Ford updates Fiesta ST for 2022, here Q1

FORD has announced a mid-life update for its pint-sized Fiesta ST hot hatch, delivering a new look, more refined interior, extra torque and updated technologies when it arrives in local showrooms in the first quarter of next year.

Starting from the front, the Fiesta’s nose has been raised to make it look more purposeful and aggressive with the grille openings being widened to match.

The once bonnet-mounted ‘Ford’ badge has been moved to within the main grille, flanked on either side by new Matrix LED headlights which are complemented at the rear by the restyled tail-lights.

Similar touches have been made within the cabin where occupants will be greeted by new ‘Performance’ seats with more aggressive bolstering and integrated headrests, while drivers also score 14-way adjustment.

Red contrast stitching, ‘Sensico’ upholstery and imitation carbon-fibre trim enhance the sporty vibe further, as does the D-shaped steering wheel.

In terms of cabin technology, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will be included as standard with various readouts and displays to match the selected drive mode.

Things have been stepped up under the bonnet too with the familiar turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine being tuned to now produce an extra 30Nm, taking total outputs to 147kW/320Nm.

As before, drive will be sent exclusively to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and mechanical limited-slip differential.

Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic said the new Fiesta ST takes things to “another level” in being a “small car with real personality”.

“It’s the car for people who love to drive, and who enjoy a hot hatch with expressive styling,” he said. 

“Our latest Fiesta ST takes this to another level, and adds even more of the technology that we know our Australian customers love.”

Standard safety features on the new model will comprise blind spot information system with cross traffic alert and active braking, lane-keeping aid, pre-collision assist with active braking and a reversing camera.

The timing of the updated model could hardly have been better by Ford given Hyundai is about to launch its hyped-up i20 N which beats the Fiesta on power – 150kW vs 147kW – but falls short on torque – 275Nm vs 320Nm – even with its overboost function which can deliver up to 304Nm, albeit temporarily.

Ford Australia has sold 313 Fiesta STs so far this year, which considering it’s the only Fiesta offered in our market, has accounted for just 1.0 per cent of all sub-$25,000 light car sales so far this year.