage Abarth models, the Fiesta is expected to follow Ford's double-barrel formula for a warm ST and, if the fantasies of Ford performance fans are fulfilled, a Fiesta RS as well. The Fiesta ST is anticipated to use a 1.6-liter turbo, which could get an upgrade to 200hp for the Fiesta RS. Add to that an aggressive aero kit, bulging wheel arches, a stripped-out cabin with racing buckets, tightened suspension, beefed-up rolling stock and potentially a dual-clutch transmission and Ford could have a real barn-burner in the Fiesta RS. If projections are accurate, the Fiesta ST should bow next year and the RS a year after that. Whether Ford deems us worthy of seeing them Stateside, however, remains to be seen.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Fiesta RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Ford Fiesta/Verve ST

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Ford's fully redesigned Fiesta won't be making its official unveiling until the Geneva Motor Show in March, but it's already working on the hotted-up ST variant and AutoExpress has some exclusive information and a rendering of Ford's performance-bred super-mini.

Aside from the highly-stylized exterior that will carry over from the production model, the ST will come equipped with a new front fascia sporting larger air intakes, a spoiler perched over the rear window and a set of upgraded wheels. Power is expected to come from one of the new range of turbocharged, direct-injected EcoBoost engines set to be revealed in Detroit, although the Fiesta ST will have to make do with a 1.6-liter four producing between 180 and 190 hp. A seven-second 0-60 time should square the ST up with it's competitors, the Corsa VXR and Abarth Grande Punto.

The chassis will be retrofitted to make things stick as well as the outgoing model and Ford plans to offer plenty of upgrades through its partnership with Mountune racing.

The new Fiesta will hit dealers abroad in the Fall, with the ST following sometime in 2009. Whether or not Ford will bring the ST to the States when the Fiesta makes the trek across the Atlantic remains to be seen.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Fiesta/Verve ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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