CAR

New Ford Fiesta ST, the road test of the 'tremendous' 200 bhp fireball

The Ford Fiesta is one of the best-selling models in the history of the 'Blue Oval' manufacturer, but for a few years now it has also been going sporty, with the 'ST' version. 

The latest generation has undergone a slight restyling over the past few years, with some minor updates in the appearance and technology inside the cabin. 

The aim was to make it more modern, but without making it lose those features that the public liked, and which are in search of a little more emotion behind the wheel.

It is the cabin, however, that has undergone the most important updates, especially in terms of technology. In fact, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also arrives on the Fiesta ST, with the possibility of customising the screen with numerous driving-related information.

Photo by Riccardo Mantica
The last Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta is one of the best-selling models in the history of the 'Blue Oval' manufacturer, but for a few years now it has also gone sporty, with the ST version. The latest generation (and also the latest in its long history) has undergone a slight restyling over the past few years, with a few minor updates in the appearance and technology inside the cabin. With the aim of making it more modern, without however making it lose those features that the public liked, and which are in search of a little more emotion behind the wheel.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Design
Let's take a look at the aesthetics of this restyling. The main update to the exterior of the restyled Ford Fiesta ST is at the front, where we find a more aggressive look, with the double honeycomb grille and large side air intakes, with the arrival of adaptive Matrix LED headlights. Moving on to the side of the car, there are the standard 18" alloy wheels, with body-coloured skirts, as well as, at the rear, the spoiler and the double chrome exhaust tailpipe.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Dimensions
In terms of dimensions, there are no big changes. The car is 4.22 metres long, 1.81 metres wide and 1.53 metres high, with good rear roominess, despite the sloping roof. However, accessibility is not top notch, given smaller rear doors, making access somewhat difficult. As for the boot, however, capacity ranges from 303 to 984 litres, losing some volume compared to the previous generation.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Interior and technology
It is the cockpit, however, that has undergone the most important updates, especially when it comes to technology. In fact, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also arrives on the Fiesta ST, with the possibility of customising the screen with numerous driving-related information. The central screen for the infotainment system remains the 8-inch one, however, with Sync 3 system, with all the main functionalities, including compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are two USB sockets, as well as wireless charging for smartphones.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Performance seats
Also worth mentioning are the automatic climate control and the B&O sound system. New Performance seats have also arrived, with contrasting red stitching and 'Sensico' trim, to provide greater comfort during sporty driving and indeed, you ride comfortably, even when you want to have some fun behind the wheel. Speaking of the steering wheel. The latter features carbon-look inserts and a flat bottom, with the classic ST logo. In terms of materials, some competitors do better, given a few too many plastics in the cabin, although the ambience is still pleasant.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Road test
So let's get behind the wheel of the Ford Fiesta ST 2022. This version is available exclusively with the 1.5 EcoBoost engine with 200 hp and 320 Nm of maximum torque, the latter increased by 30 Nm with the 2022 model year. A powertrain derived from the Ford Puma ST, which allows even greater and more immediate acceleration, thanks to high torque available from low revs, while also allowing less use of the gearbox when recovering. And it also guarantees a more appealing sound, especially in sportier modes, albeit artificially amplified.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Sporty and comfortable driving
Cornering remains precise and pleasant, with little roll, thanks to a direct power-assisted steering, providing truly enjoyable driving sensations, particularly when tackling mixed stretches. Even with a somewhat reduced turning radius. The behaviour of the ST sports suspension is good, even if the unevenness of the terrain does make itself felt a bit, especially in the city. But then again, the set-up is stiffer to favour a sportier driving style.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Precise and quick gearbox
Also noteworthy is the behaviour of the six-speed manual gearbox, also the only one available for the ST version, with quick shifts. In short, this is a really fun car to drive.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
There is 360-degree support
For manoeuvring, on the other hand, both the parking sensors and the 180 degree rear view camera come to our aid, also helping to reduce the difficulties associated with a somewhat sacrificed rear visibility.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Security
The ADAS package available on the Ford Fiesta ST is complete, providing Level 2 driver assistance. Systems include lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, blind spot and driver fatigue monitoring, as well as automatic emergency braking. The restyling also adds the Wrong Way Alert, which warns the driver if he or she is driving in the wrong direction. In such a rich package, one regrets the absence of adaptive cruise control (the 'classic' one is present), which is very useful on journeys.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
Recorded consumption
We close with a check on the fuel consumption of the tested car. Ford for the Fiesta ST u declared a consumption of between 6.7 and 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres. We in the 'normal' driving mode on the motorway were even better. We recorded a consumption of 15.3 kilometres per litre. This means 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
"Sports" mode
Still on the motorway, but in 'sport' mode, we went up to a consumption of 12.1 km per litre (as pictured). This means a consumption of 8.3 litres per 100 km. Clearly in the city these consumptions increase. Particularly in 'sport' mode, where consumption reaches 10 litres per 100 km.
Photo by Riccardo Mantica
How much does it cost?
The Ford Fiesta ST 2022 is available, as we said, exclusively with the 200 hp 1.5 EcoBoost engine, with a six-speed manual gearbox, and has a price list of 33,700 euro.
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