Add a new chapter to the Book of EcoBoost with the unveiling of a new-generation Ford Fiesta ST powered by an all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three. The European ST, which will make its public debut at the Geneva auto show in March, has the same output rating as the EcoBoost turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that powered its predecessor, and it now features different drive modes to tailor the car’s demeanor to the driver’s desires.
After experimenting with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, Ford is bringing three-cylinder action to the Ford Performance party. The all-aluminum powertrain claims to produce 197 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the only offering, the company claims the new ST can clock zero to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. The new EcoBoost engine uses both port and direct fuel injection, intake and exhaust valve timing, and cylinder deactivation, an unusual feature for such a small engine. A single cylinder will shut off in 14 milliseconds during coasting, cruising, or at any other time when significant load is not demanded. The three-cylinder also has an exhaust manifold integrated with its cylinder head and a new turbocharger with a tweaked turbine designed to generate boost more quickly. Even in performance models, Ford is going all-in on efficiency and lowering emissions (well, trying to, at least).
The other major new feature to come to the Fiesta ST is the drive-mode selector. Drivers will have the choice among Normal, Sport, and Track modes, each of which alters the engine mapping, traction control, electronic stability control, exhaust sound, interior sound, and power steering. Normal mode is set to feel like natural driving conditions, Sport opens up the exhaust and tightens everything up for quicker response with more feedback, and Track mode disables traction control and allows more slip from the stability control. The ST also has a brake-based torque vectoring system.
Unlike in the United States, where a four-door is the only option, Europe has the choice between two-door and four-door models. Ford says the next-gen ST “will offer more personalization than ever before,” including trim choices for the gear lever, flat-bottom steering wheel, door pulls, and dash. Further elevations to the sport version of Ford’s compact include Recaro seats, a new mesh grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, Sync 3 infotainment, an optional B&O Play sound system, and, for the first time, the Liquid Blue paint developed for the Ford GT will be an option.
After its debut in Switzerland, the Euro ST will officially launch in early 2018, but Ford declined comment on its plans with respect to offering the car in North America.
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