Ford's Fiesta ST. Image: Ford Motor Company
We’ll hit you with the bad news up front: the Fiesta ST, debuting in “production ready” form at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, won’t be coming to the United States anytime soon. Blame it on a car-buying public that avoids small hatchbacks, or blame it on a weak dollar and strong Euro, but no matter what the reason, the Fiesta ST won’t be in a U.S. Ford dealer’s showroom in the foreseeable future.
Ford's Fiesta ST. Image: Ford Motor Company
We think that’s a shame, partly because we have a thing for hot hatchbacks, but also because the Fiesta ST could easily step in to fill the role of “best bang for the performance buck” vacated by the current Honda Civic Si. Even in stock form, the Fiesta ST is rated at 177 horsepower and comes with a torque-vectoring differential, which can propel the Fiesta ST from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than seven seconds, on its way to a top speed of 137 mph.
Ford's Fiesta ST. Image: Ford Motor Company
The Fiesta ST even comes with three electronic stability control modes, since Ford (correctly) assumes that buyers will use the car for track days and autocross competition. Buyers get Recaro sport seats, too, which appear to blend fabric and leather for maximum grip and comfort.
Ford's Fiesta ST. Image: Ford Motor Company
Ford's Fiesta ST. Image: Ford Motor Company
Never say never, though, since Ford “remains open to the idea of introducing the high-performance small car to other regions, including North America.” While European customers will be buying Fiesta STs in early 2013, those of us on this side of the pond will need to wait a bit longer. Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles, promises that the automaker will “have more to say about our plans for other markets in the near future.”
Ford's Fiesta ST. Image: Ford Motor Company
We hope the Fiesta ST is a go, but then again we also though the Focus ST would be on the market by now. Let’s hope that Ford delivers good news on both fronts in the very near future.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
