Things are about to get rather heated in the hot hatch game, with Ford having just unleashed its long-awaited Fiesta ST. It hits local streets with a rather tempting price tag of R254 500, which undercuts its rivals.
The heart of the new Fiesta ST is a direct injection Ecoboost turbopetrol engine, but it's a far cry from the three-cylinder thumper found in the normal fiesta range.
The 1.6-litre lump in the ST dishes out 134kW at 5700rpm and 240Nm from 1600rpm and it's mated to a six-speed manual shifter. According to Ford's sea-level claims, it'll sprint to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 220km/h.
It's also said to be 20 percent more efficient than its predecessor, with a combined figure of 5.9 l/100km, although we are talking claimed rather than real-world figures here.
A REAL SCREAMER
No fret, it's how it screeches forth in the real world that really counts here, and we're pleased to inform you that it is a real screamer.
Our Star Motoring colleague Denis Droppa got to play with the little ST at its media launch at the Red Star raceway near Witbank (eMalahleni) earlier this week, and found it to be a suitably adrenaline-charged experience.
“Small and nippy cars with a dash of extra power can be just as much fun to drive as sports sedans with a gazillion kilowatts (sometimes even more so).
“The direct-injection turbo engine feels perky and revs freely, but its best feature is its midrange muscle and the way it rapidly builds pace from low rpm - this is the twin-independent Variable Cam Timing at play,” Denis enthused.
Denis added that it has an enticing soundtrack: “From outside the car sounds like a sewing machine, but from the cockpit (which is the important part) the little four-cylinder mill sings a charismatically rorty song.
Ford's Team RS worked their magic on more than just the engine, however, with the suspension, steering and brakes all having been specially adapted by the performance division.
LOVES THE TWISTIES
To that end, the ST gains a specially modified steering knuckle, modified rear torsion beam and sportier spring and shock settings that lower the vehicle by 15mm. It's also the first Fiesta to boast rear disc brakes.
In addition, they've thrown in an enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system that reduces understeer without brushing off speed, by applying some braking force to the inside front wheel when deemed necessary.
And boy does it work its magic on the race track as Denis explains: “It's a very forgiving car in quick direction changes with minimal understeer, which allows you to boot the throttle early out of tight corners.
“Overall a very driver-pleasing experience, and the work done by Ford in refining the ST's chassis around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife is evident.”
Ford's also installed a stability control nanny but enthusiastic drivers (who else would buy an ST?) need not fret as the three-mode system does have a wide-slip mode with limited intervention and can be switched off altogether.
HANDLES PUNISHMENT
Denis enthused that the ST “reacts well to aggressive manhandling around a racetrack, with a slick and positive six-hooker that allows you to bang through gears without missing your slot.
“The steering's nice and direct and the brakes very effective, and notably the pedal didn't go soft after repeated hard laps thanks to special fade-resistant pads.”
But how does it handle the everyday grind?
“On normal roads the suspension's taut without being overly firm, making the Fiesta ST a fairly practical day-to-day ride, although poorly-maintained tar does cause some less-than-comfortable judder,” Denis added.
The ST's Recaro sports seats will keep you firmly planted too and entertainment and convenience is ensured by Ford's Sync system that hooks up to digital media players and Bluetooth enabled smart phones. It's also accessible via steering control inputs or voice command.
As the pictures illustrate, this furious Ford is also set apart by a bold ST exterior body kit and bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels. Ford is offering it in a choice of five striking hues, including Molten Orange, Race Red, Spirit Blue and Frozen White.
Finally, to answer any sensible questions that may arise, the ST has a five-star EuroNCAP rating, is fitted with front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags and comes with a four-year/60 000km service plan - with intervals set at 20 000km.
VERDICT
The Fiesta is one of the more upmarket cars in the hatchback B-segment with its classy cabin and solid feel. As our launchman concludes, the ST adds a shot of adrenaline to the equation, and at a price (R254 500) that can't be ignored.
BUT IT'LL HAVE TO FACE
Alfa Romeo Mito QV (125kW) - R284 990
Citroën DS3 Sport (115kW) - R271 900
Mini Cooper S (135kW) - R295 868
Opel Corsa OPC (141kW) - R284 000
Peugeot 208 GTI (147kW) - R259 000 (July 2013)
VW Polo GTI (132kW) - R283 900